INTERVIEW: Sam DeRosa
By Maria Kornacki
NY bred/LA-based up-and-coming pop star, Sam DeRosa, let her guard down to share the behind the scenes of her life both on and off NBC’s Songland, as well as her current state whilst in quarantine.
An ex-boyfriend of her’s proposing to an ex-friend is just a snapshot of the life experiences DeRosa channels into her anthems. Throughout her discography, she consistently trusts her instincts in the storytelling process of songwriting alongside navigating the music industry. After all, she did win over multi-Grammy Award-winning songwriter and producer, Shane McAnally (Kacey Musgraves, Kelly Clarkson, Sam Hunt), with her original song, “Pill For This,” on the second season of Songland last year.
Generally, Sam DeRosa is just as determined as she was before the recognition and support she received on Songland, not to mention a major record deal, a reminder that there is always something to work towards. Perhaps her determined mindset stems from the fact that, after losing out to other contestants on several talent shows in her teens, she finally sang an original song, receiving a perfect score from the judges.
DeRosa’s hustle attitude is what got her this far, and, in this interview, she gives sincere advice on how to make a name for yourself. Though, she also expresses the importance of slowing down during this period—quarantine is a time for creativity, as well as rethinking and reflecting.
Your songwriting skills on “Pill For This” have gained major recognition. Tell us about the song’s evolution on the show and the sincere meaning behind it.
The song hitting the way it did on Songland was actually a surprise to me.
When we got on the show, my plan was to just sing the song and let them tell me how it felt/how it related to Charlie Puth. Instead, Ester Dean said, “You’re cute! Are you married?” I was SO nervous, so the word vomit of the century came next. I told them, "No way” and that they’d know more on that when they heard the song; *whoops.* Next thing I know, I’m telling the whole country about my heartbreak, haha.
The story is this: I’d been long-broken up with an ex of mine and thought I had unfollowed everyone/everything that involved him on social media. I still followed this one photographer and, you know how Instagram has that lovely new feature where they filter your feed to pictures that are trending/what they think you want to see? Well, I opened the app up and the photo right at the top of my feed was my ex-boyfriend proposing to my ex-friend. It was a strange feeling. I’d always known we were wrong for each other and needed to let go but something about that day, that moment…[I had] the weirdest feeling in my chest and I couldn't shake it. All I wanted was to stop thinking about it, but I couldn’t. “Pill For This” was born that day.
I said to myself, "This is such crap. We’ve got medicine for every ailment in the body, but there’s no pill to snap your fingers and forget somebody, something, or stop loving someone. There’s nothing for a broken heart."
The song wasn't actually changed at all on Songland. They made a point to tell me that they loved the writing and only wanted to reproduce the track. That felt really cool. A few months later, Shane McAnally called me and asked if I wanted a record deal—truly, those were his words on the phone. He said the song could be sent to other artists or I can keep it and release it as an artist- that it was my choice to make. So, I chose to keep my song and tell my own story for the first time in my life as a songwriter. It’s a really cool feeling.
I noticed several people in the comments of the “Pill For This (Prequel)” music video on your YouTube channel that said they like the slower pace in production, but think a DJ remix would best suit the song. What are your thoughts on this idea?
I love both versions because they both make the song feel so different. The Songland version is that power ballad for when you just need to feel all the emotions. The uptempo version is what I like to do when I'm upset: dance through the problem.
I’ve noticed those comments, too. I’m excited to say that I’ll be releasing the uptempo version on my EP! I’m new to having fans, so they deserve to get what they want if they take time out of their day to listen and tell me what they want to hear!
What have you learned about the songwriting process from working with established songwriters and producers?
I’ve learned that they’re people, just like me and you. They may have lots of hits and cuts under their belt but that there’s no formula to this. They are all people who have gotten really good at trusting their instincts and following their goosebumps. Everyone’s process is different, but the one true constant is that they’ve learned to make music that feels real to them and to stay inspired. I’m learning a lot and I’ve met some incredible people that I’m so thankful for.
Your success as an artist has been years in the making from talent shows to co-writing the smash hit, “Broken,” for lovelytheband. What was your musical journey like before Songland?
Before Songland, I was broke as hell in NY, living in my sister's spare room (which was essentially a walk-in closet), and taking sessions or meetings with anyone I could. Friends of friends would introduce me, or I’d go to shows and events to try to meet new people. I had a session with this guy, Christian....he liked my stuff and started pulling me in on co-writes, while we kept writing for my project. He eventually introduced me to his best friend, Mitchy, who was starting a new project but had no plans yet. We wrote “Broken” and “Emotion” in the summer of 2016. I kept grinding, writing, and playing awful gigs that barely paid much until I finally saved up to move to LA in the spring of 2017.
A month into my move, Christian told me that Mitchy’s band got signed and “Broken” was going to radio. Songland happened about a year later. It’s been a wild 3 years, but since 2016, I’ve had cuts with several major label artists, and now, I myself am one. It’s wild!
What advice do you have for anyone interested in making a name for themselves on Songland or artists who are just starting out?
I say go for it. Don’t take too much advice. Find out who you are, how you sound, and what music YOU WANT to make (not what you THINK you NEED to make). I’m a firm believer that the hustle can’t be taught and that anyone with a hustle attitude will always make it, whether they’re the best in the room on Day 1, or not. It’s all about working hard, staying kind, and never quitting.
I think Songland is awesome for songwriters who are starting out and want a cool platform. The show is great and the people who work it are SO incredibly kind and comforting. It didn’t feel like TV at all. It felt genuine. It’s worth a shot!
What have you been working on during this quarantine period? What’s keeping you motivated?
My EP! So excited. I’ve also been doing zoom sessions with my favorite co-writers to finish up songs and writing new ones! I've also been doing zoom sessions with some fans, which has been so fun! I’m learning how to appreciate this time, to slow down, to practice, and to realize that my life is not measured in how much I do or how busy I am.
My family keeps me motivated, always. They’re my inspiration. I miss them a lot but it is fuel to the fire to achieve my dreams. This pandemic has been tough. I lost my uncle to COVID in May and couldn’t go home, so the distance between LA and NY feels very real during this time. I remind myself that this time away and missing my family can’t be wasted. This is all for a higher purpose. I want to really make everyone proud, including myself, and hopefully make enough money to tell my parents they can quit [their jobs] and go move to an island somewhere, haha.
What else can we look forward to from you in the upcoming months?
Look out for new music, music videos, and cuts with other major label artists.
Stay tuned for more music from songwriting star, Sam DeRosa.