News and Blog
The occasional musings to keep you up-to-date.
03/26/2025
Spring has really sprung. I mean, I know it quite literally is spring, but all the plants and animals on the homestead seemed to know it too and got to it.
The chickens are laying up a storm, and I discovered the Little Reds are laying in the saltbushes. So much for thinking they were molting. I’m not complaining. We have more eggs than we know what to do with. Gotta make some sourdough pasta!
I know you all haven’t heard about the microbes in a while, but they just keep on keepin’ on, and really, they’re too hard to see and keep track of anyways. On that front though, I am fermenting a big ol’ batch of sauerkraut as we speak. I should’ve made a how-to video on that, but alas, I tend to forget. Next time.
I did not forget to film the first hive check of spring, however. The bees made it through another northern New Mexico winter with seemingly no problems. Now that it’s spring, they are thriving. The gals are returning to their hives with leg-fulls of juniper pollen. I cannot wait for the first honey harvest of the year when the honey tastes like pine. Enjoy my latest choring video and watch all the other mundane videos on my YouTube channel. Until next time…
<3
Samantha
03/21/2025
Amazing what a week or two will do for a reset. You think it’s all chance and coincidence, but we too have animal instincts and I think the spring solstice has everyone breathing a sigh of relief.
Lots of creativity going on around here. The most exciting of which (for me anyways) is that I’m demoing new solo material. I’m in the depths and hoping to release a lil’ EP for ya’ll late summer/early fall. Glitz Biarritz is also writing again. We have enough songs for a whole new album, but that’s a little further down the road. Until the new stuff gets released, go listen to Warm Waters and In Poor Taste to wet your whistle.
Lastly, with the coming of spring, things are starting to get busy on the homestead. After their winter hibernation, it’s time to start paying attention to the bees again. Got to start planning for new hives and expanding the others. The fruit trees are starting to bud and the chickens are laying up a storm. Good stuff. Check back soon.
<3
Samantha
03/11/2025
As you fellow creatives know all too well, there’s always a risk when you put yourself out there. You’re constantly asking yourself if the juice was worth the squeeze. Or when you’re feeling really down, you ask if any of this is worth it? I’m sorry to inform you that it cannot be helped. It will be your perpetual condition because this is the thing you do. The tropes are true.
For most of us, we will face defeat much more than success. But for some of you, I hope you’ve experienced a few wins. If you’re still waiting, keep it up. And as I said before, you have no choice if that’s your calling.
I’ve been fortunate enough to have those glimmers of hope, and I guess you could say a small taste of success. Luckily those elixirs are more powerful than the losses. Thank God, because otherwise we’d be paralyzed by defeat and never do anything at all. Well anyways, here’s a picture of Travis and I at the pre-screening for a movie I did last year called OPUS. My scene was cut. That’s show biz! That doesn’t mean I have to like it. You’ll still see me and it’s an interesting movie, so go see it. Okay, that’s enough feeling bad for myself, time to focus on some music. Stay tuned and check back soon.
<3
Samantha
02/20/2025
Music has been taking over my free time lately. There have been times where that hasn’t been a good thing, but this go-round it totally is! It’s nice feeling creative and motivated when the demand is high. So with that, I have a few little tidbits of news…
Firstly, on Friday, February 28th I’m going to be playing drums with a rad indie rock duo from Santa Fe called ArqAnA at Ghost. They have twin powers that make their music unique beyond our normie comprehension. It also makes drumming for them very interesting, fun, and inspiring. Check out this little rehearsal video (like them on YouTube) and see you at the show next Friday.
Secondly (and lastly for now), I’ve been doing a bit of solo writing and seem to have enough material to start entertaining the idea of recording an EP and follow-up to Warm Waters. I’m also mulling over the idea of maybe playing out in public, which is about right on time for Samantha Christine solo stuff to keep with my once a year show theme.
Okay, that’s all for now, folks.
<3
Samantha
02/11/2025
Like I said, tons of Glitz Biarritz news in the pipeline, so here’s some more! Last week we sat down with the Music of America Podcast to talk about our new record, “In Poor Taste.” It was a lot of fun getting into the nitty gritty of recording and get deep about the songs on a long-form interview. You can listen to it here (also available on Apple and Amazon).
Also, Glitz Biarritz is playing a super rad Valentine’s Day show at the Bridge in Santa Fe. It’s actually more of an anti-Valentine’s Day thing, but we’re spreading the love anyways. We’ll be playing with some killer local heavy bands, so don’t miss this one. See you all on Valentine’s Day!
<3
Samantha
02/03/2025
What a weekend! Last Friday, I pulled double duty for the Glitz Biarritz record release show. How does that happen? Well, Faded Flannel kicked off the evening and Glitz Biarritz closed it out by playing our new record in it’s entirety. To say it was a blast is an understatement. And to say that I’m not exhausted would be a lie. It was so worth it though. Check out Glitz’s new record on any and all streaming platforms. But here’s the Spotify link for you lazy bones.
Looks like I’m going to be busy with music stuff for a bit, so keep checking back for news.
<3
Samantha
01/11/2025
A few days ago I sat down for a fun interview with ArkAnA and got to talk about all the random stuff I’ve been up to. Lots of music talk of course, but I also discuss film, artistic philosophies, and homesteading. Oh, and I’m also going to be playing drums with ArkAnA on February 28th at Ghost in Santa Fe, NM. Good times ahead.
Hope you enjoy the discussion. Don’t be a stranger. Drop me a line if you have any questions yourself!
<3
Samantha
01/08/2025
Well, hello there. Happy 2025. Looks like we all made it through another holiday season. I’ve recently returned from my ancestral homeland (Florida) and have my first cup of coffee pulsing through my veins, so that means I’m ready to update ya’ll with a Glitz Biarritz news blitz!
The biggest news? Glitz Biarritz is releasing our debut album! It’s entitled, “In Poor Taste,” which I think encapsulates pretty much everything. Don’t take yourself too seriously, folks. We’re really proud of it and it’s a ripper. In proper punk rock fashion, we cram 11 songs into about 25 minutes. The Ramones would be proud. It comes out January 31, 2025 (the end of this month) and will be on all streaming platforms. We’re also releasing the album on PINK CASSETTE TAPES. If you want one of those, you’ll have to come out to a show (actually we might have them up for sale on our Bandcamp page too).
That leads me to my next bit of news. Glitz Biarritz has a few shows coming up this month. We’ll be taking New Mexico by storm, which means playing the two major cities in this Land of Enchantment. Friday January 17th we’ll be at JUNO in Albuquerque and Friday, January 31st is our RECORD RELEASE SHOW at As Above So Below in Santa Fe. What a month!
That covers it for now. See you at the shows!
<3
Samantha
11/26/2024
It’s been a while. In that while, a lot has transpired. Some happy and some very sad, but life keeps chugging along.
It has been high time I get around to taking some new headshots (since my hair keeps growing and I keep refusing to cut it), so here’s a few snaps from the latest photo shoot.
I’d really love to find a talented photographer that would like to take charge and full artistic license for some outdoor shots that are moody, beautiful, and capture the high desert vibe that permeates my soul. If that sounds like you or someone you know, please get in touch via the Contact page.
In music news, Glitz Biarritz will have some shows coming up in the new year, so follow us on zee socials for deets. I’m beginning to write some new solo material again, but it’s a slow and painful go. Despite that, there might be a single release in the near-ish future.
I’ll try to keep up with news on here, but the holiday season is the holiday season, so perhaps not as much until that’s done. I hope everyone has a safe and happy rest of the year.
<3
Samantha
09/13/2024
Happy Friday the 13th (eek). It’s been a hot minute, but it’s also been a jam packed summer on the homestead. With that said, the news update is going to be all homestead related today.
First of all, we’ve had such an amazing and regular monsoon season. All of the fruit trees and wildflowers are thriving. For the first time since we’ve lived here, the nectarine tree, which we thought was too old to bear fruit, fruited! I was able to pick several pounds of nectarines and made a delicious sourdough pie with them.
With all the flowers in full bloom, the bees have been having a great summer too. All four hives are thriving and so far we’ve done two honey harvests, which have yielded tens of pounds of honey. I plan on doing one more harvest before I leave them be (no pun intended) for fall/winter.
Lastly for today’s update, Travis bought me a GoPro (well a DJI. It’s better than a GoPro) for documenting my choring activities. I’m going to starting posting long-form, unedited videos of my homestead choring for your viewing pleasure. I have to admit, it’s pretty relaxing and surprisingly entertaining to watch. So head on over to my YouTube channel if you’re interested in seeing what goes on around here.
Well, I’m off to Italy for the next few weeks. See you all when I get back.
<3
Samantha
Samantha Christine and rooster, Jerry. Samantha is now sharing her homestead choring on her YouTube channel.
07/23/2024
Told ya I’d have more news. Glitz Biarritz, the protopunk band I play drums in, has just released an EP! We recorded it live at Tumbleroot in Santa Fe, NM earlier this July. It sure rips, but this is just to tide everyone over until the full-length is complete. We’re recording that right here at the homestead. I’m hoping for a fall release, but time will tell. Until then, please enjoy “The Live EP.”
<3
Samantha
07/19/2024
Happy Friday, everyone! My protopunk band, Glitz Biarritz, has quite a few coals on the fire, so I’m going to have lots of news coming down the pike.
First up, Glitz just released a new music video for “Dim Lights.” This jam will be on our full-length album that we’re in the midst of recording. Don’t fret, we’re putting out a live EP next week on our Bandcamp to tide you all over until the record is done. But for now, enjoy the music video! Make sure to like and subscribe to our YouTube channel so you don’t miss out on all the good stuff.
<3
Samantha
07/01/2024
Remember last week when I said there was some big Glitz Biarritz news? Well here it is!
My glam punk/protopunk band is playing this Friday, July 5, 2024 in Santa Fe, NM at Tumbleroot. Not only is it our first Santa Fe show, but it’s for iwatchyousleep’s album release! Heavy rock shows don’t come around these parts too often, so take advantage while you can. Of course, I’d love to see you there. Get your tickets for significantly cheaper when you buy them in advance here.
Be there or be a punk rock square!
<3
Samantha
06/27/2024
Did someone say new music video premier? Yes, yes I did. On Monday, July 1st, I’ll be premiering my new music video for “Little Resin Seal,” which is another jam off of my debut album, “Warm Waters.”
This time around I did all of the filming and editing myself, so I’m anxious to see what you all think about that. Personally, I’m pretty proud of it. In the meantime, you can listen to the song (and full album) on all streaming platforms. You can also buy the record if you like it well enough.
For when the time comes (July 1st at 7am mountain time), you can watch the video on my Youtube channel. Help a sister out and be sure to like and subscribe while you’re at it. Also, stay tuned for some Glitz Biarritz news in July as well. It’s gonna be a busy summer!
<3
Samantha
06/16/2024
Do you miss the ‘90s? Don’t we all. I feel like I’ve never left. I’m just a ‘90s girl living in the modern world.
There’s good news out there for all you ‘90s nostalgics. I’m singing in a new grunge/’90s tribute band called Faded Flannel. Yes, we scratch all your living-in-the-past itches. We’re still in the rehearsal phase, but will be ready for public consumption very very soon. Keep an eye out for some late summer announcements.
Until then, please enjoy this angsty ‘90s promo shot.
<3
Samantha
05/18/2024
It’s been a little over a month since the last update, but let me tell you, spring has been busy around here! Both hives have swarmed (one was caught, so now we have 3 hives) and the chicks have become chickens. All but one, actually, because he’s a rooster! His name is Juriah (Jerry for short) and he’s already proving to be a flock protector and overall good boy.
In other news, my first audiobook novel was released! It’s called Detached and was written by the very talented, Alisa Burris. This was so much fun to narrate. The characters are so interesting and different. The storyline has a lot of twists and turns, and may not turn out how you think. Sure, this project was a lot of work, but I’d say it was well worth it. Anyways, I’m super proud of it and feel very grateful Alisa Burris and Running Wild Press chose to work with me. You can buy the audiobook via Amazon/Audible here.
As usual, I’d love to hear from you. Let me know what you think of the book, or heck, just drop a line to say hi via the contact section.
<3
Samantha
04/04/2024
I have some new and different music news to announce. I’m playing drums with a new Santa Fe punk/glam outfit called Glitz Biarritz. It’s super fun and all the dudes in the band are very talented punk rockers. It’s a blast and our set is coming together quite nicely. Stay tuned for some demos and northern New Mexico area shows this summer.
Until then, follow Glitz Biarritz on social media!
<3
Samantha
03/06/2024
Okay. Now time for a bit of exciting homestead news. WE HAVE CHICKS! Four new chicken babies are now calling La Puerta Naranja home (that’s the name of our homestead in case you didn’t pick up on it). As a matter of fact, they’re really in our home, like in our basement. We’ve only had them about a week and a half, but they grow so darn fast! Brings a tear to my eye. They already have most of their wing feathers and are starting to get tail feathers. Their little coop arrived today, and I’d say at the rate they’re going, they’ll be outside in about two weeks.
I can’t wait to see how the flock reacts to the new babies. They’ll have a barrier between them at first (separate runs), but once the babies get bigger I’m sure we’ll do some free ranging with everyone before full flock integration happens (probably sometime in June). I’ll be sure to keep posting their progress. Time to go check on those babies!
<3
Samantha
03/04/2024
Wowee. The show at the Jean Cocteau Cinema last week was AMAZING. So amazing in fact that I needed a weekend to recover before I could even begin describing it. First, the show was SOLD OUT! Santa Fe, you are incredible. Such a kind and engaged audience who clearly support local music. It was such a blast.
I can’t thank Kathleen Smith enough for having the idea for this thing and initiating the show. Her performance was also wonderful and she was such a great host for the evening. And of course, I can’t forget Stephanie Hatfield and Vincent Copia for sharing the stage. So much talent in one place.
Anyways, I’m still on high. But alas, it’s Monday and there’s bread to be made, chickens to be fed, and I have some special homestead news I will share with you all soon. Until then…
<3
Samantha
02/27/2024
Hey, everyone! Only one more day until my show at the Jean Cocteau Cinema in Santa Fe, NM. Got new strings on my guitar and getting very excited. I hope you are too.
If you need a Samantha Christine fix today, I’m going to be on the radio at 3pm (MT). Tune in to KBAC Santa Fe from wherever you are (thanks to the internet). I’ll be joined by Stephanie Hatfield and Kathleen Smith, who are also playing with me at the Jean Cocteau. You’ll actually have to attend the show to get in on the Vincent Copia action. He’s well worth the wait.
Tune in and see you at the show tomorrow!
<3
Samantha
02/08/2024
You guys, very exciting news!
I’m super jazzed to announce that I’ll be playing a show on Wednesday, February 28th in Santa Fe, NM at the Jean Cocteau Cinema. The event is being hosted by the immensely talented Kathleen Smith and we’ll be sharing the stage with other immensely talented songwriters, Stephanie Hatfield and Vincent Copia. This will be the first time playing the Warm Water’s songs live, so you really don’t want to miss this exceedingly rare performance.
Click here to purchase advanced tickets and for additional information about the event.
I really look forward to seeing everyone and sharing my stories behind some of the songs I love so much.
<3
Samantha
01/31/2024
The weather lately has been quite lovely, so I’ve been spending more time outside and feeling like spring is just around the corner, even though I know it’s really not. It had me thinking about taking a bit more time to add some more homestead content on here, and if all goes well, maybe a few videos on my YouTube channel.
So with that, go visit the “Homestead” section and check out some of the updates I’ve added about fermentation. I do it a lot, so I’d be remiss not to mention those little microbes that keep Travis and I healthy and strong. Eat your sauerkraut, folks.
<3
Samantha
01/22/2024
Today is very exciting. After months of anticipation, the Warm Waters records were finally delivered! For those who pre-ordered, 1) you’re the best and 2) thank you so much for your patience. I’m gonna get these suckers mailed out to you all this week. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. This record was meant to be heard on vinyl.
For those who haven’t ordered a copy of your very own, you totally can on my Bandcamp page. This is a very limited pressing, so you don’t want to sleep on this one.
All right, time to start packing records!
<3
Samantha
01/18/2024
Oh hello. Hi. Welcome to 2024. The older I get the longer it takes for me to come down from all the holiday time off stuffola. Clearly it takes me solidly into January before I can get my act together, but better late than never.
I’ll have some very exciting news hopefully come Monday. Until then, I’ve been puttering around the homestead. It’s a nice 50 degree day, which is quite the contrast to how it’s been. Just last week we had the most snow I’ve ever seen in the valley and single-digit temps. So cold that Travis, my partner in crime, was assigned chicken duty to make sure Amelia went inside the coop at night. She prefers the outside roost, but we prefer her alive.
With such a nice day, the bees are rejoicing. Usually on a nice, winter day you’ll see only a few bees at a time, but when you hit that magic 50 degrees they go nuts (any colder and they have trouble flying). It may seem like they’re hibernating over winter, but they still have to leave the hive every now and again to use the bathroom and drink some water (hey, they’re kind of like us). They also vibrate inside the hive together and keep their digs a toasty 68 degrees through even the coldest outside temps. I’ve said it time and time again, I love those bees. Enjoy seeing them thrive in the video I took today and check back on Monday for the new news!
<3
Samantha
Resident bees on the homestead enjoying the warm winter’s day.
12/14/2023
Back to album release news…
I’m really thrilled with this newest review of “Warm Waters” by Sound Sight Magazine. Their blog has more of a Europop/hip hop sensibility, so I was surprised they were interested in reviewing the record, however, they really gave the album a thoughtful listen. Which leads me to my next point, that’s kind of their aim, to review music for those who enjoy taking a deeper dive and really actively listening to all the nuances. I certainly think “Warm Waters” is nuanced and complex and I would love people to take a listen with a critical ear.
Anyways, big thank you to them and if you haven’t heard the record yet, what are you waiting for? Let me know what you think about it.
<3
Samantha
12/11/2023
I’ve been so busy with the “Warm Waters” release that I haven’t really given much mind to film and acting news. As I’m sure many of you were aware, there wasn’t much news to speak of for several months (except for the strike of course). Unsurprisingly, now that the strike is over, I finally have some exciting news on the film front.
I just wrapped on an A24 project called Opus. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be in a film with John Malkovich and Juliette Lewis (among many other talented actors and film professionals). Also, it filmed literally a mile down the road from my house, so maybe all of this was meant to be. Read about the project here.
As far as I can tell, this is going to be an incredibly strange (in a good way) and awesome movie. It’s so refreshing to see something new that’s original and interesting. Gotta thank writer and director Mark Anthony Green for that. These films are out there, folks. But for this one, you’ll have to wait a little longer. I have no idea what the tentative release date is, but good things take time. My uneducated guess would be late 2024, early 2025. As always, keep checking back for new news and go listen to the new record if you haven’t yet!
<3
Samantha
11/28/2023
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving with friends and family. It was very productive on the homestead. So productive in fact, that I was able to get my new music video for “Wait” together. And guess what? It premiers today!
Check it out here or visit my Youtube channel.
<3
Samantha
11/13/2023
What is it about the changing of seasons? Fall always seems to reinvigorate my creativity, but so does spring, summer, and winter. It’s that in between stuff you have to watch out for. Just have to remember things will always change and the good times come around again. Seriously, creative people, remember that.
With all that said, it’s just about time to release another music video. I won’t reveal what song it will be from “Warm Waters,” but it’s guaranteed to be one of them! Stay tuned for a little pre-Christmas treat. A Thanksgiving gift perhaps.
Do you have a favorite song off the record you’d like to see a music video for? Let me know! Have something else to say? Get in touch here.
Until the music video release,
Samantha
11/04/2023
For all my Latin American friends, este es para ti. For the past couple years (sheesh, almost a decade now), I’ve noticed a burgeoning punk/indie/alternative music scene thriving in Mexico, Central America, and South America. Really cool bands with incredibly unique sounds and an underground following and enthusiasm to support those scenes. Makes me nostalgic and reminds me of what was going on in the US in the 90s. But hey, we all get older and things change. I’m just glad these movements are happening SOMEWHERE.
Anyways, check out these rad reviews of the new record from mis amigos del sur. Muchas gracias por el apoyo!
End Sessions - SAMANTHA CHRISTINE - Warm Waters
11/03/2023
Another great album review and one small observation. Is the enthusiasm for new music better in Europe and Latin America at this point? Seems to be. I’m so grateful for the positive response from the UK in particular. Don’t get me wrong, I sure do love the good ol’ US of A, but artistically I think it’s been a bit flat around here lately.
Anyways, thanks to everyone across the pond who is listening and supporting the record, especially Ciaran over at Right Chord Music who wrote this mega review.
Right Chord Music - Step into Samantha Christine's Warm Waters
11/01/2023
The positive reviews for “Warm Waters” keep rolling in. Feeling very grateful for such kind words from genuine music lovers. Also, glad there’s still people out there discovering and supporting new music.
Check out the new write-up below…
Indie Underrated review of "Warm Waters"
10/23/2023
Got some new reviews about “Warm Waters.” Check them out and give the record a listen for yourself! Reviews and blog write-ups are great, but I’d also love to hear what you think. Visit the contact section and drop me line.
Mystic Sons - “Samantha Christine releases debut album 'Warm Waters'
Lost in the Manor - LITM Rock Picks Are Raw and Explosive Melodies Crafted by Blueburst, Hearts and More!
10/10/2023
Today is the day! My debut album, “Warm Waters” is out now and available on the music streaming platforms. Vinyl pre-order is also up and running on Bandcamp. It’s a very limited run, so get it while the gettin’s good. I’m so proud of this record and I hope you like it. If you do, share it and I’m anxious to know what everyone thinks!
Much love to you all.
Samantha
09/20/2023
After a long day of choring on the homestead, I sat down on a log in my scuzzies and recorded an acoustic version of “Copperhead,” which will be on my upcoming album, “Warm Waters.”
I cannot wait to share something that means so much to me with all of you. As always, keep checking back for more updates, videos, and other goodies.
<3
Samantha
09/18/2023
It’s getting closer (no pun intended). First of all, I’m so grateful for the response to my new music video for “Closer,” which will be on my upcoming album. If you haven’t seen it yet, you can watch the video here. I have a few more goodies planned before the release, so keep checking back.
Speaking of, the final details for the release are coming together nicely. Just putting the final touches on the art, which is being illustrated and designed by my dear friend Kate Palermo. It’s really beautiful and I can’t wait for you all to see it. The other exciting item getting worked out is the vinyl preparations, so when the album is released digitally (on all the platforms) you will also be able to pre-order a magnificent vinyl record if you so desire. Aiming for an early October release and a final release date announced next week, so talk to you all again soon!
08/31/2023
Very excited to announce my single release and music video premier this coming Tuesday, September 5, 2023 in anticipation of my upcoming full-length album, “Warm Waters.” Check back on the website, Bandcamp, and official Samantha Christine YouTube channel to hear a little sneak preview of what the album has in store. I’m super proud of it and I hope you’ll love it too.
Single release and music video premier for Samantha Christine’s upcoming album, “Warm Waters,” September 5, 2023.
08/28/2023
It only took about 20 years, but here we are. To get ahead of my first solo music release, I’ve decided to get my act together and make a website to organize and document my various artistic and creative pastimes. Music being the primary focus, since I guess it’s the only thing I’m remotely proficient at, but all the other stuff that’s accumulated along the way. Stay-tuned, check out my social media links (which will probably prove way more useful), and enjoy.
