Sam Sample releases debut album

Newcomer Sam Sample is a singer-songwriter who’s recently stepped out as a solo artist this year. Unveiling her original sonic vision last month, she released her debut single “What’ve I Got on You” which was quickly followed up by sophomore outing “Rock Song.”

Now she brings us her most ambitious release to date with her brand new debut full-length record titled I’m Moving to the Moon. Featuring ten songs, the album was produced over a two year period by Sam herself between her apartment in New York City and Bear Creek Studio with Ryan Hadlock, who’s known for his work with the likes of The Lumineers, Zach Bryan, Vance Joy and Brandi Carlile.

Cutting across styles from country and folk to alternative rock, she frames themes of hope, joy, despair and isolation through the lens of her earlier life growing up in Georgia to living in the city to deliver a poignant reflection on her own experiences. Commenting on the album, she shares, “My hope is that these feelings resonate with you, that you enjoy the music, and that you too are inspired to pursue the crazy dreams in the back of your mind.”

Opened by her debut single “What’ve I Got on You,” a delicate country scene comes to life with intricate guitar notes and smooth fiddle lines before the soft pulse of percussion enters with Sam’s alluring vocals. Threading moving storytelling lyricism, the arrangement builds with the laid back taps of drums, resulting in a catchy and timeless sound of pop-focused country music.

“31st” Floor” follows with bright banjo plucks and steady rhythm, setting up Sam’s emotive voice to spin compelling melodic leads above. Flowing with the twang of plucked notes and stretch of strings, the shuffle of drums carries an upbeat energy to craft a charming sound. “Western Mass” slows things down with an elegant, stripped back sound of warm acoustic guitar strums and beautiful vocal performance, peppered with airy instrumental textures before the song swells with punchy drums and uptempo energy to cast a subtly anthemic experience.

Other highlights on the album include songs like “Better Things” with its buoyant mix of graceful guitar strums and fluttering string dashes driven by the rustle of drums. Capped by Sam’s stunning vocals as she threads instantly memorable lines carrying picture painting lyrics, it’s a truly delightful jam that’s at once enduring and modern.

Previously released single “Rock Song” sees Sam Sample serve up a charging rock-tinged sound full of lively drums, lightly gritty guitars and spirited vocal leads. Wrapped up in an energetic arrangement and stitched with infectious pop-driven hooks, it’s an epic showcase of her diverse sound and commanding vocal ability. Closing the album with “Moon Man,” dreamy guitar notes dance alongside her hushed voice to craft an enchanting sound of dazzling songwriting filtered through a subdued soundscape where blissful melodies and vocals that balance tenderness with impassioned emotion provide the perfect finale to Sam Sample’s sensational debut record.

Listen to I’m Moving to the Moon below