Samia’s debut album, titled The Baby, hints at her desire to be taken care of, and while. she has had to face that fear of isolation during the pandemic, it has only strengthened her love of family and her community. These connections are actually what drew Samia to music in the first place.
Her deep family connections are clear from the album’s first track which features Samia’s grandmother’s voice, and. she talks about how growing up listening to Lebanese music in her grandmother’s kitchen influenced some of the songs on her album. Her songs are sonically diverse because Samia is more focused on passion, rather than sounds she likes.
“I am just so interested in people who care about what they say…” Samia said. The through-line for the most part is it just matters people care what they’re saying… I’m so much more focused on the story.”
Samia’s own stories were written in New York. The track “Fit and Full” was written in the trendy East Village, hits on issues and experiences with body image. Rather than focus on her own doubts, she flips the script by adopting the role of a self-possessed person, fully confident in their own body, and this type of creative storytelling is a common theme on the album.
“I’m taking a lot of artistic liberties when I’m telling these stories and embellishing, and it’s all from my perspective,” Samia said. “My goal is to tell my story as truthfully as possible without exploiting anyone else’s.”
These stories can be heard on Samia’s debut album. The Baby is out now, and provides comfort during a time of loneliness, with each song delivering a unique, sonic experience, but also an opportunity to connect with the listener.
Written by Madison McNamee
