Every person I have shown a Samia song to, whether it’s my boss, my best friend, or someone I’m dating, the question is almost always the same: How is this girl not famous already? Born in Los Angeles to actor parents, Samia moved to New York City when she was 15 and began playing music live at open mics. With strong indie and singer-songwriter influences, Samia holds a special place for her writing in her songs, saying that “there is an exact, perfect word for every sentiment.” And it’s noticeable in her work, whether it’s her acclaimed debut album, The Baby; my personal favorite, Honey; or her latest work, Bloodless, which she’s touring this year.
I was also taking photos for her September 19 show at the Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles, in addition to reviewing it, so I waited in front of the stage for her to come out. In preparation, I’d listened to a few of her songs on the train on the way to the venue — specifically, the first few of the night, since I’d be taking photos during those and wanted to be able to feel some feeling of familiarity while I did so. “Triptych,” “Dare,” and “Fair Game,” were the songs, and I had only listened to Honey up until this point (it was the only album that I, after listening once through, immediately bought on vinyl). I was immediately lost in Samia’s powerful yet soft vocals, that feel as if she’s voicing the thoughts you’re afraid to think. The show was the exact same way, seeing Samia’s vocals somehow sound even more resonant than on the record. “ You can go outside on a hot night and clap / But you won’t get your blood back .”
All that was on the stage were her band, a cooler that had “Samia’s Cooler” written on it, and a camping chair. She utilized the free space by dancing, jumping, and at one point laying on the ground and stomping. It felt the way her songs did: tastefully chosen (like her instrumentals) with the main goal of supporting the most important event, which, in both instances, is her. She played the entirety of Bloodless, with highlights “Craziest Person,” “Lizard,” and “North Poles.” During “Lizard,” a ton of fans screamed along at the line, “ It’s a beautiful party, and it’s not mine to ruin / Don’t do it / Don’t do it .” It’s enough of a staple lyric that you can get it on one of her hats . “North Poles” contains one of my favorite lines ever: “And to find each other like north poles of magnets / When you see yourself in someone, how can you look at them?” Which I believe, strung together, encapsulates her belief of there being a perfect word for every sentiment.
