Samarah
Samarah is an electronic artist who is known for her glitchy IDM beats, whispering vocals and elegant arrangements of dreamy moods, textural bleeps and intricate atmospherics. Her live performances and recordings are an invitation into Samarah’s futuristic and idyllic micro world of unconventional sonic beauty.
Samarah began playing piano at the age of seven and experimented with various orchestral instruments and choir during her childhood. By thirteen she was composing her own songs and played her first gig at fifteen in a local bar in Wisconsin. In the late 90's she discovered electronic music through the rave scene and inspired, she bought her first computer and got her hands on production software, synthesizers, samplers and drum machines. The end result was elegant compositions of minimal trip hop and experimental idm with vocals.
After moving to Madison, Wisconsin in 2000 to attend graphic design school, she became involved in the local rave scene by promoting ambient events and in 2003 released her first ep So Lovely -- the title track was picked up by Minneapolis Limited Records for a compilation. In 2004 she followed up with a downtempo ep, What is Beautiful, and in 2005 released her most experimental ep, These Things. These Things showcased refined production skills and ability to manipulate and create sounds. The ep was released by netlabels Nishi on Notype, Electronical and Belladonna Records.
Later that year, Samarah co-released her first full-length album Falling Away with Zod Records who's roster includes artists Emotional Joystick and Venetian Snares. Igloo Magazine reviewed: "I don't know many women in electronics, my only memories being the mighty Andrea Parker, Leila and Mira Calix. And to be sincere, I can't remember what the latest releases by Leila are, but I do remember how disappointing the last Mira Calix album...This Samarah record dropped out of nowhere apparently, I've never heard of her and thus it's a great surprise to find such a fresh and classic work."
Throughout the years she has played throughout the Midwest in cafes, clubs and raves alongside artists Andreas Tilliander, Cepia, Pressboard, Tiki Obmar, The Flashbulb, Landau and others. In 2006, she also helped launch electronic label, Belladonna Records, and continues to perform frequently and breath new life into the electronic music scene.
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