Formula Indie Sessions Interview with Samana Rising
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
John David: Singing in a childrens’ choir, and listening to my parents’ tapes with Norwegian christian music. First pop songs I remember: “Take on me” by A-HA, “Final Countdown” by Europe, “Born in the USA” by Bruce Springsteen. First record I bought myself: “Love at first sting” by Scorpions. I still think that’s a really good record!
How did your passion for creating music begin?
John David: I started playing in a band with some of my childhood friends when I was 15, and taught it was awesome!
What’s the story behind your current music project?
Are (drummer) and John David (bassplayer) had been playing together in a previous band, and when that broke up Are wanted to continue. He knew Hanne (vocals) from before, and found the other members through ads. Leif Johan (guitars) has been a member since the start, Vegard (guitars) and Henriette (backing vocals) have joined us along the way.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
A mix of pop, rock and blues, with a little soul and whatever else shaken into the mix as spice.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
That whatever members of Samana Rising write can be a song by Samana Rising. If we like it, we play it. That’s our most important trademark.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
The traditional ones: Guitars, bass, drums, vocals. We use very little keyboards or studio effects, but our guitar players have a pletora of pedals they like to use, and talk about for hours.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
John David: “idk” by Allison Eide.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
Being able to play music has given us more self esteem and direction in life. We want that to be visible when I’m playing.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
Hope, joy, empowerment, self esteem.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
John David: There is actually something I can be quite good at that not everyone else can do. Being a bass player has become an important part of my identity.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
Reply
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
It could have been interesting to be a fly on the wall when Pink Floyd made their masterpieces in the 70s, but we don’t think we would have liked to collaborate with Roger Waters. The other members of Pink Floyd didn’t, most of the time…
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samanarising/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samanarisingofficial/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7fJxwOVogu3kof6WDsVB8G?si=p3YXJZcST22ZTUNxqRFkRw
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@samanarisingofficial
Website: https://samanarising.net/
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
Make more great music, record it and make it public! Play some kick a*s gigs.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
That we only bite when we’re really hungry!
