Interview by Carol Wright | Photographer: Bobby Quillard

We got to chat with singer Sam Pio about musicians she looks up to and the album of covers she’ll be releasing this year.

Has music always been a way you felt you could express yourself?

Yes, ever since I was young, I just loved singing, writing songs, and performing. And by 4 years old I fell in love with reading and studying God’s word so my music became a way for me to express the love, peace, and joy I felt from God. He speaks to me and my music allows me to express that.

Who are some musicians you look up to?

Well, I love Carrie Underwood, Lauren Daigle, and TobyMac.  They are some of my favorite Christian artists.

Tell us a bit about the album of covers you will be releasing this year. How did you go about choosing which songs would be covered?

I love so many Christian songs, so I thought why not put my favorite ones on an album because they make me feel so toasty and wonderful when I hear them. I believe that God has a blessing in everything if we just put our faith in him. So during the pandemic, when so many people were feeling scared, I wanted to bring peace into their world by sharing the songs that make me feel all warm and toasty inside. The album has a variety of uplifting and inspirational hymns and contemporary worship songs. 

You had the opportunity to perform alongside Goo Goo Dolls’ John Rzeznik. What did you learn from that experience?

I learned that I love performing with a live band and could have stayed on that stage all day. Being up on stage with the Goo Goo Dolls was an amazing time. WOW! Performing with the one and only Goo Goo Dolls was a dream come true. We laughed, told jokes, and had so much fun! 

What advice do you have for aspiring singers?

What I have to say is be yourself and don’t let anybody shut you down. Keep shining your light no matter what because God created you perfectly just the way you are, and he loves you more than anything.