This week’s Artist of the Week is Sam DeRosa. The New York pop-singer gave us a little bit more information about herself in the interview below!
- Introduce yourself:
Hi! I am Sam DeRosa. I am a pop singer/songwriter from NY! ☺
- If you had to describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard it before, how would you describe it?
I would say it’s a “something for everyone” kind of sound. You can cry with me during my heartbreak or dance with me and just have a good time. The lyrics are honest and relatable. Every song is based off of a real life experience. I’m also a super fan of ALL music so my influences come from all genres!
- You recently debuted your first single on Just Jared JR, what was that process like?
That was SO crazy! We pitched it in the morning. I was told (by my team) that it may not happen, so I never thought about it after that morning. By the end of the day, I had three emails saying “Just Jared JR wants to premiere this TOMORROW!” So I freaked out big time. That was so cool and I really am so grateful that someone heard “Thrills” and wanted to help me share it!
- What was the process like recording your single?
Recording “Thrills” was SO fun! We recorded it the same day we wrote it, because it happened so fast. My two friends and I came in, and it was our first time writing altogether. I remember walking in looking like a total bum, and apologizing for my un-matching gym attire. The boys laughed-that set the mood pretty quickly! I came in with idea for the chorus and title line (which was originally “Thrill”). We all began talking out loud and writing really fast about life experiences: going to parties, being afraid, worrying, letting others tell you what’s best for you. We focused on not coming across as “cheesy,” which is so hard to do sometimes. Eventually, we wound up telling a story of our struggles with trying to make it in life and in music. I walked into the session wanting to write a song to pitch to other artists but “Thrills” really describes my story and how I want to introduce myself to the world. The guys and I agreed that this would be my first single!
- When did you know you wanted to work in music?
Since the womb. I swear. I always knew! I wrote my first song at age 8 and the rest is history.
- What’s something you want our readers to know about you?
I really hope that I can be someone you can relate to! I want to be your friend through the songs I write and through my story. I also love ice cream, so maybe we can start by bonding over that?!
- What are your musical influences?
My parents, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, *NYSNC, Katy Perry, Maroon 5, Bruno Mars.
- What are your non-musical influences?
I am SO influenced by someone who has a story to tell. I love people and making friends. I find inspiration in that. I also have a fan crush on Julia Roberts and Leonardo DiCaprio!
- Why do you think it’s important for musicians to connect with their fans? How do you prefer to connect to your fans?
I wouldn’t be anywhere in my career without the support of fellow music lovers. I think it’s important for people to know who you are, not just the voice on the recording. I don’t want to be an untouchable person. I aspire to be relatable and tangible to anyone who relates the stories in my songs. To me, they aren’t fans; they are friends. I want to meet them all and try to bake cookies (without burning them ☺). I like to connect through social media, but soon, I want to find my closest supporters and connect even further: webchats, emails, etc.!
- What’s next for you in 2016/2017?
I will be releasing more music over the year! I will also be really focused on growing my social media accounts to interact with as many people as I can! Finally, I plan on rehearsing with my band for my first performances, and I hope to be touring by the end of 2017/early 2018!
Fun questions:
- Favorite boyband? NSYNC!
- Coffee or tea? Ooh..I’ll say coffee☺
- Dream venue? Madison Square Garden, of course !
- Dream tour to be a part of? There are 3! Z100 Jingle Ball, iHeart Radio, and Maroon 5
- Song you’re obsessed with, but ashamed to admit? Oh TOTALLY not ashamed! It’s “Rich Girl” by Hall and Oates! I also was a member of the “teenage angst” movement, so any pop punk will get me pumped! Thank you!
- GTK: PJ Harding - June 16, 2023
- Big Time Rush is Just Getting Started - February 13, 2023
- 2023 GRAMMYs: The Nominees - November 15, 2022
YAYY! Go Sam! This is so incredible