Out Now Magazine Spotlight series featuring Sami DiMouro for an exclusive interview
I’m a singer-songwriter and visual artist making songs and music videos in Los Angeles! Writing is definitely my passion. I first started writing poetry when I was about 7-years-old and was published for the first time at 8-years-old by my local newspaper in Jay, Maine. I had entered a regional writing competition and won. I remember feeling so empowered and motivated. I knew from that point I wanted to be a writer and I’ve spent every day since then working at it. A few years ago I started turning my poetry into songs and developing my singing voice. Now I get to release songs that I write and sing and I love it so much.
Where are you from?
I was born in Maine, grew up in Massachusetts, and I moved to Los Angeles in 2016.
When did you start making music?
I’ve been writing poems and playing the piano by ear since I was very young. I’ve also always secretly loved singing, but I was very shy as a young girl. I probably sang a handful of times for my family and they always loved my voice, but the more they loved it, the more scared I was. I’ve never enjoyed being the center of attention (still don’t) and so the idea that people would ask me to sing if they knew I was good at it was absolutely terrifying. So, I hid it from everyone for years! I didn’t start showing anyone my singing voice until about 2018 and then in 2019 I met my manager and was added as the first artist to his new label, Story Music Records. My childhood friends are still shocked!
How do you describe your music?
I definitely have a pop voice. My vocals are smooth, light, and soft and blend well with various styles of tracks. I’ve been told many, many times that I sound like Alina Baraz and Lana Del Rey. I’ll never get sick of hearing that!
Favorite moment from your career?
I’m just getting started, but so far my favorite moment is when I was asked to write and sing the hook on “Keep It Moving” by Angill featuring Chub Hill, and Method Man. That was a big deal and I’m still shocked. It feels like a dream I had! The song is doing really well too and I’m honored to have such a big opportunity so early in my music career.
Who is your biggest musical inspiration?
This is a hard one to answer! I have so many inspirations it’s overwhelming to narrow it down. When it comes to my vocals I’d say Alina Baraz is a big inspiration. In addition to having a similar vocal texture, I’m also a big fan of her style and seeing her success and hearing from people that my voice reminds them of her is a big motivation. For writing, my biggest inspiration is my life and all the people in it.
What other things do you do besides making music?
Besides making music I also love writing scripts for my music videos, screenwriting, painting, poetry, videography, and I also illustrate. I published a children’s book in 2019 that I wrote and illustrated and I have a comedy script I’ve been writing with my writing partner that I’d love to film soon.
Why did you start making music?
I avoided making music for a long time, but it honestly felt inevitable, in the best way! I think I’m just designed to do this. I learned a few years ago I have synesthesia, a neurological trait that blends the senses, and this trait is a big reason I’m so drawn to music, poetry, and art. My brain blends music with shapes, colors, words, and textures. Creating music is a very positive full-body experience for me.
What are your goals for the future?
I just want people to enjoy my music as much as I do. My future goal is to grow a genuine network of people who love my songs, my music videos, and my screenwriting. I just want to write, sing, write some more and entertain people. I’d also love to write songs for others and help people make music videos. It’s so fun for me. I really love it.
What advice can you give for young music producers/DJs?
The best advice I can give is to be consistent. If you really love music, let that love push you through the hard days and just keep it up. You’ll get somewhere in time and that time makes you better at what you do. Give that to yourself. But don’t be afraid to take mental health breaks when you need them.
Please write a message to your fans.
I think it’s so easy to get trapped in your head and feel inadequate as an artist. Stress and anxiety can form major blindspots and numbness, but hearing from the people who love my music gives me so much clarity. You are all so vital to me and I’m honored and deeply grateful to have you. Thank you!
Follow Sami DiMouro On Socials:
