Interview: Samantha Marq

We had the pleasure of talking with Samantha Marq about her new album The Evolution of Love in Dysfunction, the digital release of her tracks, and her interesting start in the music business.

If you had to describe your sound in three words, what would they be?

Samantha Marq: Fun, energetic, and inspiring.

Who would you say your musical influences are?

Samantha Marq: There are so many musicians who influence me, but a few would have to be my dad, Aaliyah, Black Eyed Peas, Justin Timberlake, Michael Jackson, Lauryn Hill, & Stevie Wonder.

Are there any artists out there right now that you love that aren’t necessarily in your genre?

Samantha Marq: Yes definitely. I love artists like Carrie Underwood, Ingrid Michaelson, M83, Jay Electronica, & India Arie. I think its safe to say that I listen to a plethora of different genres.

I read that your father was a member of “Flock of Seagulls” and owned a recording studio, how would you say he shaped you musically?

Samantha Marq: It is because of my father that I took an interest in music. He was responsible for my early development as a singer, as he is the first person to put me behind a microphone. Throughout my childhood I was able to learn the ins and outs of the business from him and the many artists that came through the studio. I would definitely have to say that growing up in that environment pretty much solidified my dreams of being a singer.

What advice would you give to other young women trying to break into the music industry?

Samantha Marq: The one thing I would have to say is… never give up. The same thing goes with any dream or goal that you may have in life. Nothing worth having comes easily, and if you want something you have to take control of it yourself. You can’t wait around for someone else to make it happen for you.

Your album The Evolution of Love in Dysfunction is going to be released in separate ‘diary entries’, where did you get this idea?

Samantha Marq: This concept for releasing the album is something that my producer, KO, and I have been working on for awhile. We pride ourselves on creativity and innovation, and we wanted to incite a change in the business and the way artists release their music. After we had finished recording the album we realized that all of the songs in sequence, chronicled the progression of a relationship. We wanted to capture that ‘story’ so that the listeners could relate, but we didn’t want to be limited by the release of one physical CD. So in brainstorming about the idea we decided to release the album as a collection of ‘diary entries’ through my website www.samanthamarq.com

Your ‘diary entry’ releases are also going to include digital media and artwork, did you create any of the artwork that will be included?

Samantha Marq: Thus far, I have been really lucky to have other incredible artists and different websites who want to be a part of the Super Girl release. Of course I have a hand in choosing what media and artwork we use, but I think a really cool element of this whole project is that we are highlighting the talents of others as well. I really want to inspire people to be inventive and creative. Yes this is my album, but there are so many talented people out there that will be working on this project to make it the absolute best that it can be.

You are solely releasing your singles on the web; do you think this is where the music industry is headed?

Samantha Marq: The internet has changed the music business as we know it. As a result, it has major labels running around like chickens with their heads cut off. There is a giant opportunity here for artists everywhere to try and find the answer to this growing problem the industry is having with music sales. With that said, the way I am choosing to release my album is just my interpretation of a solution. However, do I think that it is something that will soon become the norm for all artists? Yes, I do.

Any favorite TV shows you like to keep up with in your down time?

Samantha Marq: Yes definitely! I would have to say my favorite shows right now are Greys Anatomy, American Idol, Glee, and I am also loving this season of The Bachelor.

What do you see for yourself in the future?

Samantha Marq: I am a pretty ambitious person, so I will give you my vision for the future in a nutshell. I see myself going on several tours, continuing to collaborate with other musicians to make another album, partnering with different companies and non-profit organizations, and growing my record label, Breathtaker, by signing new artists. There is no way to know what the future holds, but I just hope that I can continue doing what I love for a living.

Official Samantha Marq Site: www.samanthamarq.com

Download “Super Girl” for Free: usershare.net/qaswfije8045

Interview by: Lauren Wiginton