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About This Event
Samia Presale Schedule:
Spotify presale – activates Wednesday, 10/6 11am CT
Venue presale – activates Thursday, 10/7 12pm CT
All presales END on Thursday, 10/7 at 11:59pm
Please note that Majestic Theatre, High Noon Saloon, Orpheum Theater, and The Sylvee are requiring all fans to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours OR full vaccination for entry to all events at the venue moving forward. In accordance with current Dane County Public Health guidelines, this performance will also require masks regardless of vaccination status. Additional policies may apply on a show-by-show basis. More details available here.
Samia’s 2020 debut album, The Baby, was a testament to her impressive vocal might, irresistible tunefulness and
vulnerable lyricism, both clever and illuminating in equal measure. Drawing widespread acclaim from Pitchfork,
Stereogum, NPR, NME, The Sunday Times, and others, the LP more than delivered following the promise of
early singles like 2018’s “Django” and 2019’s “Ode to Artifice.” After emerging as one of the most exciting
up-and-comers in indie rock, Samia released a companion album this past January titled The Baby Reimagined, a
collection of covers and remixes featuring Bartees Strange, Anjimile, Field Medic, Palehound, former tourmate
Donna Missal, and more.
Samia spent much of 2020 in self-reflection, and she also made various life changes that left her feeling more
earnest and centered. “I got back into therapy and started thinking about boundaries, I moved to Nashville, I did
yoga sometimes,” she says. During this time, she wrote a handful of songs that make up Scout, a new EP out
digitally on July 23. “These were pretty much the only four songs that came naturally during this time, but I
think they really mirror my emotional experience this past year,” Samia says.
While The Baby leaned more on self-deprecating humor, Scout was born out of a need to “honor feeling secure in
what [she] had to say.” Lead track “As You Are” revels in the preciousness of unconditional love (“When
somebody loves you / They take you as you are,” she belts in the chorus) and floats delicately with graceful vocals
and steady percussion. Staticky guitar number “Show Up” is an acknowledgment of personal growth, and its
unwavering desire for wholesome joy really tugs at the heartstrings (“Nothing could ever stop / my ass from
showing up / to sing another song for the people I love”). The EP is packed with reverence for life’s ups and
downs, but more than anything, it’s an ode to loved ones.
The compassionate glow of this EP partially stems from her new Nashville surroundings, as well as her recent
experiences “feeling genuinely loved, making new friends, and holding onto old friendships.” There’s a palpable
intimacy to these recordings, whether it’s the voicemail murmurs of “As You Are,” the heart-on-your-sleeve lyrics
or the piano twinkles throughout. It’s reminiscent of that reassuring exhale in the mirror after an imperfect yet
fulfilling day. As Samia puts it, Scout is “The Baby’s slightly older sister letting her know that everything is gonna
be alright.”
The EP title is a nickname of Samia’s, and it’s a fitting nod to the record’s benevolence. “My partner calls me
Scout,” she explains. “It’s just a word that implies bravery to me. I always picture a little girl with a sash and
badges basking in her autonomy selling Samoas.” Whether you’re a girl scout trying to gain confidence or an
adult who needs reminders of our inability to make everyone happy (“Elephant”) or the untold power of being
there for someone (“The Promise”), this EP is an unashamed loving nudge.
Madison, 53703