Samara York

Samara York is a TIMA-nominated, award-winning Canadian singer/songwriter from Richmond Hill, ON. Straddling the line between indie and mainstream, Samara's work creatively fuses genres to present your ears with a unique sound that you haven't heard before. Drawing influence from July Talk, Sia, Fall Out Boy, and Regina Spektor, it's safe to say that York's songwriting is always filled with interest and diversity. ​ At 16 years old, York's debut EP "Just Passing Through" (2010) was released -- A shy, thoughtful, and introspective work about teenage heartbreak and loss. JPT featured rainy day driving music; Entrancing ballads filled with sweeping melodies and simple instrumentation. ​ York is a self-taught vocalist and pianist, which suited JPT perfectly -- but as her songwriting began to evolve, it was evident that her work left much to be desired instrumentally. Enter Jaime Cazes (Guitar) and Tudor Gagea (Bass). Performing with York since 2011, their work has been featured on sophomore release "Insides," (2013) a 10-song LP with a flowery, weightless, quietly brooding indie sound. "Insides" is a reflection on living, growing, and dying; a fusion of organic noises, complete with cover art of a tree made of human body parts. Between 2011 and 2015, Samara and her band (Including drummers Adam Thomas, then Ben Bachner) developed some serious live performance chops. The band played countless shows across Ontario including well-known Toronto concert venues The Opera House, The Rivoli, Lee's Palace, and more. They have also been featured at numerous municipal, festival, and charity events across the GTA. They have competed in battle-of-the-bands style competitions, coming first place in 2; Advancing to the finals in all of them. College radio began to pick up York's songs. It became clear that the music was getting better, the audiences were getting bigger... Which brings us to "Borderlines" (2016). After the addition of Daniel Staples (Drums) and Brant Garratt (Guitar, Vocals) the Samara York band has now officially grown up. The polished, professional, and confident sound that you will hear on "Borderlines" has been honed and perfected by York for the past fifteen years of her songwriting life. ​ "Borderlines" does not care what an indie rock album should sound like. It just does it's own thing, no holds barred. Featuring flavours of pop, electronic, and experimental rock, York tells us stories of love, sex, betrayal, and desperation. The record went on to win York a Toronto Independent Music Award (TIMA) Nomination in "Best Singer-Songwriter" (2016) and propel the band win multiple rounds at Indie Week Canada, making it all the way to the top 8 best of fest finals at the Mod Club on November 20th. Watching York and the band on stage, they have a tight and loud sound. At every show, the audience hangs on every word. The band is full of energy. Her voice cuts through like a knife. At this point, we are all just waiting patiently for the next step... Borderlines is available now on iTunes, Google Play, Amazon, and SoundCloud. Find out more @ www.samarayork.com www.samarayork.com www.youtube.com/samarayorkmusic www.twitter.com/samarayorkmusic