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Singer/songwriter Samantha Schultz is part of the new generation of musicians rising to the forefront in Western Canada. Seventeen years old and already a Canadian Folk Music Award Nominee, Schultz blends folk, soul and pop into her own unique organic style. Combining original compelling songs with powerful vocals, Samantha is riveting to see live.
Samantha’s 1st Edmonton performance, at 13 years old, wowed the sometimes fussy crowd at the Full Moon Folk Club with her acoustic guitar, heart-felt lyrics and a voice that brought people to their feet calling for an encore. In the 4 years to come, she has become a veteran of multiple music festivals and clubs, performing with many other artists such as Ruthie Foster, Lynn Miles, Alexis Cuba, Doug Cox, and Gaye Delorme to critical acclaim. Summer 2008 found Samantha on the Alberta Music Festival circuit including performing for a home town crowd as part of CKUA Radio sponsored “U-22” (Under 22) created by Rhea March, group at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival. In February 2009, Samantha found herself in Ontario where she opened for Ben Taylor and Schuyler Fisk at the El Mocambo in Toronto.
2007 was a milestone year for Samantha, recording and releasing her independent debut album “Both Sides” in August of that year (co-produced by Mark Sterling and Mike Lent, a renowned bass player. The album has had regular rotation on two local FM Stations and CBC Radio. Recently, Samantha’s debut CD has become available in Tokyo, Japan through the Shibuya Tower Record Store. She has currently shipped over 800 copies in response to brisk initial sales.
In October of 2008, Samantha was the first non-Ontarian to be invited to the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals Conference in Ottawa to participate in the “Youth Mentoring Program”. Samantha’s mentor for the weekend was multiple Maple Blues award winner and Juno Award nominee, Suzie Vinnick. Much interest has been shown by the eastern Canadian and international conference attendees towards Samantha following her showcase with Suzie.
Samantha’s summer of 2009 is filling up with her graduation from high school and subsequent confirmed performances at the Parkland Solstice Festival and the Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival.
The sky is the limit for this talented young Albertan.
Samantha’s music is available world wide through “CD Baby” and locally in Edmonton and Calgary through Mega-tunes and South Side Sound. |
