With not a rod in sight, Buzz lands a rather splendid Samantha Fish. Now based in New Orleans, this Kansas City native returns to Cardiff this month during her UK tour, and chatted to Colin Palmer while in Los Angeles.
Singer, songwriter and lead guitarist Samantha Fish is known first and foremost for her fretwork, and since 2009 debut album Live Bait has wooed fans around the world with dynamic stage presence and charisma. In that time, she’s proven herself to be not just a prodigious blues singer and guitarist, but one who has refined her unique sound – pulling from rock’n’roll, Americana, country, soul and pop with every passing record.
Fish performed in Los Angeles at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival in 2023, and earlier this year was nominated for a Grammy, along with Jessie Dayton, for their collaborative album Death Wish Blues. This summer, she’s been playing solo shows and performing as part of Slash’s SERPENT Festival, a travelling blues extravaganza.
You’re from Kansas City, a place with a rich musical heritage – were there plenty of opportunities to sit in somewhere and play?
Absolutely, especially during that time period – there were a lot of young bands as well. You could go sit in somewhere nearly every night if you wanted to. It definitely was a massive part of my development as an artist.
Do you remember the first time you got on a stage in front of an audience?
Yes. It was a backyard party with an acoustic trio called Greg, Rick & Tom performing. Probably a couple hundred people there. I was looking at Greg Camp’s guitar – he had this really interesting looking Gibson. He let me play it and basically said go for it during one of their set breaks. I didn’t really have time to get nervous. I remember that moment giving me this incredible rush that I’ve been pursuing ever since.
You seem to have an aggressive touring schedule. Do you write songs on the road?
I write songs when and where I can. It’s a full-time job. You gotta try to keep that inspiration flowing. Of course, it can be difficult on the road with a full schedule, but I’ve written full albums from the back of buses, vans, in hotel rooms, etc.
You’ve written songs with Jim McCormick for 10 years – how did you meet?
I was introduced to Jim as a lyric doctor through my manager, Rueben Williams. We truly hit it off and have worked together numerous times over the years. I usually write a couple songs with him per album – he and I have a good rhythm and relationship when it comes to writing. I feel like he understands where I’m coming from and we just pull the best out of each other.
Do you get nervous before a concert?
It depends. Some days are worse than others. Sometimes it’s inexplicable. Usually a technical issue will lessen my anxiety, I know that sounds backwards… but sometimes it can prove to be a necessary distraction. I get nervous for all types of reasons, but it usually subsides when I get comfortable.
How do you protect your voice on the road?
Sleep, water, warming up – those are my absolute musts. I also have some special drink I make, I have a steam nebulizer, I might pop an Advil or two if things feel swollen. A good diet is important, hydration is so important. I love coffee and alcohol, but they can dry you out further. Inflammation is the enemy. No smoking!
How did the Rolling Stones support slot, in Missouri on their recent Hackney Diamonds tour, come about?
Quint Davis from the New Orleans Jazz Festival invited us to perform on the same day and stage this past spring… he really pursued the second opportunity for us. When they added the extra date, we got the call.
And in October, you are coming back to the UK on the Bulletproof tour. Do you find British audiences more reserved than our American cousins?
Depends on the city – I feel like the Scottish hold nothing back! You guys show up, which is amazing. And everyone has a different way that they appreciate live music. It’s my job to figure out how to engage and interact based on that.
Samantha Fish, Tramshed, Cardiff, Tue 8 Oct.
Tickets: £27.50. Info: here
words COLIN PALMER