Samantha's new CD will inspire young players
Published Friday October 3rd, 2008
The local fiddler's passion for the fiddle led her to record an album aimed at future fiddlers
Samantha Robichaud knows the influence that comes with hearing fiddle music at a young age.
What inspired her very bright career as an up-and-coming fiddler is, after all, largely a product of an experience that she had when she was younger.
"When I was only two years old, I saw someone playing the fiddle on TV and I immediately fell in love," says Samantha.
"I kept bugging my parents to let me play the fiddle, until they found someone who would teach me, at the age of four."
The 21-year old Riverview native continues to keep that spirit alive and well with her newest record, A New Stage.
Just as she became interested at a young age, she's hoping her latest offering will inspire the youngsters of today to pick up the instrument.
"The fiddle is becoming more popular with people of all ages here in Riverview and the Moncton area," says Samantha.
"What I wanted to do with my music was make it a bit different and try and connect the younger generation and show you can be versatile with this instrument."
Samantha is making a unique contribution to fiddle music not just through the music found on the record.
A large part of her inspiration to record came from a desire to connect with a new generation of potential enthusiasts.
"I wanted to try something different and have an up-beat rock groove to it." says Samantha.
The record features many original songs, which makes Samantha stand out in a genre best known for recreating traditional songs.
In addition, more vocals are present than on any of her previous four releases, reflecting Samantha's activities away from the instrument.
"It was a great learning experience making this CD," she says. "I got to do a lot more creative writing and it was a very positive and rewarding experience."
Fiddle fans from all over North America are already starting to take notice of her unique contribution to the instrument.
As part of her plans for touring the record, the New Brunswick musician will be playing alongside some pretty big names at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival in San Francisco, California this October.
In addition to other dates in the US this fall, she also has an Asian tour in the works for the future. Some pretty big accomplishments for a young fiddler, but her achievements haven't overshadowed her passion for teaching others.
She still regularly participates in fiddle workshops and has been asked to join the Canadian committee to help promote Daniel Pearl World Music Days, an international network of concerts that hopes to achieve international friendship through music.
"It's such a big responsibility but I was so honoured and excited to be a part of it," says Samantha. "It is something very important to me."
Little surprise then that Samantha would want to participate. If her career thus far is any indication, the young fiddler from Riverview isn't afraid to hold onto her passion for furthering interest in the fiddle with the wider community while she herself holds onto a bright future in music.
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