Nicole Sophia – Samantha (2023)
A cathartic means of exploring the world and expressing your innermost thoughts through a seductive sting of melodic chords – this is music. At least one aspect of music. A collision of uplifting freedom with the clarity of arrangement structure, there is a light and dark side to music; however, its union is what makes it work. Hailing from Santa Barbara, USA, singer-songwriter Nicole Sophia uses this conceptual contradiction to answer the really big existential questions – who we are, what are we, where do we fit in uncertain societies. Known as the “girl with 100 questions”, Sophia found a well of answers in a simple melody.
With a confident stage presence and natural musicality, it is amusing to think Sophia is not from a musical family. Her passion for music oozes out and the result is heartfelt songs with tender meanings. This is my introduction to Nicole Sophia, but she is already garnering a loyal following on an international scale. Powerful performances are turning heads, including a spot at the 2023 Pacific Pride Festival, and critical acclaim from numerous publications, playlists and radio stations. The latest addition to her discography is the single ‘Samantha’.
The third single from Nicole Sophia, ‘Samantha’ follows the well-received ‘Pancakes’ and debut single ‘One Of Those Days’. While her first two tracks have an upbeat tone within the melody, ‘Samantha’ brings a heavier feel to the song. I could compare her to Sara Bareilles with the raw intimacy of her vocals and guitar; however, the potency of Hozier slithers beneath enhancing the haunting, ethereal vibe.
Taken from her upcoming debut EP Reveal Your Heart, ‘Samantha’ captures one of the many intricate facets of Nicole Sophia. Penned during the critical time between adolescence and adulthood, Reveal Your Heart is a journey of difficult situations clarified through music. ‘Samantha’ touches on the complexity of mental health, particularly Sophia’s diagnosis of OCD, and its impact on this journey. It tackles the complexity of living with OCD but heads from a desperate inner conflict to empowering hopeful positivity.
“I was diagnosed with OCD when I was 10 years old after having intrusive thoughts, including telling me to take my own life. I tried various treatments to heal my OCD and none of them worked until I got the advice to name and befriend the OCD voice in my head. I got the name SAM (which stands for Scan Alert Mechanism) …SAM with a little too boyish for me, so I named my OCD Samantha. This song is a love letter to the OCD voice in my head.” – Nicole Sophia on ‘Samantha’
For more from Nicole Sophia, check out her official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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