Samantha Fish is proving unstoppable in 2024, unveiling Crowd Control (Alternate Version), a dynamic three-song EP. that reimagines her electrifying tracks and live favourites ‘Faster’, ’Crowd Control’, and ‘Better Be Lonely’.
Recorded during a live performance video shoot in Nashville, the tracks burst to life with blistering guitar solos, dynamic vocals, and rebellious energy and capture the magnetic stage presence that has become Fish’s hallmark. Originally featured on her chart-topping 2021 album Faster, these new renditions breathe fresh life into the originals, with Fish’s journey mirroring the theme of empowerment that runs through the collection.
“Raw, untamed energy” is the most apt description hear this, but at the core of this release is also what’s being termed “a bold self-exploration” —one of empowerment, vulnerability, and facing inner demons.
For Fish, live performances are where her music truly comes to life. “Making albums is one of my favourite things to do; it’s a chance to reinvent myself and my sound,” she said. “But the stage is where we bring the songs to life. I feel I connect the most with my audience from the stage. There’s something uniquely special about that energy—raw, unpolished, with no big fixes or edits. It’s about what you can do with the moment, and I think capturing that is crucial.” With the release of her live tracks, fans can now experience that energy wherever they are, a reminder of the magic she creates on stage.
Currently part of the Experience Hendrix tour, Fish flies over for another headline UK tour this October, then in November she’s back in the States headlining the Ruf Records 30th Anniversary Tour, celebrating the label’s legacy and its dedication to shaping the future of blues music. The diverse line-up features Canned Heat, Mitch Ryder, Bernard Allison, and Ghalia Volt, each representing different facets of the blues spectrum. As a leading voice in the genre, Fish’s role in the tour cements her status as a trailblazer, keeping blues music vibrant while honouring its rich history. Kicking off on November 7th in Pittsburgh, the tour promises an exciting celebration of the blues for both longtime fans and new listeners.
The Crowd Control (Alternate Version) EP kicks ass with coy flippancy, ‘Faster’ if anything grinding slower as it comes on like Rory Gallager taking Joe Walsh’s part in The Eagles but with some much needed sexual allure stream it here and check out the video here. Put-down blues groove ‘Better Be Lonely’ came out as a single back in August and you can check out the video at RAMzine here and stream it here, while ‘Crowd Control’ may come on like some sweet blues lullaby its lyrics reveal a darker side, the music itself acting as catharsis; check it out streaming it here and watching the video here.
For more on Samantha Fish, including details on her UK tour, at RAMzine click here.
