I feel like most independent artists can relate to this, especially the ones that refuse the "popular" route of going through big label companies. Self-made songstress and Montreal dancer Samantha "Samiam" Hinds is a self-made artist.
As I listen to the first track 'WHERE IS THE TOP' images of the recording studio flash in my mind. The playful banter over the track begins as she improvises ad-libs of some of her own vocals on the track.
I can almost see the smile on her face as the music moves and inspires her one beat at a time. Then you hear her... "Where is the top?"
This is as appropriate a beginning as any. People who belong to the artistic community constantly face this dichotomy of knowing where the top is. The 'top' can be defined as success. It can also be defined as that point at which you will arrive and can go no further. But listen closely, "inter-galactic funk we so high!"
There is no top. Not the message being sent from this songstress. The galaxy as we know it has no limits, and therefore neither do you as an artist. The beat gets me too. It has this synchronicity of being both very 21st century modern, and sounding like a 1980's funky beat that reminds me of the psychedelic colours of TV shows and music videos at the time.
That's only the first track!
Hinds has a unique and diverse voice, she is her own voice, but I can't help but wonder how much of an influence Lauryn Hill, Aretha Franklin and Patti Labelle had on her style? This Funk flavour mixed with RnB, throwing in a dash of Jazz and Blues. A melting pot of music for all ages. Her music brings me back to Jamaica. My dad would probably play this on his Bose on repeat for a few days over the weekend.
'THE FABRIC', "Why the caged bird sings" pelts through the speakers... You hear her political side coming out. "Picking cotton is the fabric of our lives!" Sends chills down my spine. Her choice of words. The way she enunciates them. Hinds becomes a surgeon dissecting your mind and inserting truth.
The album wraps up nicely with 'SHOW YA LIGHT' Which has that traditional feel with all the vocals, kind of scatting in the background grooving with that baseline. If I was to direct the video, it would be a gritty basement party set in the 1970's afros and bright colours with lovers slow dancing to the new revolution.
Hips swinging left to right.
Mischievous smiles.
All around good times.
"Keep it burning y'all..."
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| Photo by: Mariel Rosenblüth |
For more information and bookings, contact her on facebook.
I hope you appreciated the read.
I appreciate you reading.
Warmest Regards
See you on the other side
--
Kym Dominique-Ferguson
The Jamhaitianadian
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