Music

I Used To Be Sam Presents a New Single ‘MOUNTAINS’

Internationally acclaimed singer, songwriter and vocal powerhouse I Used To Be Sam (aka Annie Goodchild) returns with their brand new single ‘Mountains’, out now. The track is the latest installment taken from their upcoming debut EP, ‘I Used to be Sam’, set for release this summer.

Previously known for her work as Annie Goodchild and as a featured singer in the musical collective Postmodern Jukebox, I Used To Be Sam steps into a complex journey of transracial adoption and self-discovery on their new EP ‘I Used to Be Sam’ – an explorative new collection of deeply personal, cinematic, left-field pop, all wrapped up in the singers distinctively illustrious voice.

After taking an Ancestry DNA test, I Used To Be Sam learned that before being adopted, she used to be named Samantha. Album cornerstone ‘Mountains’ explores the sensation of emerging up out of ‘the fog’; a term that some adoptees use to describe the way they feel, think, and operate while growing up cloaked in denial, conditioning, and ignorance. Coming out of the fog refers to the organic and non-linear process by which an adoptee begins to unlearn and deconstruct the mythologies taught to them about adoption by their adoptive family and mainstream society at large.

“‘Mountains’ ties into the specific day on which I was adopted,” they explain. “My parents invited loads of people over to the house to welcome this kid to a completely different place, with all these people touching and holding my body and passing me around.” The excited new parents had just intended to welcome their baby to the family but inadvertently created a harmful setting despite their good intentions. “I ended up having a big seizure as a result. I also learned recently that for almost a year afterward I would have these episodes where I would just hardcore disassociate.”

“One of the aspects to my journey and healing process through all this was allowing myself to get angry. We are taught by the act of abandonment that anyone, even those who are meant to love you unconditionally will leave you. So be malleable, be small, please the egos of those who chose you. Don’t be mad when they take your name from you to fit their idea of their own family. I was adopted into privilege – a middle-class family who loves me. So to be told and shown by the wider TRA community that I’m allowed to be mad about my traumas, even though well-intentioned, was truly a gift.”

Though ‘Mountains’ is rooted in the anger associated with these memories, it also centers hope in its spare and affecting melodies. When I Used To Be Sam disassociates now, “I imagine mountains, they’re free and strong and open” and also represent the sense of grounding and foundation they feel they lack as an adopted person.

After attempts to reconnect with her birth mother were met by re-rejection, I Used To Be Sam recounted this experience to a producer on a writing trip in Berlin. And from that moment, I Used To Be Sam was born. Including other transracial adoptees in this project became increasingly important to I Used To Be Sam the more they educated themself on the adoption narrative. Across films, TV, social media, or conversations at home, adoption is almost solely told through the lens of the adoptive parent. This skews and manipulates a very multi-layered experience for almost all adoptees / TRA’s. She says, “Our voices, our stories, our trauma, and our successes are ours to tell. So I knew early on that even though my platform wasn’t big, it was big enough to share with other TRA’s.”

Eager to learn and share experiences from other TRA’s, I Used To Be Sam reached out to adoptee communities through social media, and those who she spoke to are the voices heard throughout the project – “Adoptees have really created a lush community for each other. And stumbling upon it was shocking but so rewarding. For anyone interested in hearing more about adoption from adoptees I highly recommend respectfully visiting our spaces. I have learned so much from this group of generous people.”

Not only is ‘Mountains’ the bravest, freest, and most confronting music of Annie’s prolific career, it’s also a vessel and safe space to bring people with shared experiences together, and open up the narrative around transracial adoption. Since the birth of the project, I Used To Be Sam has struck up conversations with countless other transracial adoptees (TRAs), and sharing overlapping experiences informed the incredibly personal nature of I Used To Be Sam’s debut EP.

I USED TO BE SAM ONLINE

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Indie

Nissu unveils a sonic tapestry of emotion with his new EP “Memories”

Dublin-based Brazilian artist Nissu, an emerging force in the pop music landscape, is poised to make a significant impact by releasing his anticipated EP, “Memories.” This sonic collection, comprised of six tracks, showcases a masterclass in emotive storytelling characterized by meticulous craftsmanship. Collaborating with acclaimed producer Trey Vittetoe, whose credits include icons like Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, and Selena Gomez, “Memories” seamlessly merges heartfelt lyricism, smooth melodies, and dynamic instrumentals, setting the stage for an unforgettable auditory experience. Inspired by his diverse artistic background, “Memories” delves into love, friendship, resilience, self-discovery, and emotional interconnectedness. Nissu’s ability to intertwine raw emotion with polished pop sensibilities establishes this EP as a remarkable entry in the genre, inviting listeners into his world through a rich soundscape of nostalgia-infused contemporary pop.

The EP opens with “U,” an anthemic pop banger that exemplifies Vittetoe’s sophisticated approach. It sets the tone with a heartfelt exploration of love and the intricacies of giving and receiving affection, emphasizing emotional vulnerability. The polished production and catchy hooks render it an instant earworm, highlighting Nissu’s adept vocal delivery.

Following this, “Connection“ bursts onto the scene with its euphoric energy and uplifting lyrics, compelling audiences to sing along and immerse themselves in its message of strength and compassion. As Nissu’s first self-released track, it serves as a sonic therapy session, reminding listeners of the power of human connection and emphasizing the necessity of meaningful bonds in relationships, especially during the most challenging times.

The third track, “Yourself,“ featuring Paigey Cakey, introduces a profoundly introspective moment on navigating life’s unexpected revelations through a lens of resilience. This soulful single exudes therapeutic undertones centered on self-worth and artistic expression, taking listeners on a poetic adventure. Paigey Cakey’s collaboration adds a distinctive layer, enhancing the track’s emotional resonance.

Artist Spotlight

Yella Beezy Shuts Down Speculation After Photo With G$ Lil Ronnie’s Murder Suspect Surfaces

Dallas rapper Yella Beezy is speaking out after a photo of him with one of the suspects linked to the murder of Fort Worth artist G$ Lil Ronnie and his young daughter began making the rounds online. On Wednesday, Beezy posted on Instagram to clarify that he had no idea who the person was when the photo was taken. He pointed out that taking pictures with fans and strangers is just part of his life as a musician. “Don’t associate my name with any of that nonsense,” Beezy wrote in his Instagram Story. “I take tons of pictures every day with people I don’t know; it’s part of my job. It’s ridiculous to use a photo of me in a situation like this. Don’t mess with my image, especially when it involves kids. Straight up. Rest in peace to Chuckie and his little girl.”

Beezy’s response came after some social media users suggested he might have a connection to the tragic incident where G$ Lil Ronnie and his daughter lost their lives in a shocking act of violence. Speculation grew after the photo emerged showing Beezy alongside one of the accused. However, the rapper quickly set the record straight, denying any false claims and expressing his strong stance against violence, especially towards innocent children. His fans and friends in the music industry quickly supported Beezy, acknowledging how difficult it can be for public figures to interact with fans.

In today’s social media world, where people often jump to conclusions based on limited information, Beezy’s message serves as a reminder that just because an artist appears in a photo with someone does not mean they are connected in any way. As the tragic news of G$ Lil Ronnie’s death continues to affect the Texas rap community, Yella Beezy’s words highlight an important point that being photographed with someone doesn’t imply guilt or involvement. While investigations into this heartbreaking case continue, Beezy is dedicated to protecting his reputation and ensuring his name isn’t wrongly involved in untrue rumors.

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