Samantha LaPorta – Wave

By starrymag | August 9, 2019

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?  

A) I like to mix genres. My favorite is Pop R&B, but also Summer vibes like my new single “WAVE” and “Own The Night,” as well as “Don’t Say Forever” which has Latin influences.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?  

A) What a great era for music influencers, especially those like Lil Nas X who is about to break some records by breaking the mold, with a song that’s shorter in length than most while mixing a Nine Inch Nails inspired beat with a cowboy themed rap. Now that’s amazing. I am inspired by artists who express their creativity like Halsey and singer- songwriters like Julia Michaels and Bruno Mars and many old school artists as well.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Wave.” 

A) So, on the surface “WAVE” is a fun, feel good summer song with a positive message. The lyrics are meant to inspire others to follow their dreams by catching that perfect wave and ride it to the top.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to? 

A) I’m a fan of summer beach movies so as the summer was getting closer, I wanted to create that perfect summer vibe where everyone is having fun at the beach hanging with friends, parties, surfing and bonfires. Fans tell me that’s what they connect with. It’s fun and perfect for a beach or summer party playlists.

 

Q) If there is a video on the way, how will it play into the message behind it? 

A) I was thinking about a regular video when I came across my parents’ old albums and started reading the liner notes. That’s when I decided to do a lyric video and share the beach theme with visual lyrics that connections what inspired fans to share what “Wave” means to them.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics? 

A) I have to feel an emotional connection with a song so that it feels true. Lately I’ve been starting with Beats or a groove and just spitball ideas with the guys, my co-writers Matt Wong and Eddie Gomez. By the end of the day we record the song to capture that vibe or the feeling we’ve created. The next day we tweak it, add layers of ad libs and harmonies and it goes to production.

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

A) After production, which is a week or two later, we listen to the song again and make more changes. This is why my team is so awesome because they are open to edits and trying different ideas, until we all feel it’s just right. Think about when you edit a photo, all the different variations, songs are like that but will a lot more variations to choose from. It’s important for me to be a part of this process because I’m the one singing the song.

 

Q) What can fans expect from a live Samantha LaPorta performance? 

A) Live shows are such a different moment and creative energy than recording and writing. Depending on the size of the venue like an arena or a smaller space where you can actually see who your singing to,  My goal is for fans to feel connected to the music.

 

Q) Will there be a full EP or album coming in the near future? 

A) Would love to do a concept EP depending on where the music I’m working on right now leads me. I do have some ideas for a concept EP that I’m super excited about.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you? 

A) Right now I have two favorites. The Pensacola Bay Center holds over 8, 000 people. When I performed there, seeing it all lit up with cell phone swaying back and forth and hearing the crowd singing along with me, was just amazing.  Another favorite is Vinyl Music Hall. Sometimes I open for other acts, which is fun, but Vinyl also featured me at an anti-bullying event for kids. Singing and playing my guitar for kids at special events and children’s hospitals is a passion of mine.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future? 

A) I have a list, but Mark Ronson is at the top. What a talent. He has produced so many artists whose music I am drawn to and like to cover. I also like how open he is to new ideas and his creative process.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

A) I am loving Tame Impala. The songs invoke emotion. They are very creative with overlapping melodies and interesting use of chords all mixed in with just the right amount of echo.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans? 

A) Social media allows me to hangout with someone on the other side of the world. To hear from fans not only in North America, where my music is played on the radio because of YouTube and streaming my songs are heard around the world. This week outside of the US & Canada most of my listeners are in the UK, Brazil, Germany, Australia and Mexico and Japan are tied for top countries. Fans DM me all the time about music, but also about school and what’s going on where they live.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work? 

A) I am so thankful for everyone who buys, streams and shares my music. I couldn’t do what I’m doing today without those who support me. I still feel funny about calling them fans because I feel like we have become friends that connect on social media and some that I even get to see at shows. It’s all very special. Thank you for being on this journey with me. –  XoXo Samantha