Powerhouse guitarist & songwriter Samantha Fish announces fiercest album yet, 'Paper Doll'

Out April 25 on Rounder Records; listen to lead single, ‘Sweet Southern Sounds’ (https://found.ee/sfsouthernsoundsviz)

Press Release

One of the most electrifying guitarists of her generation, Samantha Fish has consistently captivated audiences with her unparalleled energy, boldness, emotional depth and unique blend of rock and soul. Known for her expressive guitar playing and powerhouse performances, Fish's career hit warp speed with the release of her last album, 2023’s “Death Wish Blues,” which hit No. 1 on the Billboard blues chart, and earned her a Grammy nomination, plus invitations to support The Rolling Stones, Jon Spencer and Slash.

This April, the Kansas City-bred, New Orleans-based musician will unveil her fiercest work to date with a new studio album “Paper Doll” (Rounder Records). Produced by Detroit garage-rock legend Bobby Harlow (The Go) – with assistance from fellow Detroit luminary Mick Collins (The Gories) on one track – each of the songs on “Paper Doll” are delivered with visceral force, soul-soothing empathy, and newfound clarity.

“It’s taken me years to finally find my voice in a studio setting,” Fish admitted. “But with this record, I took everything I had and slammed it right on the table.”

The theme of unapologetic defiance runs throughout the album, as Fish explores new depths of vulnerability and self-expression and confronts love, loss, and personal growth.

Tracked in Austin at The Orb and Los Angeles at Savannah Studios, the nine-song collection was recorded in the midst of a grueling touring schedule, ultimately capturing the untamed energy of her live performances.

“I’d never made a record on the road like that,” Fish revealed. “Even though it was so intense, it felt good to keep up the momentum from the live show. It helped us make an album that’s got a real, living, breathing pulse to it.”

The album features touring bandmates Ron Johnson (bass), Jamie Douglass (drums) and Mickey Finn (keys).

With the announcement, Fish has released the album’s lead single “Sweet Southern Sounds.” Co-written with fellow New Orleans-based singer-songwriter Anders Osborne, the track is a gripping meditation on the struggle to balance passion and personal connections, topped with smoldering riffs and lush organ melodies.

“It’s an anthem about being on the road and feeling guilty about not prioritizing the people in your life,” Fish said. “It’s hard to find that balance between taking care of your relationships and dedicating yourself to your music, and there’s definitely a tinge of heartache to that song.”

Listen to “Sweet Southern Sounds” here: https://found.ee/SFSouthernSoundsViz.

Preorder / presave “Paper Doll” (out April 25) here: https://found.ee/SFPaperDoll.

Fish will tour across the U.S. and U.K. throughout 2025, including dates with Kingfish, plus performances at JazzFest and more. For tickets and all upcoming tour dates, visit https://www.samanthafish.com/tour/.

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