A Dirty Dozen with JOE SAMBA – October 2024

Photo credit: Kyle Normandin

According to a recent press release: “Rising reggae rock singer, songwriter, producer and guitarist Joe Samba has released his third full-length studio album, Lifeline, via LAW Records. The 10-track collection includes the previously released singles “Little Love,” “Meant To Be” with Wax, “Home” with Mihali, and “Communicate” and perfectly reflects Samba’s eclectic style with everything from reggae and punk rock to hip-hop and salsa, all filled with unforgettable melodies, catchy hooks, and honest lyrics about life. Lifeline will also be available on vinyl, shipping in October – PRESS HERE to pre-order.” We get Joe to discuss new music, influences, and more…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

My new album, Lifeline, is essentially a catalog of thoughts and emotions I’ve been having the last 3 years or so. The title track tells the story of my wife’s and my travels – from young and in love living in Key West, FL to starting our family, living in Charleston, SC and finally making the trek back to where we grew up in New Hampshire. The album overall is a message of change, and accepting it head on, and experiencing life (good and bad) together.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

I have a very musical family, so naturally I was attracted to it. I don’t remember an exact moment that made me want to pursue it, but at a very young age I knew it was my thing. I knew I needed it in my life – whether it be for fun or to make a living. I always pictured myself on stage.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

In my really young years, I was obsessed with Hanson, haha. Their melodies always got my attention. My teenage years were more metal and hardcore music, bands like Between The Buried And Me and Periphery. But from my 20’s to now, I’ve been super into Funk and Soul and R&B. Bands like Tower Of Power and Lettuce. I’ve always had a super diverse music taste.

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

I like to test new boundaries. So there’s the easy ones like, in my scene, Stick Figure. Or a more mainstream scale, Post Malone. But I’d love to collaborate with artists people wouldn’t expect. Like Billy Strings, Luke Combs, or Morgan Wallen. Just for the fact it’s unexpected.

5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour?  What do you like to do to unwind?

Time with my family is my favorite thing. Whether it be lounging on the couch or exploring somewhere. Time with my wife and kids levels me out after a long run on tour.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

I try not to over complicate it. I just say Reggae / Rock. Obviously it’s a bit more than just that, but I’m not one to force anyone. If you like Sublime, you might like my music. Music is up for interpretation, so however people perceive my tunes, I’m goochy with.

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

When we’re hanging together, I’m definitely doing the cooking, I’m definitely the one getting the drinks in, and I’m definitely the first to get the acoustic out haha. I like to encourage my guys to let loose and enjoy this time we have on the road. It is hard being away from home, but we try to make the best of it.

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

Recently, while performing in Santa Cruz, we played the smaller room at The Catalyst. In the big room, Dogstar was playing, which is Keanu Reeves’ band. At one point while we sound checked, Keanu peaked his head in and said “What’s up” haha. That was pretty rad.

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

Best part of being a musician is connecting with the fans. Hearing how one of my songs helped them, or influenced them in some way. It’s awesome to hear those stories. But if I wasn’t a musician by trade, I’d either be a cook or own a landscaping company. But I way prefer playing music haha.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

I’m tired of the “How’d you get started?” question personally, haha. A question I’d love to answer is “ do you pull your toilet paper from the backside or the front side?” which my answer would be… The front side.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

There’s a couple of moments. But to pinpoint an exact one is hard, because I don’t like to look backwards. Those mistakes were necessary in my eyes… They made me who I am today and gave me the outlook I have today. I wouldn’t change a thing.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

I would love to go back in time and see any of the Motown sessions. That era of music and entertainment was the start to everything we see now. Tracking reel to reel. It wasn’t like today where anybody and their mom can record something in garage band. If you were in the studio, you HAD to be good just to set foot in there.

JOE SAMBA LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

Category: Interviews