Kat Harlton
Canadian country artist Samara Yung released her new single “In Case You Missed Me” earlier this summer, preluding a new EP set for release later this year. Written by Emma-Lee (Madeline Merlo, Brett Kissel, Tim Hicks, etc.), Samara joined forces with acclaimed producer Danick Dupelle (Tebey, Emerson Drive) to create a sound that is uniquely her own.
We had the opportunity to chat with Samara about the single, the industry, and what she’s learned along the way.
Kat: Can you talk about the inspiration behind your latest single “In Case You Missed Me”?
Samara: I didn’t write this one, so I’m not sure what sparked their initial inspiration during the writing process but when I’m choosing songs for myself and my projects I truly just listen to the song; the lyrics, the melody and the drive and see how it makes me feel. I listen for some sort of emotional reaction and with this song I could feel the regret and longing in the lyrics.
Kat: The single was written by Emma-Lee (Madeline Merlo, Brett Kissel, Tim Hicks, etc.), and produced by Danick Dupelle (Tebey, Emerson Drive). Can you talk about the single process, and the overall sound or direction you were hoping to achieve?
Samara: Honestly, I don’t ever have a particular “sound” in mind when choosing songs. I choose songs that feel right and feel like “me” when I’m listening to them. That could mean anything with a country, pop, rock or retro feel to them and I let Danick take the reins with production. Afterall, he is a master at that! Obviously, we talk about what we want the overall sound to be like for each song but he’s the master of the production. We don’t always know what the single is going to be right off the bat. We like to hold off on that decision until we hear all of the finished productions on the songs, and as the songs come alive, we let the music and finished product dictate the singles.
Kat: In 2019 you were awarded the coveted iHeart Radio Future Star spotlight for May & June with your smash hit “Swerve” marking your first top 30 at Canadian country radio. You’ve also won the SCMA Fan’s Choice Entertainer of the Year, and have performed on a handful of festival stages such as Dauphin’s Countryfest, Extreme Mudfest and the Raymore Summer Slam. What has been a highlight for you? What have you learned along the way?
Samara: It’s hard to pinpoint one highlight as 2019 was a year filled with them. I loved every minute of every show and every emotion on the rollercoaster of twists and turns that came with having my first Top 30 single. It’s been a long road to get here and it was so amazing to finally see some chart numbers. Being an independent artist comes with its own set of challenges, but I feel like we have the best team a girl could ask for. I couldn’t have done any of it without them. I have learned to choose music and songs for me and choose the songs that make me feel something. I feel like that has made a huge difference in my delivery of the songs. I have learned to step a little bit more outside of my comfort zones and to try new things with the love and support of my team. Having a great manager and team who let me be me and who are there to help guide me, has also been a huge help. Always stay true to who you are and only keep the people around who are willing to let you do that.
Kat: Can you talk a little bit about your musical inspirations and role models?
Samara: Some of my musical inspirations are not even famous! I grew up around musicians and their talent and love of music is something I have always admired. My dad, for example, lives for music. Sometimes I think he loves it more than even I do. I only hope my passion for music never fades and stays as vibrant as his forever. My daughter is also a big inspiration for me. She is constantly making up her own songs and is always singing and dancing. Music is obviously so freeing and magical for her and I see her happiness in it too. I hope that my music brings happiness like that to someone else. She inspires me to keep working and to not give up on your dreams and goals. If we are talking famous inspirations and role models that’s got to be Alannah Myles, Pat Benatar, Jo Dee Messina & Martina McBride.
Kat: How are you staying connected to your fans and the industry during Covid-19? What’s next?
Samara: I am trying to stay as positive and connected as I can, to keep everyone in the loop on my socials. As I still have a day job that is an essential service, I still have to go to work every day and it hasn’t stopped. To be completely honest, its actually extremely stressful but music is always there when I need it take some of that stress away. I am hoping to get the album out to you all in the next few months as we want to get that to the fans as soon as we can. Stay tuned for sure!
For more on Samara Yung, visit: https://www.samarayung.ca