What is your name?
Samantha Aurelio
What is your genre of music?
Pop
Give us a little bio about you.
Samantha Aurelio is a Grammy nominated musician originally from the Jersey Shore currently residing in Los Angeles, California. She is multi-instrumentalist and songwriter who has toured the United States extensively, opening for acts such as Elise Testone and Emily Kinney and has been featured in Voyage LA Magazine for her work. Stylistically, Aurelio is noted for her ability to be soulful, sultry, and completely accessible and authentic all at once. She believes that music isn’t just a form of artistic expression, but a way for individuals to conquer demons, to uplift themselves and their communities and to use music as a tool to inspire people to believe in themselves, to believe that they are worthy. She wants to bring the parts of life and experience that people don’t want to talk about into the forefront. This message has never been more clear than in her upcoming single “Learn the Hard Way” out Friday, August 30th
What made you go in to music?
Music has always been woven into who I am. Before I knew how to do anything I knew music. My dad was a semi-professional guitar player when he was younger so music was an important part of my upbringing as well.
Are you a signed?
No, I am an independent artist
Your set to release your new single ‘ Learn The Hard Way’,tell us more about the single.
This song is a slight departure from the music I have released in the past, it’s an upbeat bop that I hope inspires people to embrace their growing pains.
What is the meaning behind the single?
It came to me at a time when I was pulling myself out of a dark space and it was born from a frustrating situation of trying to please everyone. It was one of those moments where you hear yourself complaining about everything… I’m sure we’ve all been there. It just had hit me that we spend so much time bending to ensure the others around us are okay and if we can know the only way around it is through it and trust that we’ll be stronger on the other side then maybe we will be kinder to ourselves through the process.
Describe the track in two words.
OOOOH that’s tough. Strong vibe.
What was the writing process like?
I wish I could snap my fingers and say I had a 1-2 process, but songs come to me in different forms. Writing is (therapeutic) work and I devout time to its process but there is no set in stone way for me to get it done. Sometimes it’s the music that carries the song, sometimes the words, sometimes the melody. Whichever one chooses to be the muse, the song will form around that. I’ve recently started stretching my boundaries with co-writing and writing to guitar (I play piano) and it’s been a very eye opening process. Maybe that 1-2 process will come to me in due time!
What was the recording process like?
I have an incredible producer and friend, Greg Cortez, who has opened my eyes to the beauty of recording. He’s helped me dig deep and find parts of my voice I hadn’t uncovered yet.
Who did you work with on the single?
I wrote the lyrics and music alone but it very much took shape under the direction of my producer Greg Cortez. He took my song and gave it a breath of life.
Will we see any music video for the track?
Yes! Not right away but it’ll be on the horizon!
Will we see an EP or album? If so what can we expect?
Right now, we have a lot of music to slow drip into the next year.
Do you have any shows coming up?
Why yes!
If so where will you be heading?
We have a single release show this
Friday, August 30th at The Study (6356 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028) in Hollywood at 8 PM.
Also on Sunday, September 1st I’ll be playing a show at Sculpterra Winery (5015 Linne Rd, Paso Robles, CA 93446) at 1:30 PM
What else can we expect in 2019?
Currently booking a fall tour for October/November, which will be announced in the near future.
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any up coming artists?
I’m booking a tour with singer/songwriter Cait Leow.
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact?
Yes 100000000%. I’ve been diving into co-writing more and more and would love to work with other artists if they’d have me! I’m always available via email CONTACT@SAMANTHAAURELIO.COM or Instagram DM @SAMANTHAAURELIO
Do you play any instruments?
Absolutely. I play piano and ukulele
Who are your influences?
Sara Bareilles, Carole King, The Eagles, Maren Morris, Amy Winehouse, Lady Gaga… I love strong voices and strong messages.
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
It comes from everywhere. Mostly situations where I can’t find the words to say, I have to put them in songs.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Oh man. Touring? Being a dog mom? Playing festivals would be cool. I am a big goal-getter but 5 years is hard for me to pinpoint. Life is now and I enjoy the view.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
I love to cook, write, play cards, go hiking. I like lazy nights with a cup of tea & something funny on Netflix
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
Growing up New York Minute by The Eagles was my favorite song of all time. Their sound defined everything I wanted to be as a musician and I lived in that for a long time. And then in 2007 Sara Bareilles came into the scene and became a huge influence on my life and career. When Love Song and Gravity came out in I was all in.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Stay in your lane.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
There is no timeline. Do not live in comparison to others. Work on telling your stories.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
“The only way up is believing in never looking down.”
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
WELL. I’m from The Jersey Shore. The Asbury Park Boardwalk is pretty cool to go to. Lots of art there… and the beach! Also, if you’re a coffee fan – get to Rook Coffee. I dream of that coffee.Pro-tip, go to the beach before the world wakes up. The sunsets are cool and all but there’s something about a sunrise over the ocean.
Your coming off tour;
1/ Where do you go first? Depends on where I am but probably a cute cafe
2/ Who do you see first? Send me to your tourist spots.
3/What do you eat first? Local cuisine!
When you are at a gig, what are 4 things you cannot forget?
-Power cables (big fear)
-Tell your story, don’t just run through your songs
-A beverage of some kind (like, even just tea!)
-Thank you list
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Yes, I am registered to the Internet. Instagram and Twitter and Facebook you can search Samantha Aurelio for my music page. I’m super active on Instagram mostly!
