Samantha James was introduced to United Divas through a very close friend whom she’s known since grade school. One night, we heard this angelic voice playing over the speakers at a friend’s dinner party and asked,
“Who is singing and making this track all warm and fuzzy?”
Someone yells across the room, “that’s Samantha!” Since then, she has toured all over the world performing her albums live for growing audiences on the Om Records label.
Middlepoet caught her for this interview as she’s finishing her upcoming album and still topping the charts with her latest dance single.
How would you describe your music?
Well I would like to think of it as somewhat uplifting and positive lyrically… I always try to take trying experiences that I have had in my life and find the lesson in them… The good in those experiences . For e personally this is a very healing way for me to process all of everything that I have been through in my life thus far… My goal when writing though is somewhat of a self fulfilling prophecy … I am consciously thinking of those that are going to be listening to my music and how my music could potentially make a positive impact on their lives . .
Where is the most memorable place you have performed?
Wow … Thats not exactly an easy question to answer for so many of my performances have been memorable …. But I would have to say that The love that I receive when in the Philippines is quite amazing…. I remember traveling to Manila to do a show about 3 years ago after my father had passed away ….It at that point was probably the largest crowd that I had ever performed in-front of . My friend was the MC and before I walked out onto the stage he said to the audience … May we please give a warm welcome to our guest who’s traveled so far … She has been through allot and needs your welcome ,love and support .I remember standing on the side of the stage crying… I will never forget that show…
How did you get involved with Om Records?
Well I was actually introduced to them by a friend of one of my producers at the time…
How did your environment growing up shape you artistically?
Well my Grandfather David Rose was a composer always writing and playing music since I can remember… I think I saw my first live taping of a full orchestra by the time I was 3… Aside from that both my Mother and Father were die-hard music junkies…. I don’t remember a single moment of my childhood when there wasn’t music playing in the background.
How do you approach the process of making an album?
Well I think that when you have music in your blood it comes naturally… In terms of the actually process of making a record …. well I believe that its all about someone’s perseverance and timing… I myself never gave up. Started writing when I was 17 and signed my first deal after years of non stop working on music… I always had a back up plan… IF it didn’t work out with one producer I already had the next one lined up . Or I guess you could say The Universe always provided me with exactly who I needed and when…
In what ways has your music changed from your first to your second album?
Well I think that in all of our lives we are constantly going though changes and new life experiences… This, being an artist has a direct effect on the music that you write… I obviously have grown since the release of my first record therefore the music has changed as I have…. We are constantly growing. I also experimented with new sounds and styles etc . Music for me is a very organic experience… Once the seed has been planted the flower if properly taken care of will grow.
How did you get started in music?
I was born that way… Literally born into it.
If you could have anything for dinner tonight, what would you have?
Thai Food….. Yum !!!!!!!!!!
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Hopefully in 5 years from now I will be doing something on a much greater scale in terms of helping people… I believe that my music is just a stepping stone for me to help the world in the ways that I in-vision .
If you could collaborate on a song with any musician, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Thats another challenging question… I love so many different types of music and so many artist that I think I would be here all night writing if I were to answer that question… OK well maybe… Stevie Nicks…
What has been the inspiration for your second album?
The learning, growing, blessings, tragedies, relationships, death, life, love, traveling etc………. that I have experienced.
Interviewer: Aaron Middlepoet Jackson | Photographer: Sami Drasin | Banner design: Jan Tompkins
Aaron Middlepoet Jackson is the former Poet Laureate of Jersey City, NJ. He is a two time recipient of grants from the Puffin Foundation and a semi-finalist for a UCLA/Pen Fellowship. He currently lives in New Jersey with his wife and two dogs. 
