PREMIERE: Calgary Singer-Songwriter Samantha Savage Smith Returns With New Single “In It To Win”; Announces Upcoming Album For 2022

Having established a name for herself in Calgary’s music scene with her two albums Tough Cookie, and Fine Lines, Samantha Savage Smith is set to return with her latest effort Fake Nice in 2022 – ending a six year drought between albums. Breaking the silence is her new single “In It To Win” and its accompanying music video filmed at the Royal Canadian Legion 1 in Calgary.

“This was one of the first songs I wrote for the record, and it sat for a while before I wrote lyrics for it,” notes Samantha. “Not only am I hugely proud that the production was completely done by Dadge & I (humble brag), I think it’s a good way to introduce folks to the new sounds on this record. After my last album, I retreated for a while, and lost any sense of what I actually liked about making music, but over time, and after a ton reflection, friend therapy & medication, something just clicked in my mind. And though on one hand I’m kinda dissing making music for (what I think are) the ‘wrong’ reasons, lyrically I tried to juxtapose that notion with the music itself, where I was able rediscover that joy I found in doing it again.” 

Incorporating elements of slacker rock and Canadiana encased in a box of indie pop flourishes, “In It To Win” focuses on Smith’s warm vocals and melodic charm. Accompanied by glittering synthesizers and glossy guitar rhythms, the new single showcases a rebranding of sorts, as Samantha brings in a new era of songwriting with more multi-instrumentalist responsibilities and deeper production credits. Crafted in their basement home studio, Samantha and her partner/co-producer Chris Dadge found the freedom to experiment and tinker with production and move past the world of guitar-voice combination.

Fake Nice is set for release on April 22, 2022 via Saved By Vinyl, and the 10 track collection was brought to life by Smith, co-producer Chris Dadge (Alvvays, Chad Van Gaalen) at Child Stone Studio in Calgary, alongside guest musicians Scott Munro (Preoccupations), Ryan Bourne (Ghostkeeper), and Marlaena Moore.

As well, Samantha has just announced an upcoming show with her band in Calgary this holiday season, at High Line Brewing on December 23, 2021. Tickets are available now HERE.

Watch the music video for “In It To Win” below, and read on about Samantha’s return to music and her upcoming album in the latest Q&A just past:

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What is “In It To Win” about? 

Essentially it’s about grappling with the fact that there have been so many missed opportunities as a result of being so “in one’s own head” and being so self-deprecating that it becomes crippling and you can’t be emboldened enough to get back on the saddle, so to speak. When focusing so much on the negative, it’s easy to become complacent about something you once found great joy in doing. 

What were some of the things that turned you off from making music? 

Just a general lack of sincerity on the industry side of things, and feeling unsupported, and while I’m not the first person to say this, but it definitely felt more challenging to be a women in the biz. My fragile little heart couldn’t handle it at a certain point! But over time, I realized it’s all about what you make of it. Not only have I truly rediscovered the joy in making music and performing for an audience, I’ve unboxed this fierce passion for it! Haha

How did your perspective change and what brought you back to music?

Just experiencing all 5 stages of grief (haha); it literally felt like something died inside me for a bit… But, got on some new meds, and within a month I was writing tunes again, whereas for a while there you couldn’t even pay me to write a song. It was total creative block for a while. When the songs really started coming into full fruition I went out on a limb and asked a few Calgary musicians I’ve never worked with before to join my band, and good god am I ever grateful they said yes! Not only are they killer musicians, they are the best humans, and being on stage with them makes me the happiest human in the world. Nyssa & Nate… I’m talking to you! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

You mentioned you’re working with a new sound – what should people expect on this upcoming album? 

Ya! So, from the very beginning I was steadfast about being as hands on as possible with the production side of things. Dadge (my drummer & partner) has a studio in our basement, and we did the whole thing at home, which was great, cause I could just stay in my sweatpants and slippies and head to “work”. Dadge and I worked closely together on the production, and the fact I had so much agency really opened up new ideas. I played much more on this record than just guitar, and took a different approach to the songwriting itself. We’d bring our musician buds in to lay down some tracks, which made it extra special. I’m really happy with it sonically, and we managed to pack a lot detail into it: I highly recommend you give it a listen on a good pair of headphones!

Is there any significance with shooting the music video in the Legion in Calgary? 

The Legion No.1 is kind of an institution in Calgary. It’s an amazing venue, and they are so supportive of our music community.  It’s been around for ages, and the vibe is just awesome there. The Sled Island festival hosts their bigger act shows there during the festival, so it’s a nightly go-to for that wonderful 4 days in June. The last fest they had me as direct support for Cate Le Bon, I nearly fell over when I found out. Haha. So ya, lots of good music memories there!

(Featured image credit Heather Saitz)

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FAKE NICE – TRACK LISTING
1. Fake Nice
2. Quickly
3. Sunset Rip
4. In It To Win
5. Spun Out
6. Wholesomely Made
7. Drop
8. ESGGallin
9. Different
10. Siren