We recently connected with Samantha Elice and have shared our conversation below.

Samantha, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

My father initially influenced my love of music. My mother told me stories about how I would crawl to the door to hear my father play music in his in-house studio. She would practically have to peel me away from the door. My father played the guitar, saxophone, and keyboard. He also wrote music for the blues singer ‘Bobby Blue’ Bland and instilled the importance of writing and creating my own music in me very early on. When I decided I finally wanted to sing in front of a crowd, I was 11 years old. That’s when I started singing in the youth choir at Greenwood C.M.E. church in my hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. A few years later, while attending White Station High School, I performed with two of my close friends at a talent show. I remember the moment being so special. My friends and I wore a white sequin top with black bottoms while performing Destiny’s Child’s ‘Gospel Medley’ in front of our peers. This performance sparked a new feeling in me. This feeling was different from what I felt while singing in church. This was the birth of Samantha Elice.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?

I am a Neo Soul artist from Memphis, TN. Being influenced by Jazz and RnB, I set out to make a unique sound of my own. After graduating from high school I participated in a summer program at the Stax Music Academy to gain knowledge of vocal scales, harmonies, and how to sing properly. The information I learned prepared me for the next journey in my life. At the age of 19, I recorded and produced my first self-titled album ‘Samantha Elice.” I later performed a few songs from the album at Isaac Hayes NightClub and Restaurant, Christmas events, and open mics located in downtown Memphis. I took a break from music to figure out which genre I was the most passionate about and to devote time to writing music. My gap year from music eventually led me to The Consortium Memphis Music Town (MMT) Soulright Music Mentorship Program. While completing the program, I gained insight into the business aspects of the music industry and tools to help me become a better vocalist and songwriter. I was named an “Emerging Star” after completing the Soulright Music Mentorship Program and the rest is history.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I knew about programs like the Consortium Memphis Music Town (MMT) Soulright Music Mentorship Program when I was young. This would have given me the opportunity to thrive creatively at an age where I was readily able to absorb everything thrown at me.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist and a creative is those special moments when I’m told that my music has touched someone. My decision to sing and write was made to make people feel, whether the feeling is encouragement, love, or freedom. When I receive recognition that my words made a difference in someone’s life, it just confirms that I’m walking in my purpose and I will continue to do so.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/samanthaeliceMUSIC/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samanthaelicemusic/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiLLQwGEgO_q22Xo4EKXjKg

Image Credits
Ashley Skrabut, Ben Brown, Kab Browley