Today Samantha Urbani unveils “Showing Up“, the title track, and Prince-inspired opener, of her forthcoming debut album (out September 22nd).
“Showing Up” follows the release of recent singles “One Day at a Time” and “More Than a Feeling” and introduces the album’s prevailing lyrical preoccupation: the fraying of personal and professional relationships – often leading to unequal power dynamics – and her continued commitment to showing up when it matters. “I’ve always been the tough one, to take care when you’re tired / Suck it up and hold your trembling hand when you’re out there being admired,” she coos over tubular bell effects and raspy bass guitar, later confessing, “Sometimes I wish I had more of a taste for vengeance / Sometimes I wish I’d been born more of a capitalist.”
For Urbani, it was crucial to emphasise the importance of being emotionally present, be that by showing up for a romantic partner or by rejecting the toxic individualism of capitalist society to help affect positive change. Samantha says of the single:
“It took many iterations to find its most final form of power, just like me and anyone else who’s been thrashed around again and again. I always believed in it though, and finally re-recorded the intro verse during mixing, just as we were considering scrapping it. Counted it in like Prince, and cranked up the backbeat. Pretty simple and classic formula: power in vulnerability.”
The accompanying self-directed music video follows Samantha on a tender, near melancholic solo travel day from LA to NY- seemingly unsure of what or who awaits her. Filled with easter eggs that call back to Friends’ 2011 “I’m His Girl” music video and style choices reminiscent of ‘90s New York City music culture (including Samantha’s Coogi sweater, a nod to Brooklyn’s Bed-Stuy neighbourhood and the Notorious B.I.G. – and an original bomber jacket from Madonna’s ‘Blonde Ambition’ tour), the DIY video is a multi-layered testament to the deep intentionality and razor sharp creative vision that shapes every facet of Samantha’s artistry.
Watch the video below, listen to the track here and pre-order the Showing Up album here.
To celebrate the release of Showing Up, Samantha has announced an album launch show at The Market Hotel in Brooklyn, NYC, on Friday 20th October. Tickets are available now.
