Formula Indie Sessions – Interview with Samantha Rae
Samantha Rae is an aspiring country singer-songwriter from southern New Hampshire, USA. She’s a beautiful and energetic small-town country spitfire who packs a punch and blends her sultry tones with a warm heart, wide smile, and a fun-loving free spirit.
As a producer, songwriter, and creative, Samantha co-writes and co-produces all of original music with longtime creative partner and manager Jay DellIsola. She and Jay also perform together in a full band and as a duo.
In 2024, her debut album The High Road won “Album of the Year” from Indie Boulevard Magazine. The album is now approaching half a million streams on Spotify.
Samantha and Jay write and produce in their own home studio, working directly with an established team of country music makers in Nashville to craft a unique sound perfectly suited for Samantha’s energetic and sultry vocal tones.
RECENT NOMINATIONS AND AWARDS
2024 Indie Boulevard Album of the Year – Winner
2025 Josie Awards Country Artist of the Year (Female) – Nominee
2025 Boston Music Awards Country Artist of the Year – Nominee
2025 New England Music Awards Country Act of the Year – Nominee
2025 New England Music Awards Album of the Year – Nominee
2025 Williamsburg Film & Music Awards Song of the Year – Winner
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
I was always singing as a child, surrounded by horses and country life, where rhythm felt natural.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
Performing live showed me the power of sharing emotions. When we met, Jay and I channeled our musical and creative skills which brought depth, and together we found our voice.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
It’s about growth after our debut — capturing lessons learned, new inspirations, and creating music that feels true to us.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
Modern pop country with americana, classic folk and blues warmth, blending heartfelt vocals and our storytelling into something timeless, unique and fresh.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
Producing our debut album together and all the steps we went through from songwriting to production to networking with Nashville talent has been the game changer for us. We are driven creatives and we keep each other grounded and focused. And since we were hands on and produced it, we were able to keep it authentic.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
We have a very well-equipped home studio, lots of plug-ins, instruments and audio hardware for capturing vocals and instruments.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
I’m inspired by songs with strong voices in Pop Country and Americana like Red Clay Strays, Kassi Ashton, Kelsea Ballerini, Ella Langley Kaitlin Butts while Jay gravitates toward classic rock and folk like The Beatles, Neil Young, The Band, America, Jim Croce and The Eagles and old rhythm & blues like Otis Redding, Sam & Dave and Eddie Flyd for his inspiration.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
Life lessons, Nashville connections, and our partnership has helped us shape songs about resilience and authenticity.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
Connection, strength, and the reminder that beauty exists even in struggle.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
Clarity and authenticity matter more than anything — staying true to yourself is the foundation. It really doesn’t make a lot of sense to create something that does not represent you. Maintaining our own originality through the entire process has always been important to us. We don’t see that changing.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
Well, The Grand Ole Opry for its history. We just attended the Josie Independent Music Awards as nominees in November and we watched one of our good friends perform so we know it’s within reach at some point. Being from Boston you’d have to put Fenway Park on our list.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Jelly Roll, Ella Langley but Dolly might be the coolest of them all. Jay might say The Band or The Beatles if we went back in time or Neil Young or Joni Mitchell.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music?
- Website: samantharae.com
- Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/40jbzl5isn5REw1IbBMc4d?si=9ftkii4ER5eUYxm31-bUUw
- Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/samantha-rae/1719823535
- Instagram: samantharaeofficial
- Facebook: samantharaeofficial
- YouTube: @samantharaeofficial
- TikTok: @samantharaeofficial
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
To enjoy working through all the phases of our second album which has already been fully written. Then, to continue to grow our reach, keep writing authentic songs, and build a lasting legacy by performing for and reaching as many fans as we can.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
We are storytellers at heart. Our music is rooted in honesty, love, and resilience and we try to convey an authentic, soulful, and empowering spirit. Our songs are hopeful yet vulnerable and timeless. We love that we connect listeners to our personal journey with universal themes of strength and hope.
Youtube video:
Gaslighter Acoustic Live
