With musical influences ranging from Missy Elliot to Kendrick Lamar and Ivy Queen to Control Machete, poet and MC, Samy Love’s lyricism hits harder than some of her male counterparts, softened only by the vulnerability she exudes while on stage.
In her songs, she often references the lived experiences of her own family, who migrated to the U.S. from Mexico when Love was just a kid.
“I started writing songs when I was 8 or 9 years old,” Love said. “Early on, I had an understanding and this knowing that my voice is free and that no one could take that away from me.”
Love was first drawn to music when the opportunity presented itself to learn an instrument in elementary school.
“I wanted to play the saxophone. My mom saved up so that I could rent one,” Love said. “I remember us riding the bus to the music store. When we got there, the man wouldn’t allow my mom to rent it because she didn’t have a driver’s license, due to her not being a citizen at the time.”
The experience was Love’s first taste of discrimination, though her mom kept a brave face, that day at the music store played an integral role in shaping the young MC’s voice.
Music had always been a part of Love’s life and after graduating from Cal State Fullerton with a degree in psychology, she felt the need to make it her main focus.
“I was a little burnt out by the time graduation came around and I thought to myself, ‘Do you really want to reach an old age with regrets?’”Love said.
As her audience continues to grow, Love remains grounded by keeping in mind her reasons for making music.
“It’s always about spreading love, moving with intention,” Love said. “My mom’s always been really proud of me. With my music, I speak for her and my community.”
After spending most of her early life in South County, Love felt herself being drawn to the community of Santa Ana, where she would frequently visit family.
“Santa Ana has brought a lot of light into my life,” Love said.”Where I grew up (South County) there weren’t a lot of opportunities for the working class and not a lot of support for people with stories like mine. When I got to Santa Ana, my dreams became a reality.”
Love went on to explain how in Santa Ana, it feels as though the entire community is supportive in wanting each other to succeed.
On March 9, Love is bringing the spirit of Santa Ana to Long Beach’s Edison Theatre for a special Women’s History Month show where she’ll be performing along with local artists, Calinnah and Edyn.
“I’m definitely trying to bring fun, heart-to-heart songs that talk about loving yourself, songs that’ll make you dance and songs that speak to the community that I love.” Love said. “There will be lots of moments for reflecting on love and connecting with the idea that life is ok.”
Tickets for the show are available here.
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