New England artist Samantha Rae has evolved from a high energy cover band frontperson into a thoughtful and inspired singer/songwriter. The proof is in her just released impressive debut solo album. You’ll have the chance to hear the leadoff single here, plus get to know Samantha a little better and find out where to see her performing live.

The brand new Samantha Rae project is a culmination of a few years of hard work and a creative, driven partnership with her manager and bandmate, Jay Dellisola. The two artists have worked tirelessly to get it right, the first time. The result is an impassioned and extraordinary work of art called The High Road. Samantha and Jay wrote, produced and recorded every song for their debut album.

The Samantha Rae Way

Through the last few years, I’ve had the great opportunity to work with Samantha and Jay in their remarkable efforts to raise awareness and money for their Country Women Cancer Fund charity. Money raised from various events has gone to Dana Farber Cancer Institute. They even received a volunteer of the year award for their work. I applaud them both for donating proceeds at various shows and bringing attention to women’s cancers. They have used their popularity to help with a disease that affects all of us, directly and indirectly.

Listening to the new Samantha Rae single, “Taking Me Down” you can feel the conviction in her emotions. Her words come across strong, yet there is a vulnerability that’s unmistakable. What seems to be a relationship at ends, in the end, finds a new beginning. Rae’s vocals are fiery, fiercely feminine and fearlessly delivered.

Supporting our local artists has been a long-time passion of mine. I hope you join me in encouraging their art by listening to their original music, going to their shows and following them on social media. Read on, there is so much more to discover our New England hometown girl Samantha Rae.

The Story
Grew up in: Newton NH

Now lives in: Kingston NH

Current single and Album: Debut Album: The High Road / First Single: “Taking Me Down”

What led you to music: Music has always been prevalent in my life, growing up singing in church choir, musical theatre and in bands

How long have you been performing: About 8 years

First country song you learned: I grew up on country music so there were many. If I had to name one maybe “She Thinks My Tractors Sexy – Kenny Chesney”. I remember jamming out to this one at the barn every Sunday

How would you describe your sound: Definitely a Lil’ Bit Country, a Lil’ Bit Rock n’ Roll. When Jay and I write together we inject the songs with our own personal influences so it end up being a mix of new and old. Everything from the Beatles to Dolly Parton, Aerosmith to Miranda Lambert

Who inspires you: Family and friends, life experiences that need to come out musically, and my partner Jay. We keep each other challenged.

Awards/accolade: New England Country Music “Group of the Year” as the front person and lead singer. Our Country Women Cancer Fund organization won a volunteer of the year award at Point32Health for our work supporting the Susan F. Smith Center for Women’s Cancers at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
The Music
“Taking Me Down” is the debut single from Samantha Rae’s debut album, The High Road.” Samantha explained the story behind the single: “The song is a dialog back and forth between two people trying to re-establish trust after facing hard times. Basically in any relationship there are ups and downs in each persons views and the song emulates how people work through all their feelings. (Hint: They succeed in the end 😊)”

Listen here:
The Shows
See Samantha Rae performing live all around New England. There are many shows coming up with her musical partner, Jay Dellisola, as an acoustic duo or with their full band.Get the full tour schedule on Samantha Rae’s website. But, for now, here are the upcoming dates and places:

Thursday, July 18: The Berry Tavern in Danvers, MA 7:00pm (acoustic)

Friday, July 19: Bonfire in Manchester, NH 9:00pm (acoustic)

Sunday, July 21: Kowloon Restaurant in Saugus, MA 6:00pm (acoustic)

Friday, July 26: Saddle Up Saloon in Kingston, NH 7:30pm (acoustic)

Saturday, July 27: Goodnight Johnny’s in Burlington, MA 6:00pm (acoustic)

Friday, August 9: Saddle Up Saloon in Kingston, NH 7:30pm (acoustic)

Sunday, August 11: Loretta’s Last Call in Boston, MA 11:00am

Sunday, August 11: Kowloon Restaurant in Saugus, MA 6:00pm

Thursday, August 15: Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion in Guilford, NH 5:30 (full band). (Supporting Dierks Bentley and Chase Rice)
The Social Network
Keep up with Samantha’s music, gigs and more by following her social media pages. Just click on the buttons below, like and follow!
Pics and Posts

@samantharaeofficial
We had a blast with you all Saturday night at @Loretta’s Last Call 🤍🤍 #lorettaslastcall #countrymusic #livemusic #boston #samantharae
♬ original sound - Samantha Rae

https://www.tiktok.com/@samantharaeofficial/video/7329334934118632750?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7361449346049902122
Are YOU a Catch?
Every week, Kruser’s Local Catch highlights New England’s homegrown country music talent, and tells you where to catch them locally and in Nashville. Click here to view previous catches. *Singer/songwriters with original music: Please submit for consideration on The Local Catch by emailing: carolyn.kruse@bbgi.com