Sam Hatmaker is a 14-year-old country singer/songwriter from Knoxville, Tennessee. Among her numerous performance credits are appearances at Loretta Lynn's Ranch, Dollywood, Nashville's Whiskey Bent Saloon during CMA Fest, The Fillin' Station outside Nashville, the WDVX Blue Plate Special, WDVX Kidstuff, and the Clayton Arts Center on the Maryville College campus. Upcoming performances include an invitation to perform at Decked Out at Loew's Vanderbilt in Nashville, a showcase honoring female singer/songwriters, and at the 2nd Anniversary Celebration for Performing Writer at the Fillin' Station in Kingston Springs, Tennessee.
When did you start singing?
I started singing when I was 3 years old. I loved the musical “Annie,” and I knew all the songs in it. My mom told me that a theater group in my town was having auditions for it, and I told her I wanted to audition. I didn't make it because I was too young, but that's when I realized I loved performing.
Was it your dream to be a singer?It was. I just didn't know what direction I wanted to go when it came to music. Until I was about 10 years old, I thought I wanted to sing on Broadway. I realized I really wanted to be a country singer when I was cast in a show in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, called Elwood Smooch’s Choo Choo Boogie Variety Show at age 11. It was a show full of country music, and I realized how much I loved it and started to listen to country music constantly.
Are there challenges pursuing a singing career?
Of course. A lot of rejection comes with this business. People are going to say no. I just tell myself to keep going.
Do your parents and friends support you?
Absolutely. My mom is awesome, always driving me to gigs and giving me advice; she’s very supportive. My dad helps me with guitar when I'm having trouble with something new. My friends are really cool about telling other people about my music and coming to my gigs.
Do you write your own songs?
I do. I've been writing songs since I was 8 years old. I’m currently writing with two awesome writers in Nashville, Michael Davey and Chris Robbins. They co-wrote the song “Ride” for Martina McBride. They’ve really helped me grow as a writer.
If so, tell us what goes into writing a great song?
I think it’s different for every song and every writer. I sometimes get inspired by things going on in my life or my friends’ lives, and other times I’ll make up a story completely. I think it’s important to really understand what you're writing about, and to be able to tell a good story in detail.
Where was your first performance; were you excited?My first performance was when I was 10 years old at a school chorus concert. I sang Whitney Houston's “One Moment in Time." It was a big deal for me because it was my first solo. I was a little nervous, but I was very excited. I never dreamed at the time that only 3 years later I would write a song with one of the writers of “One Moment in Time,” John Bettis!
Where have you been able to perform?
I'm very blessed to have been able to perform at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch before her concert, at the VIP tent at a Travis Tritt concert, and to have my own 2-hour acoustic concert at the Clayton Arts Center in Maryville, Tennessee, as part of the Cozy Winter Nights Series. I’m thankful for every gig I play, but these are definitely my favorite three so far.
Who inspires you with your singing and songwriting?
I have a lot of musical inspirations. I love the music of Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Reba, and Miranda Lambert, and I also love rock music like Aerosmith and Red Hot Chili Peppers. I like to combine country and rock together, and I'm sure listening to these types of music has inspired that.
If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Since I was 11, it’s been a dream of mine to play at the Grand Ole Opry. I would be so honored to play on a stage where so many of my musical inspirations have played!
Along the same line, who would you love to perform with?
I'll have to go with Loretta Lynn. She has been a big inspiration of mine for a while now. I really admire her songwriting and singing. I love how she writes about her personal life. And of course everyone who knows me knows I'm crazy about Kenny Rogers!
What are some of your goals for your music?I hope to have a recording deal soon, go on the road, and be able to make a living from music.
What do you hope to accomplish with your singing/songwriting?
I hope to always continue to grow as a singer/songwriter and to write songs that people respond to.
Do you have any advice for those wanting to start a career in singing and songwriting?
Just stay true to yourself. Don’t let other people try to change you. I’m 14, so I haven’t been doing this as long as others, but I don’t let that fact allow people to change who I am as a musician. I write about what I want to write about; I sing about what I want to sing about. There are millions of people out there, but only one you!
Is there anything else you want our readers to know about you, your singing/songwriting?
I have a really strong passion for music, and I'm never giving up on my dream.
You can check out Sam Hatmaker at the following sites.
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/singerstar411
Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/samhatmaker
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/SamHatmaker
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/samhatmaker
We have a great feeling that Sam Hatmaker will have a successful career as a Singer/Songwriter as she is very talented. It is also great seeing people following dreams, whatever they might be.
Rocky Coast News is pleased to have Sam Hatmaker as our latest "Musician Spotlight", where we highlight, promote up and coming musicians that have amazing vocals, sound, style and/or who are able to play an instrument well singing.
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