Facebook is a great place to find new artists. I found another advertisement on there, from Samantha Star Stefanik. I listened to a few of the tracks she had available there. Then, I requested she send me her new EP, Mama Said, for review. And she did.
Mama Said, was released by Rosebud Lyrics & Rhythm Recordings, LLC. The EP was released on June 14, of this year. The album features five songs and was submitted for Grammy consideration. You can find it on platforms like Apple Music and Amazon Music, with the title track also available on YouTube.
Samantha Star Stefanik is a winner of three awards at the Indie Music Channel’s 2025 Radio Music Awards, including Best Americana Artist, Best Americana Song and Best Americana Songwriter. Samantha hails from Hampton Township, New Jersey. She is a singer-songwriter, and she considers her genre to be one of, “vivid authenticity of chart-topping hits. A dark and sultry Americana sound that is coiled with striking elements of folk and blues, enriched by additional, wildcard inspirations; glimmering within its eclectic rock mix.”
Samantha’s public relations release states, “Samantha Starr Stefanik, known affectionately as Sammi to her family and friends, is steadily carving her place in the world of contemporary folk music. Though she first made her mark in acting, Samantha’s true passion lays in music—specifically, in the art of songwriting. Inspired by the stories around her and the rhythms of everyday life, she began composing original pieces that reflect her unique perspective and emotional depth. Her ability to blend thoughtful lyrics with evocative melodies has set her apart as a compelling voice among emerging musicians.”
Her EP, opens with the title track, “Mama Said. ” It is just over 4 minutes in length and one of the longest tracks on the EP. The sound of the horse on the front of the album cover, clopping through the dirt, is the first sound you hear. Samantha has a warm, bluesy voice. The acoustic guitar she plays is wonderful and creates a comfortable melody, along with the backing electric steel guitar surrounding the soundscape. Samantha has a deeper voice than expected, however, she can sing as high as she needs. This is a song about listening to Mama’s and others advice, in order to avoid trouble and problems. “Dance with the Divine and stay focused. Give them the grace that they never gave. Bring on better brighter days.” Advise, if we all followed, could change this world.
“Light Me Up,” is an upbeat rocker and love song. Samantha has been daydreaming about someone, “all day, and all night.” The electric guitar playing and drumming keeps the beat and makes this one a danceable, energetic song. She sings, “Come on baby, spark me up.”
“88 Women,” is a fun song, where Samantha takes the liberty of tossing around these ladies in her head. She sings, with a ska-like back beat, full of drums and guitar, “They’re all singing in my head. Play Russian roulette. One of us is bound to wind up dead. One less lady singing in my head. Two birds, one stone.” This is the longest song on the EP, by a minute.
“Bazooka,” is a good solid rocking ‘70s kinda song. Samantha sings, “I’ve been all around. I understand. I’m right here right now. Pop my bubbles like bazooka blue my mind. Time travelling to the future.” I think she might be talking about enjoying the famous Bazooka bubble gum, while she contemplates where her life is now, and leading.
“I Saw It Comin’,” may just be the best song on the album. Samantha sings, while she plays her acoustic guitar. Longing for someone who says they need to go. A tough, rainy-day song. “I know you; you know me. This isn’t how it’s supposed to be. I saw it coming from a mile away. I could tell by the look on your face. So, you go left. And I’ll go right. Two ships passing in the middle of the night.”
Samantha Star Stefanik’s Mama Said, is a great EP, to get your feet wet with her sound and style of music. Samantha has a great voice, and she keeps her songs short and to the point. Every track on this EP is full of emotion and good down home folk music. You cannot go wrong here, if you are listening to this EP on a sunny day on the porch. Give Samantha Star Stefanik’s “Mama Said,” a listen, and put in a good word for her shot at a Grammy Award.
The Mama Said EP was crafted with care over the course of three months, from March to May 2025, at Raincat Recording Studio, in Jensen Beach, Florida.
Album Track List:
- Mama Said – 4:01
- Light Me Up – 2:24
- 88 Women – 4:02
- Bazooka – 2:25
- I Saw It Comin’ – 2:46
Band Website and Social Media Links:
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/samantha-starr-stefanik/1760929867
https://www.instagram.com/p/DMFtHQhg1ff
https://www.facebook.com/samantha.starr.stefanik
https://www.indiemusicchannel.com/profile/SamanthaStarrStefanik
https://www.instagram.com/samanthastarrstefanik
YouTube and Music Video Links:
https://www.youtube.com/@SamanthaStarrStefanik