We were lucky to catch up with Samantha Elice recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Samantha, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Honestly, I changed my way of thinking to find my true purpose. I was always aware of my gift from a very young age but did not always know what to do with it. In fact, I can remember asking God at 16 years old, “Why do I have this talent?” I’ve always felt that I was supposed to do something big but could never see the road to my purpose. Feeling lost and discouraged, eventually there was a period in my life when I let my dream go but God has a way of bringing us back to our true purpose even when we decided to leave it. Although, I stopped performing at shows, I never stopped hearing melodies in my head. I was always being reminded of my gift in some way. During quarantine, in 2020, I had time to focus and silence all the day to day noise. I decided to start writing again and joined a Facebook writer’s group. I learned so much about commercial writing and also met another artist who was ready to work. We recorded a song from two different states and released it in December of 2020. That accomplishment sparked something in me and I realized what I had been running away from had always been my peace and purpose. One accomplishment led to the next one and before I knew it I found myself releasing a song every year.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As a soul singer and songwriter, the most exciting thing about my career is finding creative ways to express myself. Writing is most important to me when it comes to creating music. Not limiting myself to a specific genre has not only opened more doors for me but made the writing process so much more exhilarating! Recently, I’ve had the honor of being apart of an Afrobeat project and that sound ignited a brand new sound for me. My newest single titled “Rush” is very much an Afrobeat song but I definitely put my own RnB twist to it. I am currently creating music and excited to let my supporters hear my new sound!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I obtained most of my skills and knowledge from life experiences. The three most important skills that have been most impactful in my journey are stage presence, writing in an impactful way, and being able to accept constructive criticism. My first performances were in church and that prepared me to sing in front of crowds comfortably and also taught me how to sing on key. My stage presence took a rise to the next level when a producer of a show that I was shooting a pilot for gave me tips on how to engage more with an audience. From body movements to eye contact, he prepared me for any crowd.
When I was young, my father, who is also a songwriter, taught me the basic structure of a song. Of course, I would write about childish things like a crush on a boy but as I grew into an adult, life experience allowed me to write from deeper emotions. From catchy melodies and meaningful lyrics, I have been blessed to learn from some of the best in the music business while being in the SoulRight Music Mentorship Program. Constructive criticism is another skill I gained in the program. As an artist, it is easy to be sensitive about your music but I’ve learned in order to grow, you have to have tough skin in this business and be open to improve.
Advice I would tell people who are early in their journey or right on time for the next level in their journey, is be open to change. Nothing stays the same because we are always evolving. Your journey will have some hard times but if you look at it as a lesson and not a challenge, you will be able to have longevity in your career.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes! I’m always looking to collaborate with dope producers. They can send me an email at [email protected]
Contact Info:
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/samanthaeliceMUSIC/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samanthaelicemusic1
Image Credits
Ben Brown Photography Bodied by Bre
