WAIM 171: Singer/Songwriter Johanna Samuels

Johanna Samuels’ terrific new album, Sorry, Kid was anything but a straightforward endeavor. After recording and then scrapping eight songs, Samuels considered walking away entirely. Filled with frustration and uncertainty, Johanna attended a New Year’s Eve singalong at the home of producer Jonathan Rado and his wife Jackie. Between piano renditions of Ben Kweller tunes, the idea of recording together surfaced organically. Samuels already had the songs. Rado, who has produced albums for Weyes Blood, The Killers, and Father John Misty had the right instincts to build a sonic world around them.Sorry, Kid culls from twenty years’ worth of Samuels’ songwriting life. While the album includes brand new material, it also features reworked tunes that had germinated as early as 2007. With Rado at the controls, and with contributions from pals like Madison Cunningham, Courtney Marie Andrews, and Tyler Ballgame, Sorry, Kid stands as a testament to the glory of making records with your best friends.During our conversation, Johanna shares details of her life growing up in a Hollywood family, and we unpack some of the connections she has to her Jewish past. Johanna talks about how she learned to give herself permission to follow in the steps of heroes like Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, and Leonard Cohen, gradually learning that dudes were not the only ones that could write a great song. We also cover the incredible cache of talented women currently working in the worlds of alt-country and folk music, many of whom Johanna counts as friends.Let’s get into it.Cheers,Matty C-------------------------End CreditsThanks so much to Johanna for joining me. Her new album Sorry, Kid is available on August 14 wherever you get your music. The What Am I Making podcast is hosted, written, and produced by me, Matty C.Our theme music was written and recorded by David J. Baldwin.You can subscribe to our show wherever you get your podcasts. Please be sure to like, rate and review the show if you enjoy it.Our work is solely sponsored by listeners and readers like you. Please lend your support today with a paid subscription at whatamimaking.substack.com/. Now is a crucial time for new paid subscribers. Please step up and support the show.You can email the show anytime at [email protected]. You can also leave us a voicemail with your questions or concerns at speakpipe.com/whatamimaking Get full access to What Am I Making at whatamimaking.substack.com/subscribe