What’s the sound of a page turning? For music artist Samantha Fish, the answer comes on her latest album Faster. Released in September 2021, the record marks a new chapter in what has been an impressive run of albums for the 33-year-old singer-songwriter from Kansas City.
After establishing herself as a blues artist to watch with her 2013 debut Black Wind Howlin’ and her 2015 follow-up, Wildheart — which included a dash of roots rock for good measure — Fish really began to stretch out stylistically. Her following LP, Chills & Fever, found Fish recording with garage rock band the Detroit Cobras, and the ensuing years brought a series of twists and turns as she explored the contours of rootsy Americana, vintage R&B, uptempo rock and more.
For 2019’s Kill or Be Kind, Fish went to Memphis to record, and delivered an album of stinging rock, soul and blues-tinged pop ballads, all wrapped in sophisticated songwriting and a more modern feel that contrasted with the vintage vibe of her previous work. The change of scenery opened up new possibilities for the artist.
“I think Kill or Be Kind has that soulfulness,” Fish says. “Memphis was such a big part of it. You know, it’s like our backdrop says so much. It really sets the tone for the album.”
Now, with Faster, Fish covers even more stylistic ground by introducing a few new wrinkles to her sound. In particular, Fish says she was able to bring a pop dimension to the album by working and co-writing with producer Martin Kierszenbaum.
“Martin’s a pretty incredible producer. He’s worked with some major pop acts in the mainstream field,” Fish says, noting a resume that includes Sting, Lady Gaga and Madonna. “I think my goal with this record was to make songs that could cross over into a realm I hadn’t crossed into yet, but also maintain the authenticity of who I am as an artist and a guitar player. That, of course, is always the challenge when you’re trying something new: maintaining who you are, but also committing to the process.”
The new songs add up to what might be the artist’s most diverse record to date. But Fish says there’s a common thread tying together disparate elements.
“I think they’re empowering. They’re fun,” she says of the 12 new tracks. “There are some that are more skewed rock and roll. There’s some pop influence. I feel like there’s bluesy guitar all over it. My voice just tends to skew bluesy anyway. So it’s kind of got this soulful quality to it.”
Fish’s music has diversified enough that perhaps it isn’t fair to call her a blues artist anymore. But she embraces the label and feels her fans have come along as she’s explored different directions in her music.
“I think especially our big fans are kind of used to the shift. They’re used to this kind of abuse and not knowing what to expect for the next one,” Fish says. “But I tried my best just to remain consistent through that and deliver something that’s just better than the last thing. I just try to improve with every album and be honest with what I’m doing. I feel like that’s when you’re going to get me at my most authentic.”
Fish’s next batch of music figures to once again show her tendency for creative adventure, teaming up with country artist Jesse Dayton for a collaborative album planned for release in May. But while she embraces the restlessness of her ever-expanding sound, Fish says she’ll always be connected to the blues tradition where she first found her voice as an artist.
“I’ve had a lot of conversations with people about what blues is today, in the sense of the genre. I always try to bring some of that to everything I do, because when I started playing guitar and where I come from as an artist, it’s such a heavy inspiration to me. So I feel like I can’t help it. It comes out in whatever I’m doing,” she says. “I think that’s why I’ve been in that genre for so long, but I really don’t mind stretching and pushing and hopefully expanding and evolving within that genre. Hopefully [the fans] accept it, but at the same time, I have to just kind of evolve as an artist. Whatever the genre may be, it’s still going to be me.”
ON THE BILL: Samantha Fish with Eric Johanson. 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St. $32