By Danielle Ilag
*This interview is older and was in our Issue 67 magazine.
Samantha Black is a multitalented DJ/producer, model, and influencer professionally known as Sam Blacky. Originally from San Diego, Sam spent several years in Australia, where she first fell in love with producing music and performing live.
Since moving back to Los Angeles, music and performing have taken a front seat in her life. In addition to her hectic modeling schedule, Sam has performed live across the world from 2017 to 2021, from Mexico to Ibiza to Bali, racking up over 120 gigs a year at some of the premier electronic festivals and clubs on the planet.
With the global pandemic in 2020, Sam released a series of videos on Youtube called “A New World,” where she streamed live sets from some of her favorite places in Mexico giving viewers a taste of vacation vibes even while staying safe at home.
Sam’s direction towards funky yet soothing blends of the finest sounds of house, techno, and tribal music has gained traction in the underground and burner dance culture earning Sam a global following with an international and loyal fanbase. With the launch of Sam Blacky’s label, Stabby Records, and her first releases, 2021 is set to be a breakout year for Sam as she expands her artistic brand.
Honestly, it’s all over the place. You can’t imagine. It was super old school Calvin Harris, Ghost Land Observatory, Surkin, Boys Noize, and Claude Vonstroke.
I’d describe my sound as fun, happy, hyper, and something you can obviously jam to!
I draw inspiration from traveling and my friends. I have so many incredible musician friends it’s unbelievable just being together. Honestly though, the more you can experience different places, things, sounds, and cultures – the more you understand people and music in general.
It can literally take from 4 years to a few days. I have worked on FruityLoops, Protools, and Ableton but the one I prefer is Ableton. I tried Analog a few times and I wish I was more patient and better at it but I’m not lol. I have worked on songs that still sit there to this day which maybe will never come out and sometimes I work on songs for a few days and they’re perfect.
It’s so funny because that was one of the first tracks I actually made with my friend Jorik but it was super, super different than it turned out (there is actually an Instagram video of the original idea months earlier) but the main inspiration for that song was Iglesias.
I’ve been wanting to take the next step in music for years and COVID honestly gave me the time to learn more, dive deep, get a puppy, and focus on everything other than touring.
It was such a mixture. I didn’t want to work. I was hyper, tired, and anxious. It made me more thankful for my life and my career because I realized how unique and special it was.
Honestly, all of them but I love love love the new one coming because it’s in Spanish and the beat is the most tribal (Mexico and their culture is super close to my heart).
I get super duper nervous always no matter if it’s 10 people or 10,000.
I download the newest music I’ve found and put it according to the club or festival as best as I can but 100% of the time I freestyle and read the crowd.
Literal pain from smiling, laughing and dancing.
Honestly, my manager and I decided it was the best idea as a new artist to go freelance so that I could put out whatever I wanted with no restrictions and see what happens from there. My dream is to find amazing artists that are undiscovered and help them create beautiful music and a name for themselves.
Literally, everything has been a challenge, but most importantly is being taken seriously. It has been a lifelong struggle being a female and originating from the modeling industry. What people don’t know about me is that I have a background in marketing and music management but unfortunately, people see you and judge you. It’s been a very long process of word of mouth to get people to understand my sound and my talent.
I’m actually pretty good at touring because I learned early on that it’s not a good idea to party and tour. For example, you will see me have fun with my friends on a vacation but never at a show. I do not mix drinking and partying with heavy touring. I find it impossible on my body and my mind.
Definitely having a Las Vegas residency is the top tier anyone could reach. After that, I think starting my label and finally putting out my own music. Thirdly, it’s just every day I’m lucky enough to travel and play and meet new people across the globe.
I define success if I’m making those around me smile.
I’m most thankful for my friends and family.
I was almost a professional soccer player like hard, hard core. I was recruited by Ivy Leagues and almost pursued it all the way.
My best advice for artists just getting into music production is to learn, learn, learn YouTube.
I’ve always wanted to be a female-empowering badass. I don’t care about the status. I care about the people I touch and most of the time it’s a confidence issue. No matter what, I’m happy as long as I make others happy.
Josh Teed is a multi-instrumentalist and producer who adds multiple instruments to his live sets!…
You must check out Josh Teed!! He is an amazing experimental bass producer and violinist…
Innellea has finally released his debut album, 'The Belonging, ' today! The LP is part…
Is it North Coast Weekend Yet?? North Coast Music Festival 2024 is a 3-day experience…
Electric Forest Festival announced its 2024 lineup, and tickets have started going on sale for…
Sherm is a Chicago-based DJ who has garnered an immense fan base from his industry-leading…