Meet Samantha Red | Singer-Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Samantha Red and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Samantha, looking back, what do you think was the most difficult decision you’ve had to make?
Leaving my loved ones behind to chase my musical dreams in Los Angeles was one of the hardest choices I’ve ever made. I grew up in a small tight-knit community, a border town called Brownsville, Texas. My whole support sytem is there – my partner, my siblings, my mom and dad. However, all my life I’ve only ever wanted to share my songs with people and I felt deeply that there was more for me out there. As painful as it was to uproot my life, I knew in my heart it was necessary whether something came out of it or not.

LA is the place to be when it comes to the music industry. Three years and 1300 miles later, I’ve met the most incredible artists, producers, and even some of my closest friends. As every independent artist does, I’ve learned to depend on myself through booking my own gigs, styling myself for shows, creating content, and sharpening my singing & songwriting skills.
While the road has been challenging, the lessons I’ve learned and the experiences I’ve gained have shaped me into the artist I am today. I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Writing songs has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I wrote my first song at the age of 8. Music has always been an outlet for the painful moments in my life. It was a way to get away from the rest of the world and heal on my own. As I got older, I began to write about my own mental health, relationships, and the passing of my beloved family members. What sets me apart from others is my empathetic ability to write about people’s experiences. I had always wondered why I was such an emotional person and why I tend to take on others’ feelings, and now I look at it as a superpower that allows me to write beautiful songs. Music is a powerful, healing force. The perfect song can be a warm blanket wrapped around you on a cold, dark day. That is what I want to be for people. I want to help people feel seen, reminding them that they are not alone and that we can all get through this together.

Professionally speaking, I’m still learning, of course! I’ve had lots of gigs in the last year, and I’m feeling more confident with each one. I’ll watch each performance and decide what I should stop doing and other things I need to begin implementing, such as having more conversations with the audience, which can then lead to cultivating our connection, making the performance that much more intimate and cathartic. With every song I write and release, I’ve learned about the importance of re-writing and that it’s okay to fail.

I am constantly reminding myself to have a growth mentality in that I am learning and growing every single day. Nothing happens overnight, and success takes time.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
What I love about LA is the endless possibilities for adventure! On a typical morning, I’d take my friend hiking in one of the city’s many beautiful parks. Malibu has some of the best hikes, especially Encino Falls. After working up an appetite, we’d head to Millie’s Cafe on Sunset for a delicious brunch. Then, we’d explore the shops and try different desserts at The Grove and the Farmer’s Market. Of course, no trip to LA would be complete without a beach day. Point Dume in Malibu is a personal favorite of mine, with its stunning cliffs and crystal-clear waters. For a night out, I’d recommend checking out the vibrant bars in Hollywood & Silverlake. And on Sundays, the Melrose Trading Post is a must-visit for shopping, food, and live music!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Moving to a new state can be isolating, but I was fortunate to have a familiar support system in place. Thankfully, I moved out here with a lot of people I attended the same university as – The University of Texas at Austin. Just like me, they moved out here for their dreams, whether it’s to pursue acting, work in film, or become an agent. We’re pretty much all on the same boat, attempting to ride these waves together.

I also want to give a shoutout to my talented artist friend, Darien Bernard, for teaching me the importance of creativity and building a strong brand and aesthetic. Mika Krstic, thank you for showing me the importance of thinking outside the box and giving me confidence as an artist. Sloane Skylar, thank you for showing me how to promote all things music!

Lastly, I want to thank my partner, my roommate, and my family. As an upcoming singer, I am constantly facing rejection, playing to empty rooms, and sometimes even questioning my abilities as an artist. Through these tough moments, I’ve always had them to pick me back up, reminding me who I am and what I have to offer.

I am grateful for all the wonderful people I have crossed paths with here. They’ve made me who I am today.

Website: https://www.samanthared.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samanthared__/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/samanthared__

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samanthaared

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SamanthaRed

Image Credits
Holy Smoke Photography