RECORDS LiVE

Tamara: Thank you for being here today. This is Sam. Samantha. 

Sam: Hello. Hi guys. I was roped into this. 

Tamara: Oh my god, here she goes. A Leo who doesn’t like attention? 

Sam: Who is she? 

Tamara: Okay, so you brought some music for me today? 

Sam: I did. 

Tamara: How was the commute? 

Sam: I don’t want to talk about it. I thought LA traffic would be fine at 1:30 getting out here… why did it take two and a half hours? So rude. 

Song Plays: Cage The Elephant – Right Before My Eyes 

Tamara: Everyone get off the road, Sam’s there. Okay, so your first song is by Cage The Elephant. 

Sam: Yes. 

Tamara: When did you start listening to Cage The Elephant? 

Sam: I actually started in middle school because a boy I had a crush on was sitting next to me in class. He asked, “Do you listen to indie alternative music?” And I was like, “I don’t know, maybe.” Then he told me I should listen to Cage The Elephant, so I did. And unfortunately, it did change my life. 

I remember this is one of the first albums I think I listened to. You know, everyone’s emo in middle school. I know this song is probably about drugs for him, but to me, it was about everything in my life not being in control. You just feel lost in middle school. I would sit there and walk around with my little hoodie on, as a loner for the first year of middle school. I just had my earphones on and would feel sad, thinking, He relates to me. He understands what it’s like. Ever since then, I’ve been very involved in the indie scene. Honestly, I have to give a shout-out to Ethan for telling me about indie music, because now it’s a huge part of my life. 

Tamara: Nice. What’s he up to now? Does he still listen to indie alternative music? 

Sam: I’m pretty sure he does. Yeah, I think he got married to some girl that we all knew in middle school. I didn’t make it, guys. 

Tamara: You weren’t indie enough. 

Sam: I was not. 

Tamara: That’s so funny. So out of all of the Cage The Elephant songs, why did you choose this one? Was this the first one you listened to? 

Sam: I think because this is one that I felt really connected to. I just have such a specific memory of listening to it and acting like I was in a movie. I would have my headphones in, look around, and think about how the lyrics belonged in an indie soundtrack. 

I love indie movies, I love indie music, so I just imagined myself walking through the hallways as an emotional kid in a movie. It always made me feel special. Every time it comes on shuffle in the car, I flash back to that moment in middle school and realize that while everything at that time felt out of my hands, I eventually took a grasp of my own life. And now the whole world is not losing control. 

Tamara: Hell yeah, I love that. You mentioned this could be in a movie soundtrack and that you love indie movies. Which movie do you think has one of the best soundtracks? 

Sam: Oh my goodness, that’s actually really hard. I don’t know. Just because I watched it yesterday, I’ll say the movie Fresh with Daisy Edgar-Jones and Sebastian Stan. They have really great songs in that movie. There’s a scene where they’re on a first date dancing in the living room to Thundercat. When I first watched it, I knew it was going to be a good movie. 

Tamara: Yeah, a great opening song like that makes a difference.  

Song Plays: Kendrick Lamar – i 

Tamara: Before we get into the next one, you were in your first mosh pit to this band? 

Sam: Yeah, that was my very first mosh pit. It was the first concert I went to with just friends. I remember when the band came on, the entire crowd surged and I got lifted right off the ground. I think I was 16 years old. My arms were stuck at my sides, and I feel like that was a determining moment for whether I could handle crowds and mosh pits. To me, it felt magical. It was also the first time I experienced an artist crowd-surfing; he stood in the crowd and jumped off the second-floor balcony, and everyone caught him. It was life-changing for me, and I think it’s the reason I love live music so much now. 

Tamara: That’s beautiful. Now you’re a crowd queen. 

Sam: Yeah, I love crowd-surfing now. 

Tamara: Your music taste is very eclectic. She chose a lot of different music, which I really enjoy. We have Kendrick Lamar here. You are a big rap fan. 

Sam: I am a big rap fan. 

Tamara: Let’s talk about why you chose this song. 

Sam: Okay, so this album was really important to me. Growing up in the IE, everyone listens to rap here at some point. You hear rap playing at all the dances. We grew up in an era where rap was at its peak, and I used to listen to the fun party rap music. But I remember my dad handed me this album and he was like, “You need to listen to this. Listen to the lyrics.” 

When I listened to the lyrics of this song, it changed my idea of what rap could be. A lot of people hear rap at the clubs and party to it—I grew up hearing “Rack City” and Drake. So, I thought rap was just fun, but then I heard this and realized there was a whole message behind it. Listening to Kendrick’s albums gives you insight into a life you would never personally experience, the plights that other people go through, and a world I would never recognize. He takes you to a point of view that I would never see. The way he tells his stories takes you from crying to this one that’s like “I love myself.” 

My dad bought me this CD when I got my first car. I had this and good kid, m.A.A.d city on repeat, so I knew all the words to all the songs. Oh yeah, and I’ve seen Kendrick probably eight times. 

Tamara: Oh my god, what was the most memorable live experience of Kendrick’s that you’ve seen? 

Sam: I think it was a free show his record label did in Watts. They do them every year, and you just have to bring a toy for a toy drive for the community. The lineup featured artists from his label like SZA, Isaiah Rashad, and Schoolboy Q, and that year he also brought out Rihanna. I got to see Rihanna for free in Watts, which was super cool, and they performed “Loyalty” together. 

It was so special because he brought a bunch of kids from the Watts community up on stage, and they were having the time of their lives. He pours a lot into his community. He would give them his all when performing, and even with the huge tours he does, he never forgot about his community. I love when you can tell an artist truly cares about their community. 

Tamara: Does that make a difference in how you enjoy music? Does it matter to you if an artist turns their back on their community versus never forgetting where they came from? 

Sam: It’s not like I’m actively wondering if an artist supports their community, but if they do show they care, it makes me like them even more. It adds another element to why I care about their new music, and you can feel that love in their songs. He references his community and the pressures of growing up in the world that he grew up in, in Compton. It’s really cool to get insight into what a lot of people would judge. 

Tamara: Nice. Are there any other elements of this song that you like? 

Sam: It goes from being a really upbeat song to a speech at the end about police brutality and racism going on in the communities. I love political music, when artists are political in their songs and share a message. Seeing the difference it makes, and it really is impactful. Having the voice that he has and being able to share that… Any artist too. I love bands like Mannequin Pussy. I love how Idles is very outspoken with their politics. I always appreciate when an artist truly believes in what they support and they aren’t ashamed to disrupt their album with their messages. 

Tamara: Yeah, and they’re not afraid of public backlash for what they believe in. 

Sam: Yeah, exactly, so it’s really important to me. His albums and artistry are so impactful. I think he won a Pulitzer Prize for his writing. His writing is impactful in people understanding the community. In a way people would look at it and just see gang violence in LA, but there are a lot of levels to this. Unfortunately, it takes an artist doing, but that’s why music is so important because it really can make that change. They used to play Marvin Gaye at all the protests in the ’70s, and it made an impact. It’s important to highlight those artists. It’s a long outro on this track. I know all the parts of this album for sure. I don’t remember what’s next, though. 

Tamara: You don’t remember what’s next? 

Sam: No. 

Song Plays: Muse – Hysteria 

Tamara: Oh yeah, you chose Muse. You’re a very big Muse fan. 

Sam: I am. This is a very nostalgic album for me. I love this song, and this album made me want to listen to every layer of a song because there are so many different elements to it. When I listened to it, I felt like I wanted to listen to the guitar, I wanted to listen to the bass, I wanted to listen to the drums, I wanted to listen to the synths, and even his vocal inflections seemed very experimental. I had never heard anything like it at the time. Both my mom and my dad really loved this album, and we would just be screaming it 24/7. All together. It was very bonding. 

Tamara: With all the different elements you focused on, what ended up being your favorite? 

Sam: Honestly, this part where he yells. You can hear the passion in his voice when he sings it. My sister, my mom, and I would be in the car screaming this at the top of our lungs, and it felt so powerful. This album makes me feel like I’m floating through space or something when I listen to it. 

My dad took me to their concert when I was 17. We waited in line for hours because he got floor seats for me, and I was so excited. I remember watching the bassist on stage playing. The bass in this song is crazy, and his fingers moved so fast. Seeing it happen right in front of me was crazy. My mom wasn’t on the floor with us, she was up in the stands with her new man, but we were all there together. It was fun because we all enjoyed Muse together. I will say they give probably the best live performances I’ve ever seen. They’re the most theatrical band, and I do love a theatrical artist. Shout out, SEPT. 

Tamara: Shout out SEPT. Do you think you became a music lover because of how your parents raised you and the kind of music they put you on? 

Sam: Oh, 100%. My eclectic music taste is a culmination of my parents’ different eras of music. My dad was very into indie alternative and introduced me to Kendrick, while my mom was very much into ’80s rock, rap, old-school, and soul. We could listen to literally anything, and it definitely influences my listening today. 

I’m really thankful for it because when you enjoy so many different genres, you can have fun in almost any setting. Music brings so much joy. If you go to a party and feel a bit awkward, recognizing a song or a band provides a moment of levity. You can also relate to a lot of people when you know music. If I feel like I have nothing to talk about, finding a shared artist connects us. Understanding what kind of music people like and why they like it is a deeply connecting thing to have. 

Tamara: I agree with that. Since neither of your parents are here to defend themselves, who has the better music taste? 

Sam: I’d say my mom. Yeah, my mom’s got a very wide range like me, and she puts me on a lot. But she won’t admit that I can put her on songs. 

Tamara: Yeah, she’ll be like, “Oh, Samantha, you showed me this song last week? No.” 

Sam: No, literally! It’ll be two years later and she’ll ask, “Have you heard this artist?” And I’m like, “I literally told you about them two years ago,” and she’ll say, “No, you didn’t.” 

Song Plays: Night Tapes – Forever 

Tamara: Okay, so Night Tapes is a group that I’m unfamiliar with. How did you first discover them? 

Sam: Okay, so I found Night Tapes when I was going through a breakup. They’re a pretty small British band. I was sad and walking through the streets of London, just wandering into places that caught my ear. I heard this playing in a venue and wondered what it was, so I went in, paid for a show, and it ended up being so beautiful. The lead singer is a very whimsical performer. She’s very witchy and waves her hands around. It was honestly the perfect vibe for going through a breakup. 

I remember messaging them on Instagram saying, “I loved you guys so much. If you’re ever in LA, please let me know, I need to see you perform.” They didn’t respond, of course, but the next year they messaged me to say they were performing in LA and gave me a ticket. It was really sweet. I’ve been a huge fan ever since, listening to their music back-to-back. I think they could be huge; they’re really great. 

Tamara: Are they still a baby band, or have they been working at it for a while? 

Sam: I think they’re pretty baby still. They only have two EPs out and a bunch of singles. They seem to be around our age, and they’ve only toured the U.S. once. Because I listen to so much music, their tracks are my go-to recommendation because everyone likes it—it’s very palatable and likable. It’s very indicative of where I am now with my current music taste. The nostalgia of being a genuine fan of a band I stumbled upon in a random country, and having them reach out later, was really special. Their show here at the Roxy was great too. 

Tamara: Oh, nice. That’s very cool. What song by any artist would you put on to vibe-check somebody? 

Sam: Okay, this is something my sister and I do all the time. We always put on “Mercy” (by Kanye West) in the car. And you know what? Tamara and I will sing that at karaoke—don’t cancel me, guys. When Tamara and I sang it at karaoke, I knew she would be my friend because she was able to vibe with me. Now it’s super fun. My mom, my sister, and I know all the words to that song, and now Tamara has been brought into the fold. 

Tamara: Yeah, the first time I heard “Mercy” was Sam singing it at karaoke, and I was confused at first. 

Sam: And now you know the words. 

Tamara: Now I know the words. Every time I see a little bear with green corduroy or hear lines like “Lamborghini Mercy. Your chick, she so thirsty,” I think of Sam. 

Sam: Oh yeah, proudly. Yeah, you’re basically in my family now. 

Tamara: Oh yeah. We can’t get into the lore of why, but…  

Sam: I honestly decided to become friends with Tamara because I thought she seemed to have good music taste. 

Tamara: That’s so crazy. Thank you. I don’t think my music taste is anything special. I’ll hear a track and ask, “What group is this? What song is this?” and it’ll turn out to be like Daft Punk. 

Sam: Yeah, you don’t know a lot of artists, but you know a lot of music. 

Tamara: I guess so.  

Sam: And now you’re here.  

Tamara: And now I’m here, but I ask the questions; I don’t put the music on.

Song Plays: Depeche Mode – Dreaming of Me 

Tamara: We are at our final song, which is by a great group. Do you remember what you chose for this one? 

Sam: I do remember this one. Yeah, I love Depeche Mode. While Muse was my bonding moment with my dad, this band was a bonding point with my mom. I grew up on a lot of ’80s movies and ’80s music, and it influenced my style and who I am today. It just makes me feel good and want to dance. 

I remember vibe-checking you when ’80s music came on in my car and you knew so many of the artists. I was like, We’re gonna be best friends. I know it. You dress very ’80s too, which inspired me to embrace that style more. I love dancing to this music. I know this is a more upbeat version of their songs, don’t come for me, but it makes me feel good. 

A few years ago, I was able to take my mom to one of their concerts, and it was really special to sit, dance, and sing with her. Growing up, we would watch their live concerts on Sundays while cleaning the house; she would put on a DVD of their shows. Going from watching it on TV cleaning on Sundays to seeing it in person was beautiful. When this song came on, I realized I had forgotten about it, and we just looked at each other and sang it together. It was a really nice moment to have with her. 

Tamara: That’s beautiful. Do you think she thinks fondly of that moment too? Does she associate that song with it? 

Sam: I hope so—maybe the whole trip. We got pretty drunk. I remember there was a kid next to us who was just watching Cocomelon or something on his phone. You could tell he was just there to please his dad, and my mom said, “God, I’m glad you’re not an annoying kid on your phone here just to please me.” I told her I genuinely love that we listen to music together. 

Bonding with my parents over music has been a huge thing for me. I’ve made a lot of friends and built human connections through music. Some people bond through activities, sports, or games, but having such a wide variety of music tastes has allowed me to meet so many friends. I look for that bond in people because I grew up having that connection at home. 

Tamara: That’s beautiful. What’s your dream theme to throw for a show that you haven’t done yet? 

Sam: I’d love to do a true ’80s synth night. We always do ‘80s-themed shows, but being able to book actual ’80s-sounding contemporary artists would be really fun. There’s a huge underground scene for that and matching the live music perfectly to the theme of our show would be amazing. 

Tamara: Nice. Well, we’re at the end. Thank you so much for being here today. I hope it wasn’t too scary. How do you feel? 

Sam: I’m blacked out.  

Tamara: Rate it right now. Tell me how I did. 

Sam: You did great. You’re always a 10. We had good banter, I think. Guys, don’t tell me if we didn’t.  

Tamara: You better come up and praise Sam after this, please. 

Sam: No, don’t. I’m not going to believe it now that she’s forced you into it. 

Tamara: Okay, where can we find you if people want to follow you?  

Sam: Revel Girl, or @sammatoullie.