Bio

Born on October 9, 2001, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Sam Herrera's life has always been intertwined with music and the arts. At the age of four, she moved with her family to Monterrey, Nuevo León, where her artistic journey truly began. From an early age, Sam was involved in dance, a passion that kept her connected to the rhythm and movement that would later become integral to her musical career.

At the age of eight, Sam began singing in her school’s choir, an experience that sparked her love for vocal performance. Two years later, she took up the saxophone, joining her school’s band and expanding her musical horizons. Her dedication to music only grew stronger as she took private lessons in voice, guitar, and bass throughout her primary and secondary school years.

At fourteen, Sam began to explore songwriting, drawing inspiration from alternative pop artists like Oh Wonder and Dodie. This exploration marked the beginning of her journey as a composer, where she discovered the power of creating original music. In high school, she teamed up with friends to write and perform music, playing in various bands and showcasing their talent at local and regional events.

After graduating from high school in 2021, Sam made the decision to move to Chicago to pursue a degree in Contemporary, Urban, and Popular Music at Columbia College Chicago. It was during this time that she discovered a deep passion for boleros and Latin music, influenced by the work of artists such as Natalia Lafourcade, Silvana Estrada, and Rita Payés. Immersing herself in these genres, Sam joined the college’s Latin Ensemble, where she delved into the vibrant world of salsa, cumbia, and merengue. This experience allowed her to perform Latin music for the first time and even arrange and perform salsa and cumbia versions of her original songs, such as "Nunca Olvidarás (La Flaca)" and other unreleased tracks like "Ecos," "Luna Nueva," and "Aquella Noche," co-written with fellow singer and friend Nicole Nicolalde.

In the summer of 2022, Sam took a significant step in her career by recording her debut EP, Diecinueve, which was released in January 2023. This EP, steeped in the sounds of folk-pop and honoring her roots, portrays the significance of the number 19 in her life, capturing narratives of emotional struggles, personal growth, and the importance of staying true to oneself.

During her time in college, Sam also discovered a passion for education. She began working as a music theory tutor, helping fellow students deepen their understanding of music. Beyond tutoring, she has also taught private and group music lessons to students of all ages, from children to adults, sharing her love for music and her knowledge with others.

Now a senior in college, Sam is focused on creating new music, exploring different styles and genres, and seeking collaborations that will continue to push her boundaries as an artist. Her goal is to use her music to help others learn about themselves, to express the difficult emotions that words often fail to capture, and to connect with others by understanding and embracing the diverse backgrounds from which we all come.