As seen in Guitar Girl Magazine Special Edition 2022 – I Belong
Samica is an Indian- American musician and artist from the San Francisco Bay Area in Northern California. Samica has made music her passion for as long as she can remember. She grew up playing guitar and piano. “I became obsessed with the guitar. I started writing songs when I was 13 and haven’t been able to stop.” Samica is influenced heavily by Amy Winehouse. She’s currently working on a five-song project called Strangers at Heart. We spoke with Samica about her definition of tone, guitars, and practice routine.
What is your definition of tone, and how has it changed over the years?
Guitar tones are so unique. I love the warm, full guitar tones of certain acoustic guitars. I used to have a little Martin guitar, and I loved it, but it felt a bit too bright for me. I feel when I sing, the warm tone complements my voice and the songs that I write on guitar. It also just sounds so pretty. My first guitar ever was a Fender that my dad bought me from Costco, lol, and the amp was so crunchy. I wish I still had it; I’m sure it would sound really sick now.
Which guitars, amps, and pedals are you currently using and why?
I have many guitars, but my favorite is the Baby Taylor Acoustic-Electric guitar. It sounds full for how small it is, and it’s easy to play. I’ve written so many of my favorite songs with that guitar. I recently bought a Fender Player Stratocaster maple fretboard. I use it with a Supro tube amp, and *chefs kiss* — it’s my favorite.
What about strings?
I’ve been using Elixir strings for years! They are my favorite, and I constantly change my acoustic with them.
Are there specific recording techniques you prefer in the studio?
I love mic’d up acoustic guitars vs. plugging them into the interface. The sound just sounds so pure and what you hear in person. The music I make is so acoustic heavy, and it just makes a beautiful warm, full sound on the recording.
How do you keep your sound consistent onstage?
That’s something I’ve struggled with. I usually plug in my acoustic-electric guitar to the interface instead of mic’ing it on stage because when I mic it, it’s really limiting to be able to move around and interact with everybody. Though it sounds good, I do love a good mic’d guitar.
What does your practice consist of?
I usually practice just when I’m writing songs or rehearsing for shows. Though when I was younger, I would watch so many YouTube videos and learn new songs on riffs all the time. I still do that once in a while, but I’ve shifted focus to the songwriting aspect of practicing guitar.
What is your advice for young female-identifying artists who hope to work in the music industry?
I have had my fair share of people thinking I don’t know much or speaking down to me, but I would say just keep your head down and work on your craft. Nobody can take that away from you when you feel confident and know how to make great music! Having that confidence that you put in the hard work will get you further and make you feel more secure as an artist.