Joe Samba
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Joe Samba -
Joe Samba is on the road this winter bringing his upbeat reggae-infused tracks to a city near you. Learn more about Joe and how he feels heading out on his first headlining tour below.
Interview by: Natalie Colon & Jessie Fuentes
Joe Samba photographed by Erick Fralick
How are you feeling hitting the road for your first U.S. headline tour?
I feel spectacular!
Toothpaste. Which, somehow, I always forget…
What are some of your tour essentials?
You have such a unique sound that intermingles the upbeat power of funk and island vibes of reggae. What are some artists or experiences that you feel influenced your sound?
For one, Sublime. But I’m also a huge fan of funk and soul. Bands like Tower Of Power. Also I grew up in the NH metal/hardcore scene, so there’s that element as well.
Calling my family back home and telling them where I am, and how hard we’re going to crush the show!!
Do you have any pre-show rituals?
What was the process of filming the music video for “Losing It” ft. The Elovaters like?
The process was super spontaneous and fun! We complied some footage from tour, and then met up with Tyler from Revelry Studios to get some shots of me singing along to the tune. It came together super natural.
In your bio, it mentioned your move to Key West during the pandemic and your return to New Hampshire. How have these changes in environment and life experiences influenced your songwriting and musical style?
Like Jimmy Buffet said, “changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes.” Key West holds a special place in my heart; it represents growth and self-confidence. The vibe down there definitely has influenced my thought process towards my life, my music, and my future.
Tour life often involves long hours on the road. What's your go-to road trip playlist or go-to activity to do during your downtime?
Depending on the drive, I’ll throw in a podcast or something. But other hauls, I’ll throw on Between The Buried And Me or Something else heavy to keep the ship moving!
Can you share some insights into your songwriting process? How do you go about creating music that's both authentic and relatable to a wide audience?
I wouldn’t say I have a certain formula to writing. But lyrically, I’ve always tried to veer off from predictable words and melodies. I try to talk about the stuff that people are thinking, but not saying. Or I try to word things in a way that people can relate to or interpret in their own way.
What advice would you give to other emerging musicians who are striving to find and maintain their own authentic voice in the music industry?
It takes years of being soul crushingly honest with yourself. It’s a balance of really caring about how you are perceived, but also not caring what people think of you. Navigating those two things will help you find what’s authentic to your artistry. Focus on the tunes and what your trying to say. And HAVE FUN.
Can fans expect another album or single release soon?
Definitely a few singles to push a new album in 2024. And maybe a cover of one of my favorite bands of all time?!