5 QUESTIONS WITH - SAMSAYA
If you don’t know Samsaya, she’s really worth checking out. The Indian/Norwegian singer/actress created a bit of a stir in the music world earlier this year when she released her song “Stereotype”, an instantly likeable pop track that caught my attention. I initially put her on my list of acts you must see coming out of SXSW, and since then I’ve seen some catch on to how great she is.
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The colorful and wonderful Samsaya answered a few quick questions for us a while back, and here they are.
Also, how much do you love the heart on her face? I’ve met her in person, and it looks even cuter in real life. |
1. Your real name is Sampda. Where does Samsaya come from?
I made Samsaya! She’s my baby!! Hehehe.
Growing up I was really frustrated with my parents and all of their do’s and don’ts! We were Indian in Norway, but I just didn’t feel at home anywhere. Except in music.
That was my planet, my universe. I guess my name came about when I wasn’t allowed to go hang out with the older kids at the youth center so I had to make my own little club in my room. I had a little TV and a little boom box and I loved watching YO! MTV raps and listening to hip-hop and R&B. I was writing and singing, and most of the time rapping so I decided I wanted to go by the name Sam.
I remember making a point of not even responding if my parents would call me Sampda. It was part of my early teenage rebellion I guess.
When I got a bit older and things started mellowing out I started singing more, so I added “Saya” because it means shadow in Hindi. I had always felt that my singing had been in the shadow of all frustrated rhymes, and that’s how I then became “Samsaya”. Later I learned from an Indian guru that “Samsaya” means doubt in old Hindi (Sanskrit). He also said he thought it suited me well because I always had a million questions, but I kept wanting to find my own truths.
2. Your music is such a blend of genres. If you had to classify it, what would you call it?
I’ve always felt like my writing has been about letting my emotions out. Feelings have a tendency of building up inside, especially if the feelings are strong, passionate ones, like in my case they usually are. I feel like I’ll erupt if I don’t let them out. So I call it Magma pop. It’s a fusion of all these emotions and cultures mixed in a hot melting pot!
3. You’ve made a career out of balancing acting and singing. How do the two interact? Could you ever choose just one?
Music is my first love. It’s my best friend and maybe even my soulmate. I don’t think I could ever live without it. Before I met my better half I felt like had no one to talk to. Now I can talk about everything through my music. I just play it out or sing it. The pen and the paper most of the time just get in the way. I like to talk fast and I think it’s because I have million thoughts. I need to get them out.
If a role can make me feel like that, like a release or a great escape. A role I get real passionate about I don’t deny myself that pleasure. But I must admit I don’t go looking for it.
4. “Stereotype” is such a jam. What does it mean to you, and is this the Samsaya song that will take over the world (because I’m pretty sure it is)?
It’s my anthem! In fact it’s everyone one’s who celebrates their uniqueness, and don’t need to be told what they can like or not. I think that putting labels and categories on everything can become so uninspiring, like a dictatorship in arts. People should enjoy all kinds of music. If you like it, enjoy it! And never be afraid to show it!
5. What are some artists/bands/songs/albums you’re listening to now that we should all go out and try?
Right now I’m listening to El Guincho and his song Bombay! I just love the summer vibe in that tune! I’ve also been listening a lot to this vinyl I bought in NY last week. I had never heard about this band, but I loved the artwork, and I could just tell by reading what instruments were credited that I would like it. Groups called Gandalf and I just can’t stop playing it now!
Other great artists I would strongly recommend: Roses Gabor Check out her tune “Night Sky”.She’s got that smooth raspy dreamy vibe! Also check out “Slick Shoota “ With F. Dat ft. Purple. It’s a real sexy sad love song.
I made Samsaya! She’s my baby!! Hehehe.
Growing up I was really frustrated with my parents and all of their do’s and don’ts! We were Indian in Norway, but I just didn’t feel at home anywhere. Except in music.
That was my planet, my universe. I guess my name came about when I wasn’t allowed to go hang out with the older kids at the youth center so I had to make my own little club in my room. I had a little TV and a little boom box and I loved watching YO! MTV raps and listening to hip-hop and R&B. I was writing and singing, and most of the time rapping so I decided I wanted to go by the name Sam.
I remember making a point of not even responding if my parents would call me Sampda. It was part of my early teenage rebellion I guess.
When I got a bit older and things started mellowing out I started singing more, so I added “Saya” because it means shadow in Hindi. I had always felt that my singing had been in the shadow of all frustrated rhymes, and that’s how I then became “Samsaya”. Later I learned from an Indian guru that “Samsaya” means doubt in old Hindi (Sanskrit). He also said he thought it suited me well because I always had a million questions, but I kept wanting to find my own truths.
2. Your music is such a blend of genres. If you had to classify it, what would you call it?
I’ve always felt like my writing has been about letting my emotions out. Feelings have a tendency of building up inside, especially if the feelings are strong, passionate ones, like in my case they usually are. I feel like I’ll erupt if I don’t let them out. So I call it Magma pop. It’s a fusion of all these emotions and cultures mixed in a hot melting pot!
3. You’ve made a career out of balancing acting and singing. How do the two interact? Could you ever choose just one?
Music is my first love. It’s my best friend and maybe even my soulmate. I don’t think I could ever live without it. Before I met my better half I felt like had no one to talk to. Now I can talk about everything through my music. I just play it out or sing it. The pen and the paper most of the time just get in the way. I like to talk fast and I think it’s because I have million thoughts. I need to get them out.
If a role can make me feel like that, like a release or a great escape. A role I get real passionate about I don’t deny myself that pleasure. But I must admit I don’t go looking for it.
4. “Stereotype” is such a jam. What does it mean to you, and is this the Samsaya song that will take over the world (because I’m pretty sure it is)?
It’s my anthem! In fact it’s everyone one’s who celebrates their uniqueness, and don’t need to be told what they can like or not. I think that putting labels and categories on everything can become so uninspiring, like a dictatorship in arts. People should enjoy all kinds of music. If you like it, enjoy it! And never be afraid to show it!
5. What are some artists/bands/songs/albums you’re listening to now that we should all go out and try?
Right now I’m listening to El Guincho and his song Bombay! I just love the summer vibe in that tune! I’ve also been listening a lot to this vinyl I bought in NY last week. I had never heard about this band, but I loved the artwork, and I could just tell by reading what instruments were credited that I would like it. Groups called Gandalf and I just can’t stop playing it now!
Other great artists I would strongly recommend: Roses Gabor Check out her tune “Night Sky”.She’s got that smooth raspy dreamy vibe! Also check out “Slick Shoota “ With F. Dat ft. Purple. It’s a real sexy sad love song.