Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Elizondo.
Hi Samantha, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a singer-songwriter who was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Having a dad whole is full Mexican and a mom who is American with a German and Irish background has really inspired me in my music and life. I grew up especially close to my Mexican heritage as I lived next door to my grandparents who taught me Spanish, introduced me to mariachi music, and opened me up to the cultural traditions of Mexico. My grandpa was the one who taught me my first song “Cielito Lindo” which later inspired me to pursue music.
As an extremely shy girl, I was always afraid of everything and everyone. I tried out every sport from soccer to basketball to baseball. I was horrible at them. After a few years, I found a passion in gymnastics which I pursued for six years competing at the state level. That really helped open me up, but I still was extremely shy. At nine years old, my grandpa, who was one of my major inspirations, passed away. That made me turn to music as a coping mechanism.
After a while, I found music to be a strong passion of mine. In turn, I eventually quit gymnastics to focus on it. I started acting in commercials, TV shows, and films, but my true passion stayed in music. I then decided to put my full focus on music and releasing my own original songs. Some of those songs charted on radio stations across the globe. I began touring Mexico promoting my releases. On those tours, I really got to see firsthand the Mexican culture. I began improving my Spanish which in turn inspired me to start writing music in Spanish.
I ended up in Spain for three months in Antonio Rayo’s (Karol G, Shakira, Ricky Martin, Sebastian Yatra) studio writing and recording music. From there, I returned to LA and began planning my next releases. “De Aquí Pa Allá” was my first Spanish release which was played in various countries including all over Mexico. With that song came an extensive tour through Mexico opening up for artists such as Sebastian Yatra, Piso 21, DVICIO, Mario Bautista, Los Claxons and more. I also played festivals at the Foro Sol, Arena Monterrey, Auditorio Metropolitano, and more. I later released “Vete Ya” which also played all around the country and world. The video was filmed in New York City.
After that, pandemic hit and I began writing nonstop. These past two years, I began really evaluating what I wanted and writing the most real and authentic music that I had written. I decided in January of 2022 to move to Miami and test out the waters. I began writing even more music and meeting the most amazing people. I am a few months away from releasing music and touring again which makes me so excited.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This journey I am on has been a bumpy but amazing one. All the obstacles along the way have made me who I am today. I have grown as a person and artist because of it. I have been told “no” more times than you would ever imagine. Though I feel as if each no has made me stronger person and work 10xs harder. Another thing that was difficult for me was starting my career at 14. I had an identity crisis for a bit. While growing and working, I wasn’t sure who I wanted to be. I went through a point that I was so confused and lost. Now at 22 years old, I feel like I am finding my most real self and that makes me extremely happy.
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 singer-songwriter. I sing and write in both English and Spanish. For me it is an important thing to be able to do both because I am proud of being bilingual. I think that is one of the things I am most proud of. I love that I am able to tell my stories through music and be able to connect with people all around the world through multiple languages. There are a lot of accomplishments I am proud of such as charting on radio stations, opening for some amazing artists such as Piso 21 and Yatra, or being able to work with some amazing Grammy-winning producers, but I am also super proud of being able to share my stories with the world as I used to be extremely shy and closed off. For me, that is an accomplishment beyond words. Looking at how far I have come now singing in front of 20k people in arenas from not even being able to say hi to someone without running away in timidness. I think for me that is my most important accomplishment.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
For someone just starting out, or actually anyone in reality, don’t take no for an answer. I have been told no so many times by some important people, but I kept going and I am so glad I did. If I would’ve stopped every time someone told me no, I would not have accomplished anywhere close to the things I’ve been fortunate enough to do and achieve. It’s cheesy, but believe in yourself and your goals. That is the most powerful thing and will move mountains. Just don’t give up.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samanthaelizondo/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizondosam
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/elizondosam
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/elizondosam
