Samantha Power grateful and blessed for her opportunities and achievements.

Author-Scott Thieu
Jun 3, 2015
4 min read

Photo By Scott Thieu

Scott: Hi Sam, thanks for taking the time from your busy schedule to answer a few questions for me. So the past couple of years has been a really big for you starting with your performance with Dean Brody, then your 2014 Music Nova Scotia Country Music Recording of the Year nomination, and now being a finalist for the Artist in Residence Program. Those are big accomplishments on their own merit, but to do them all in such a short time is a reflection of your talent. How do you keep focused on what you need to do and not get caught up in the rush?

Samantha: Hey Scott! Thanks so much for chatting with me! This year has definitely been a great one so far I am super happy with what I have accomplished so far and am looking forward to the future and what's in store for me. Playing with Dean Brody last year was definitely an amazing experience not only because I am a fan of his but because I got to perform in front of thousands of Dean Brody fans in my home town! As for being nominated with Music Nova Scotia for "How to be strong" I couldn't have been happier as that song is so close to my heart and very important to not only me, but my family. It was my first ever nomination and I owe that to my beautiful niece Stevie Mayy, who inspired myself and Steve Fox who I co-wrote it with. Of course making the top five for The Casino Artist in Residence program is so exciting. I can't wait to perform at the casino on June 12th!!

Scott: So with the Artist in Residence contest winding down, can you share what your plans are if you get the funding from Casino Nova Scotia?

Samantha: If I am lucky enough to win this funding and great experience I will put that towards the recording of my full length album along with marketing and touring. There is so much it will help with that it's too hard to put my finger on just a few things! It'll help my career and I'll be forever grateful that's for sure!

Scott: For many artists they have the musical knowledge, but what have you learned about the business side of the industry that was surprising to you?

Samantha: The business side of the music industry is a lot like any business side of any industry. It comes down to talent of course, but it's also who you make your connections with and how hard you work for it. My manager takes care of a lot of the business aspect while I focus more on the band side of it. It's all a learning process for me and I'm enjoying every aspect of it!

Scott: "How To Be Strong" was a very inspirational song about your niece, many of us are wondering how she is doing now and if you are able to give us a bit of an update on her?

Samantha: Stevie Mayy is doing amazing!! She is the light of my life and I honestly can't imagine my life let alone my music career without her. She is almost 4 going on 10 haha and is already showing she has a ton of love and passion for music herself so it's exciting to see what the future holds for her too!

Scott: You have been logging a lot miles between Halifax and Nashville, can you describe what it is like to be working in a place with such a strong history of country music?

Samantha: Working and travelling down to Nashville is like nothing else I have ever done. The experience every time I go down really is making me who I am today not only as a singer but as a performer and writer. I have made some strong connections down there and can't wait to continue working alongside these amazingly talented human beings. All I know is "all roads lead to Nashville" so I try my best to get there as often as I can!

Scott: We can assume you're not just relaxing when you are down there, which leads me to my next question. No pressure, but when can we expect your album release?

Samantha: While I'm down In Nashville I write, record and of course venture a little bit as I do see it being a place where I will spend a lot of my time for the rest of my life. Maybe not a permanent move, but I definitely see a move for some period of time soon in the future. On the album note, I hope to have the whole project complete and released by spring 2016. It seems like forever away or forever since it started, but after releasing my EP I realized there's a lot of things I wanna change and do before I release my LP... Possibly co-produce ? ;)

Scott: One final question before I let you go, what do you have planned for the rest of this year and is there anything you would like to say to your fans?

Samantha: This summer and fall we have plans of touring and recording the album along with playing some greats festivals including Cavendish Beach Music Festival this July!! I won't give everything away, but always stayed tuned because in this world you never know what tomorrow has in store for you! And to my fans, follow your dreams, you really have to live for yourself and do what makes you happy at the end of the day!! Of course thank you all so so much for your support. I love being able to do what I love and though I still have big goals for myself I want to reach, I know I can't do them alone so having a fan base in my home town makes it a lot easier and more exciting knowing I'm fully supported and loved. I am just honestly so grateful and blessed. Xo.

Please show your support for Samantha by voting for her at http://musicnovascotia.ca/. Make sure you check out the finalist showcase on June 12 at The Casino Nova Scotia.