Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Haas.
Hi Samantha, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Growing up, I never really felt like I fit in anywhere. I played sports, wrote songs in my basement & had a love of all things “different.”
It wasn’t until my freshman year of high school that I knew music was and always would be my first love. Every weekend when my friends would be out at parties, on a date with their significant other, at the movies, etc., I would be in my basement, teaching myself how to play Taylor Swift songs on the guitar I got for Christmas that year.
After teaching myself pretty basic guitar, I decided to try to write my first song and in that moment after completing it, I knew this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
It has definitely taken me longer to find myself and focus on writing about topics that really mean something, but in 2018 it all clicked in my brain, and HAAS was formed.
My grandfather was the main inspiration behind HAAS. It is the family name and I wanted to pay tribute to the man that showed me how magical music is and how it truly can change the world.
So here we are in 2022, I have moved to Nashville and I am still the girl writing songs, hoping they connect people.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I envy those that have had a “smooth road”, but I don’t believe that it is actually possible. The highs and lows are what build you as a person, as a writer, as a friend, as a daughter. They are essential.
During college, I fell out of love with music. I didn’t understand what my purpose in life was. I struggled with my mental health at that time and I made decisions that didn’t feel authentic. One day I just picked back up my guitar I felt at home.
Ever since that day, I haven’t put it down.
I was supposed to move to Nashville in Aug 2020 and everything was ready to go and in March 2020 the world shut down due to COVID-19.
The first months in lockdown really took me back to my college days. I was struggling mentally; didn’t feel I had a purpose and constantly was asking “why me?”
Eventually, I came to realize that this time is beneficial and it allowed me to grow even more as a person and as a musician.
I learned to enjoy and thrive during periods of time that aren’t “ideal.”
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Virginia-born singer-songwriter that loves to write songs for those who don’t feel like they fit in anywhere.
I hope that I’m known for constantly experimenting with my sound, but that my songs have a meaning to someone/give someone meaning and purpose.
I am most proud of how open to trying new things I am. I never want to be put into a box.
I believe what sets me apart from others is I want to create an inclusive space for listeners who do not feel they have a safe space. It is the most important part of why I continue to write songs and perform. I want to do what other musicians did for me growing up.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I still see myself writing songs in my basement, but I hope that I am given the opportunity to start touring and playing live for those that have made a connection with my music.
I hope I am given the opportunity to still be experimenting and creating a space where listeners feel safe.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@shaas.co
- Website: www.shaas.co
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/iamsamhaas
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/iamsamhaas
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/iamsamhaas
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/HAASVA
Image Credits
Kyla Jeanette Photography
Ashley Nicole Photography
Alex Atamian Photography
