Review Fix Exclusive: Samantha Fish Talks ‘Chills & Fever,’ Highline Ballroom

Review Fix chats with singer/songwriter and guitarist Samantha Fish, who discusses the creative process behind her new album, “Chills & Fever,” as well as her upcoming performance at the Highline Ballroom in New York City on April 14.

About Samantha Fish:

Whether one leans towards the blues, opts for Americana or ignites some special fervor by playing with a garage band, there’s a common bond that suggests a reverence for the roots. Looking back towards an earlier template — no matter what the genre — proves the point that appreciating what came before can be a stepping stone for what comes next.

Samantha Fish knows that all too well, and it’s been evidenced in the music she’s made her entire career. While she’s well known as a purveyor of blues, having been lauded by such legends as Buddy Guy, the Royal Southern Brotherhood, and Luther Dickinson, her real love is simply raw, scrappy rock and roll. “I grew up on it,” she insists. “Working with Luther on my last album further instilled that spirit in me. It made me realize just how much that basic, unfettered sound means to me, and how well it ties into soul music, R&B, country and so many other forms of music that are essential even today.”

Review Fix: How was this album born?

Samantha Fish: I’ve always wanted to play with a bigger band and after riding the high of the last album, it was time. When I met my producer, Bobby Harlow, he had all these connections in Detroit, so Motown started playing a big part in the album. It became an opportunity to explore a slightly different side of my personality. I loved soul and R&B when I was learning to sing, but leaned a little heavier on rock and blues in my writing and live performances.

Review Fix: What was the creation of this album like?

Fish: It was winter-time in Detroit. We set up at this studio called the 45 Factory. The backing band was members of a stellar Midwest rock band, The Detroit Cobras. We brought in horns from New Orleans and a piano player from the area. We were taking on covers from the 50’s and 60’s, so it became a collision of regions.

Review Fix: Any fun stories or wild moments?

Fish: Everyday was fun. We had a funny, lighthearted group of guys. Super focused on the music and making the best record possible.

Review Fix: How does this album disrupt the musical landscape?

Fish: If you are asking how this album sets itself apart, I think that was answered earlier. It has a lot of personality by bringing in these different regions. I feel like it’s a timeless album that brings classic songs into the now. It’s fearless and loud. We spent a lot of time getting the vocals to sound right. The songs on this album range from Skip James to Allen Toussaint and Nina Simone to girl groups like the Cineemas and the Ronettes. It varies, but everything fits together as a cohesive trip.

Review Fix: Who will enjoy this album the most?

Fish: I think my fans will love it. It’s a different side of me that they might not have seen. I think it appeals to blues, rock, soul lovers. To me, it all fits under the umbrella of Americana roots rock n roll. Even though it’s crazy soulful, my voice still has the Midwest twang in it.

Review Fix: What are your goals for the album?

Fish: With any album you make you want it to reach new audiences while giving your current fans a new favorite album. Growth and change are important to me as an artist. I want to feel like I can go in new directions and take everyone on the journey with me. It’s part of the fun.

Review Fix: Thoughts on the upcoming tour and playing at the Highline Ballroom?

Fish: The live show is going to be so much fun. I’ve added horns and keys to the band. So it will be dynamic and energetic. I’m really excited for people to see what we have planned. I love the Highline, this will be my 2nd time in this venue. Last year was so special, so I’m anticipating that we will double down on it.

Review Fix: What’s next?

Fish: Touring this album nonstop through the spring, summer, and fall. We are all over the states and going to Europe. In the fall, I’m looking to release another album. It’s semi-acoustic, produced by Luther Dickinson, features Jimbo Mathis, Lightin’ Malcolm, Lillie Mae, Amy Lavere, and much more. I’m really looking forward to the world hearing that one too.

Review Fix: Anything else you’d like to add?

Fish: People can find me online to learn more about me. www.samanthafish.com.

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About Patrick Hickey Jr. 13821 Articles
Patrick Hickey Jr. is a full-time Assistant Professor of Communication & Performing Arts and Director of the Journalism program at Kingsborough Community College and is the chairman of the City University of New York Journalism Council. He is the Founder and Editor-In-Chief of ReviewFix.com. He's also a former News Editor at NBC Local Integrated Media and National Video Games Writer at Examiner.com where his work was mentioned in National Ad campaigns by Disney, Nintendo and EA Sports. Hickey was also the Editor-In-Chief of two College Newspapers before he received his BA in Journalism from Brooklyn College. Hickey's work has been published in The New York Daily News, The New York Times, Complex, The Hockey Writers, Yahoo!, Broadway World, Examiner, NYSportScene Magazine, ProHockeyNews.com, GothamBaseball.com, The Syracuse Post-Standard, Scout.com and the official sites of the Brooklyn Aces and New York Islanders. His first book, The Minds Behind the Games: Interviews With Cult And Classic Video Game Developers was released in April 2018 and is chock full of interviews with legendary developers. His second book in the series, The Minds Behind Adventures Games, was released in December 2019. His third book, The Minds Behind Sports Games, was released in September 2020. His fourth book, The Minds Behind Shooter Games, was released in March 2021. The Minds Behind Sega Genesis Games and The Minds Behind PlayStation Games were released in 2022 and The Minds Behind PlayStation 2 was published in January 2023. Hickey is also a contracted comic book writer, currently penning his original series, "Condrey," as well as "The Job," "Brooklyn Bleeds" "Dem Gulls" and "KROOM" for Legacy Comix, where he serves as founder, owner and Editor-in-Chief. Hickey Jr. is also a voice actor, having starred in the 2018 indie hit and 2019 Switch, PS4 and Xbox One release, The Padre (also serving as English language Story Editor), from Shotgun With Glitters. The sequel, The Padre: One Shell Straight to Hell was released in February 2021- Hickey also served as a Story Editor and Lead Voiceover performer. He has also done narration and trailers for several other titles including The Kaiju Offensive, Relentless Rex and Roniu’s Tale. Hickey is also the lead voiceover performer on Mega Cat Studios’ upcoming title WrestleQuest, responsible for nearly 90 characters in the game, as well as Skybound's Renfield: Bring Your Own Blood, where he voices both Dracula and Renfield, as well as several other characters. He also stars in Ziggurat Interactive’s World Championship Boxing Manager 2, where he performs the VO of nearly every male character in the game. He also worked on the Atari VCS’s BPM Boy.

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