"People couldn't believe my voice looking at me, it was always a double look. This tiny Filipina girl with a big voice!? However, it took a long time to master my sound, I know now that it sets me apart from a lot of other singers."
TRAKTIVIST is essentially a collection of stories & storytellers through art. Through these interviews, our aim is to give each artist the ability to provide a glimpse of their art, dynamic experiences, and life perspectives.
SAMANTHA MENDOZA
Who are you and what do you do?
I am a singer/songwriter.
In five words, how would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard it?
Beyonce and Amy Winehouse's lovechild.
Tell us a story of transformation; musical, identity, or something that has played a key role in change in your life.
I was always influenced by the greats, Karen Carpenter, Mariah Carey, Aaliyah, Stevie Wonder and Lauryn Hill. I didn't really know my voice was soulful, I just sang. People couldn't believe my voice looking at me, it was always a double look. This tiny Filipina girl with a big voice!? However, it took a long time to master my sound, I know now that it sets me apart from a lot of other singers. Everytime I was called into a studio to record a track, either it be: EDM, Rock, or Hip Hop...I make it sound like an R&B and Soul song, lol. I lost a lot of gigs and placements because of that, surprisingly; but I know my style, and I know I have a signature sound.
Describe a place, either geographically, socially, or emotionally that has driven, or continues to drive, your creative process.
UK.... ALL of their artists have been my drive, I've always wanted to travel there, and am blessed to have a tiny fan base out there! Their artist define music to me in this generation, from Disclosure to Kwabs, Amy Winehouse, Adele, Sam Smith etc., the list is crazy long but I hope to perform there someday.
How does the “Asian American” identity play out in your musical universe?
It's been difficult honestly for me since my look hasn't matched my voice, people never knew where to place me. They would want me to be Latina than Asian, and blah. But now, I have people trying to manage me! My image and sound hasn't been commercialized yet. I am proud to be Pinay, but I don't want my nationality define me as an artist.
What is your personal definition of success? What are your keys to success as an artist?
Success is, that moment you know you've conquered the uncomfortable, from within. Going after the unknown is already success, because it's a step forward into the stories dreams are made of.
Being able to find inspiration in everything. That's the key to success.
If you were given the opportunity to create a world, what would be in that world?
A world that looks somewhat like Candyland, a Foodie world, now I'm thinking of (Cloudy with a chance of meatballs) lol ....where everything has no calories! Everyone is a mixed nationality so there's no racism! Puppies and kittens stay forever young! Instead of cars everyone has a different color Yoshi from Mario Bros.
What’s your motto or an advice you that live by?
What is success, if you can't share it with someone.
Discover more about Samantha Mendoza:
➼ SamanthaMendozaMusic.com
➼ Instagram.com/SaMendoza
➼ Youtube.com/LeSamantha
➼ Facebook.com/LeSamantha
➼ Twitter.com/LeSaMendoza
Upcoming Event:
Room5 Lounge - Friday, October 02, 2015 9:00 PM - Los Angeles, California