This coming April, the Kansas City-bred, New Orleans-based musician Samantha Fish will unveil what’s been described as her “fiercest work to date” with a new studio album Paper Doll , due out on Rounder Records.
One of the most electrifying guitarists of her generation, Samantha Fish consistently captivates audiences with her unparalleled energy, boldness, emotional depth and unique blend of rock and soul. Known for her expressive guitar playing and powerhouse performances, Fish’s career hit warp speed with the release of her last album, 2023’s Death Wish Blues, hitting #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart, and earning her a Grammy nomination, plus invitations to support the likes of The Rolling Stones, Jon Spencer and Slash.
Produced by Detroit garage-rock legend Bobby Harlow (The Go) – with assistance from fellow Detroit luminary Mick Collins (The Gories) on one track – each of the songs on Paper Doll are delivered with visceral force, soul-soothing empathy, and newfound clarity. “It’s taken me years to finally find my voice in a studio setting,” Fish admitted. “But with this record, I took everything I had and slammed it right on the table.” The theme of unapologetic defiance runs throughout the album, as Fish explores new depths of vulnerability and self-expression and confronts love, loss, and personal growth.
Tracked in Austin at The Orb and Los Angeles at Savannah Studios, the nine-song collection was recorded during a gruelling touring schedule, ultimately capturing the untamed energy of her live performances.
“I’d never made a record on the road like that,” Fish revealed. “Even though it was intense, it felt good to keep up the momentum from the live show. It helped us make an album that’s got a real living, breathing pulse to it.” The album features touring bandmates Ron Johnson (bass), Jamie Douglass (drums), and Mickey Finn (keyboards).
Fish has also just released the album’s lead single ‘Sweet Southern Sounds’. Co-written with fellow New Orleans-based singer-songwriter Anders Osborne, the track is a gripping meditation on the struggle to balance passion and personal connections, topped with smouldering riffs and lush organ melodies.
If winter’s lingering far too long for you here in Britain, turn yourself towards Samantha Fish’s latest single, ‘Sweet Southern Sounds’ – A number that breezes in warmly as unrushed guitars wind down life’s sideroads brushing up against tired reflective lyrics while a drumbeat stamps hard ensuring there’s a sense of direction, not simply idly passing time. Halfway through, guitars and voice answer that drumbeat’s call and respond as it becomes a roaring noise fest of blues fury.
“It’s an anthem about being on the road and feeling guilty about not prioritising the people in your life,” said Fish. “It’s hard to find that balance between taking care of your relationships and dedicating yourself to your music, and there’s definitely a tinge of heartache to that song.”
You can order Paper Doll here and you should check out the video for ‘Sweet Southern Sounds’ here at RAMzine.
