Rising Stars: Meet Samme

Today we’d like to introduce you to Samme.

Samme, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin? 
Born in Northern Virginia, amidst the bustling streets and the hum of diversity, I emerged as the youngest in a pack of five siblings, proudly carrying the flag of Sierra Leonean heritage. Raised primarily by my incredible single mother, who demonstrated daily the kind of strength and independence I aspired to, I found myself navigating childhood with a mix of freedom and responsibility. 

Being the youngest often meant I got away with a bit more mischief, but it also meant my parents were a bit more relaxed in their approach, allowing me the space to explore and be curious. This upbringing made me bold and inquisitive from a young age. 

Creativity was always in my blood. Whether it was singing into a hairbrush or putting on impromptu performances for my family, I was labeled as the creative one from the start. I vividly remember my first taste of the stage at seven years old, belting out a Cheetah Girls song at my school talent show. That rush of adrenaline sealed my fate – I was destined to be a performer. 

Fast forward a few years, and I scraped together enough money from my first job to buy myself a guitar at fifteen. Self-taught and completely enamored, I spent every spare moment strumming away, writing songs and dreaming big. Sure, I sounded pretty rough at first, but I refused to give up. Eventually, I got better, even joining a guitar class in high school that helped me gain confidence performing in front of others. 

After high school, I found myself at a crossroads. The world was my oyster, but I had no idea what I wanted to do with it. Despite pressure to take the traditional route of college, my heart yearned for something different – a life in music. So, with little more than a dream and a thousand bucks to my name, I took a leap of faith and moved to New York City. 

Now, three years later, I find myself knee-deep in the chaos of early adulthood, chasing my dreams while navigating the ups and downs of life in the big city. It hasn’t been easy, but every setback only fuels my determination to make it in the music industry. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My journey has been more like a rollercoaster ride through a thunderstorm. The biggest challenge? Well, that would be battling my own demons – those pesky self-doubts and feelings of inadequacy that plague every artist’s mind. 

You see, it’s not just about hitting the right notes or writing the perfect song. It’s about silencing that nagging voice in your head that whispers, “You’re not good enough.” It’s about resisting the urge to measure your worth against the highlight reels of others on social media. 

Every day is a struggle against the tide of comparison, a battle to stay afloat in a sea of self-doubt. But here’s the thing – I refuse to let those doubts define me. I may stumble, I may falter, but I’ll be damned if I let them drag me down. 

So, I push forward, one chord at a time, one lyric at a time, reminding myself that the only person I need to measure up to is the one staring back at me in the mirror. And hey, if I can conquer my own insecurities, then there’s nothing standing in my way. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a guitarist and singer/songwriter based in the vibrant heart of New York City. Over the past two years, I’ve immersed myself in the local NYC artist community, where I’ve not only performed but also fostered invaluable connections and collaborations that have reshaped the landscape for emerging talents like myself. 

In the past three years, I’ve been honing my craft and refining my sound, ultimately crafting an alternative R&B and indie folk fusion that embodies softness and gentleness. My music is a reflection of my desire to heal and inspire peace in others. 

One of my proudest achievements is a project I’ve poured my heart into over the past few months, set to be released at the end of summer. This EP embodies a diverse array of influences, blending elements of R&B and indie folk. It’s a true representation of who I am as an artist and serves as a powerful introduction to both new listeners and my dedicated audience. 

What sets me apart is my honest and relatable songwriting, coupled with the somber yet sweet melodies of my guitar. I have a knack for infusing a bittersweet twist into happy tunes and a ray of light into melancholic melodies. My unique blend of R&B vocals over indie guitar melodies distinguishes me from others in the indie genre. Additionally, as a dark-skinned Black woman, I bring a much-needed and underrepresented perspective to the indie music space. 

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Absolutely! Networking has become second nature to me – it’s practically woven into the fabric of my daily life. Whether I’m at work or immersed in a creative space, I make a conscious effort to put myself out there and step out of my comfort zone. 

For me, the most successful networking strategies involve attending music events and connecting with musicians I admire through social media. A simple “hello” or a genuine compliment can go a long way. Sending a direct message expressing interest in collaboration has opened countless doors for me. 

Networking isn’t about being fake or overly formal. It’s about being genuine and building authentic connections. You don’t always have to talk about music; sometimes, a conversation about something as simple as their shoes can spark a meaningful connection. Just be yourself, and don’t be afraid to initiate conversations – you’ll be surprised at how receptive people can be to helping and collaborating with you! 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bio.site/SAMME?fbclid=PAAaaS3Qw7Tf-EcwzOpK-JQ2D5IC4rBqRX3pg7oFoyvDxi22GjYNgg26y1kn0_aem_AZP5Zk32CqhBaU3GF2sfj3UOeSBCQ9A4DQhY7zx23oCi6NJspvPzmaL-LajLjeprvXk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Iamsammme/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@IAMSAMMME?si=Ww-uSZbDJ_Yqwip3

Image Credits
Safiyah Chiniere
Bunmi Abari
Dahlia Gabrielle
Retro curry