You always feel it when it’s time to take the next step, when you have to leave something old behind because it just feels right. As Samantha Gongol puts it, “I had to give myself permission to release something totally different.” Known as one-half of the platinum-selling duo Marian Hill, Samantha has spent the past decade captivating listeners with her sultry vocals and minimalist electronic beats, amassing a global fanbase with hits like “Down” and “One Time.” However, after years of performing within the dynamic of a band, she felt the pull to embark on a journey that was solely hers.
Growing up, Samantha always had big dreams for her artistry, dreams that began long before partnering with anyone. This solo project marks a moment of self-reflection and reinvention, a way to revisit those early aspirations. As she says, “It felt like I owed it to myself to follow through and throw my hat in the ring.” Now, with her debut solo single, “Flash in the Pan,” she’s diving into themes of time, uncertainty, and the complex emotions of growing older in the industry. The single is a vibrant and introspective leap into her solo sound, paired with a music video directed by Matty Vogel.
In our interview, we dive into Samantha’s journey of artistic freedom, the challenges of standing on her own, and her definition of success.
photography by Matty Vogel
Congrats on launching your solo journey! What emotions are you feeling now that ‘Flash in the Pan’ is finally out?
Ooo thank you! And you are my first solo project interview so thank you for taking the time! It’s so weird that flash is out, because it took me SO long to get to this point. Of course I hope people like it, but selfishly it just feels good to have released something. There were lots of iterations, but this story and this song felt right for me at this moment.
After a decade with Marian Hill, what was it like venturing into a solo project?
You know. Casual. Anxiety ridden! Marian Hill has been a constant in my life for the better part of a decade. But like every good frontwoman in a band I had to do it. I spent so much time trying to figure out what I wanted to do, pressuring myself to have this massive release. So many well intentioned people had ideas of what I should do, what I should sound like, and in the end I kind of ignored them and just did what I wanted to do. I had to give myself permission to release something totally different. I love our Marian Hill fans so much, so many I have gotten to know over the last ten years. And while I hope they love this, it is a completely different project! I’m under no illusion that they’ll automatically follow me here, and it very much feels like I’m starting over.
Being a solo artist has many advantages, especially the creative freedom. But is there anything you find definitely harder when you’re on your own?
Yes! I miss having a partner to bounce things off of. Whether it’s music or business, it’s nice to be able to check in with someone whom you trust and whose opinion you value. After a decade of having that partnership, at times it’s a little daunting to make every creative decision on your own. Oh and the tech. I’m very intentionally DIY at the moment but I’m not sure I’m cut out for it. I didn’t realize how lucky I was that Jeremy just handled most of that and now I’m like, I’m sorry, I have to download what?
“We’re so much more than the age we are or the boxes we put ourselves in.”
You mention the fear of whether your moment has passed. What helped you confront that fear and decide to keep going?
I think it felt like I had some unfinished business. I had dreams before I ever partnered, hired, or worked with anyone. And it felt like I owed it to myself to follow through and throw my hat in the ring.
What does the phrase “That’s showbiz, baby!” mean to you in the context of your new single?
Haha! Oh excellent question. If I’m being completely honest I just said it in the moment, it felt inspired! But if I had to unpack it, I think it means that sometimes you’re high, sometimes you’re low, but that’s showbiz baby, that’s just the way it goes.
You worked with Matty Vogel for the music video—what was that collaborative experience like?
Matty is the absolute talented best. He was so generous with his time and resources, and made the whole shoot so fun and comfortable. He’s worked with absolute superstars and literally travels the globe, so I was just honored he agreed to work with me! For some reason I was feeling really overwhelmed by the creative, but he was instrumental and so helpful in bringing this vision to life.
Reflecting on your career so far, what has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
When you’re hot you’re hot. And when you’re not you’re not.
“Sometimes you’re high, sometimes you’re low, but that’s showbiz baby, that’s just the way it goes.”
How do you see your solo career growing in the future? Are there any new styles or ideas you’re excited to try?
I want to follow the inspiration, regardless of genre or artistic medium! The freedom to explore is important to me right now. My brother and I are currently working on a project that expands on the themes of flash in the pan, and the last four years of our lives. I’m so excited about that. Whether my musical endeavors lead past an EP to an album, I’m not sure yet! I just want to have fun with it!
How do you define success?
I used to think success meant being the biggest artist in the world. Playing arenas, having a hit song, maybe finding fame, being as big of an artist as our career would allow. I’ve redefined my terms for success, not for lack of ambition but for balance in life. My career used to mean absolutely everything to me, at the expense of so many other things. I felt I was defined by it. And of course I’d love to play SNL and have a big song and play big rooms. But to be honest, for my solo project I just want creative freedom, something that’s mine. The ability to do whatever I want on my own terms. That, to me, is success.
But side note I do have to make a living so.. a big song would be nice. I’m not impervious to the trappings of first class. Who doesn’t love paying $28,000 for champagne and an eye mask. (smiles)
The most important Thing in life is?
Knowing it’s ok to change! Your mind, your career, your life. We’re so much more than the age we are, the boxes we put ourselves in, or the boxes other people make for us.
That and never underestimate the power of a good sequin.
Follow Samantha Gongol for more:
www.instagram.com/samanthagongstarstyle
