INTERVIEW: Singer-Songwriter & Beat Maker Samar in Silence

We’re very happy to have some time today with acclaimed singer and songwriter Samar in Silence; greetings and salutations Samar and welcome to Vents Magazine! Before we dive into the Q&A mosh-pit, how is the latter-half of 2024 treating you and yours?

Samar: Thank you so much for having me! The latter half of 2024 has been a transformative journey for me. It’s been a mix of highs and lows, but every moment has been a chance to grow and explore more of myself and my music. I’ve been deep in the creative process, especially with my upcoming album, ‘This Is Not Normal,’ which has taken me on an emotional rollercoaster. It’s a raw and unfiltered reflection of the pain and resilience I’ve experienced, so every day feels like I’m diving deeper into my own story. But despite the challenges, I’m grateful for the journey and excited for what’s to come

Major kudos and accolades on your beautiful and very personal new single Burden! Starting at the top, can you talk about what inspired one of the very best new tunes of ‘24?

Samar: Thank you so much for the kind words! Burden is an incredibly personal piece for me, inspired by a difficult time I went through two years ago involving a close friend. That experience of feeling betrayed and unexpectedly being told I was a burden by someone who was supposed to be a source of safety and care was a turning point for me. It sparked an intense period of creativity, and I channeled all those raw emotions into this song. The pain and heartbreak became the foundation for my upcoming album’s storyline, making “Burden” not just a song but a pivotal moment in my journey as an artist.

Who did the producing honors on the Burden single and what did the collaboration between artist and producer look like while in the studio fashioning and shaping the new tune?

Samar: I took on the producing role for Burden myself, and it was such a fulfilling experience. As with all my music, I was deeply involved in every step of the creative process, from songwriting and composing to the overall production. The only part I didn’t handle personally was the mixing and mastering.

For me, it’s all about authenticity and exploring raw, personal experiences, so my time in the studio was a really intimate and introspective journey. This approach allowed me to channel my emotions fully, and that’s how I ended up with a sound that’s both haunting and healing. Every beat and lyric in Burden reflects my innermost feelings, making it a genuine representation of my story and artistic vision.

In your humble opinion, what differentiates Burden from the Distinguished Competition on the current day music scene?

Samar: In my humble opinion, what sets Burden apart from other tracks in the current music scene is its raw authenticity and emotionally charged storytelling. While many songs today briefly touch on the theme of heartbreak or betrayal, Burden dives super deep into the very core of those feelings, capturing the raw pain and vulnerability of discovering that someone you trusted saw you as a burden all along. To me, it’s not just about telling a story; it’s about pulling listeners into that exact moment of heartbreak, then taking the listener through the journey of confronting and overcoming the harsh reality. My lyrics reflect my genuine experiences, making the song an unapologetic personal expression of pain and the journey of self-discovery embedded in every beat and lyric of “Burden”. That level of vulnerability and honesty is what I believe resonates with my listeners, making “Burden” stand out in an industry that tends to prioritize catchiness over emotional depth.

You also have a captivating new music video out and making the rounds for your recent hit single Jungle; congrats! Did you have as much fun making the music video for Jungle as we did in watching it?

Samar: Thank you so much! I’m really glad you enjoyed it. Making the “Jungle” music video was quite a ride – it had its fun moments, but it was also pretty intense. Since the song is all about the chaos and struggle of overthinking, I wanted the visuals to really bring that feeling to life. There were times when it felt like I was lost in my own jungle while filming, but seeing everything come together made it all worth it. It was definitely a mix of ups and downs, but that’s what made it so real and special.

And I’m super excited to share with you, right here, that I’ll be dropping the music video for Burden in the coming days! I can’t wait for you to check it out, and I hope you’ll connect with the visuals of Burden just as much as you did with Jungle.

Word ‘round industry campfire has it that you have an upcoming album which will be dropping sooner rather than later; major congrats again! Can you give our ever-inquisitive readers a hint or three as to what they can expect and look forward to with the new LP?

Samar: Thank you so much, I really appreciate it! Yes, the upcoming album This Is Not Normal is something I’ve been working on for a while, and it’s honestly a very personal project. It’s all about capturing those raw, unfiltered moments of pain and resilience that we all go through at some point.

You can expect tracks that really dig into the ups and downs of life – the heartbreaks, the doubts, but also the little victories that keep us going. There’s a mix of heavy emotions in there, but it’s balanced with a sense of hope and healing. I wanted to create something that feels real and relatable, like a journey you’ve either been on yourself or can connect to in some way. The lyrics are honest, and the beats are intense, but more than anything, I hope people can find a bit of themselves in this album.

In the wake of the release of the new single Burden and the forthcoming and eagerly-anticipated LP poised to take the music world by storm, can fans look forward to catching you on the touring/performing circuit?

Samar: Thank you so much for the excitement! Honestly, I’d love to get out there and perform these songs live – there’s nothing quite like that energy.  Right now, I’m just taking it one step at a time, but if enough fans want to see it happen, I’m all in!  I’d absolutely love to connect with everyone in person and share this journey together, so we’ll see where things go. Stay tuned!

Who are some of the musicians – past and present – who have inspired your own musical pathway?

Samar: Absolutely! Alongside legends like Amy Winehouse and Lauryn Hill, I’ve also been deeply inspired by artists like FKA twigs, Banks, London Grammar, and Sevdaliza for their unique soundscapes and emotional depth. Billie Eilish, Halsey, and Lorde have also had a huge impact on me with their fearless storytelling and ability to channel raw emotions into their music. I love how they all blend different genres and aren’t afraid to be vulnerable – it’s something I try to bring into my own music as well.

As a singer and songwriter, which generally tends to come to you first during the creative process: The lyrics or the music?

Samar: Honestly, it’s usually the music that comes to me first, and that’s where the real energy kicks in. I’ll take a step back, shut out the noise, and just let myself feel everything. That’s when the beats or melodies start to form, and it’s like this spark of excitement lights up the whole process. Once I’ve got that vibe, the lyrics start flowing, almost like they’re feeding off the energy of the music. But there are also those moments when a powerful phrase or line hits me out of nowhere, and that ends up fueling the entire song. It’s all about riding that wave of inspiration and seeing where the emotions take me.

Any final thoughts you might like to share with fans and readers about your freshly-minted new single Burden?

Samar: Thank you so much for taking the time to listen! Burden is a really personal track for me. I hope that anyone who’s ever felt like they weren’t enough or struggled with feelings of being a burden can find some comfort and strength in this song and know that even in the darkest moments, there’s a way to turn that pain into something powerful.

I’m beyond grateful for all the support so far, and I can’t wait to share more of this journey with you all!

About rj frometa

Head Honcho, Editor in Chief and writer here on VENTS. I don't like walking on the beach, but I love playing the guitar and geeking out about music. I am also a movie maniac and 6 hours sleeper.

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