Samantha Whates is a London based singer and songwriter. Despite living in the capital since her mid-teens, her heart, voice and songs retain a strong affinity with her Scottish roots, cultivating a sound that is thoroughly contemporary, rooted in tradition yet uniquely her own.

A regular live performer, Samantha has played throughout the UK from small town pubs to large festivals and major London venues (Union Chapel, Vortex, Cecil Sharp House). She recently released a debut album of her own songs, Dark Nights Make For Brighter Days which has been enjoying both critical acclaim and radio play (BBC 6 Music, KCRW, Resonance FM).

Working as a session/backing vocalist Samantha has provided vocals for Chris Coco, Gwyneth Herbert, James Yuill, Blue Rose Code, Fiona Bevan, Josienne Clarke and Ben Walker amongst many others.

Samantha’s last album Waiting Rooms, was recorded live in a variety of emotionally-charged locations, all waiting rooms, across the UK. Each space brought something new to the process, the end product of which is a field recording opus, as well as just reward for an epic emotional/logistical challenge, held together with the warp and weft of Samantha’s deft voice and her intuitive lyrics. Out now on Wonderfulsound. Samantha is currently putting the finishing touches to a brand new self produced and recorded EP to be released early 2022.

Watch Samantha performing new song “Hey Look it’s the morning”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JClcJ2zUIis

4**** mojo

“The most beautiful album...” - Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2

"I love her voice" - Dolly Parton

8/10 “Sublimely crafted concept folk” - Louder than War

‘Just gorgeous’ – Tom Robinson BBC 6Music

‘A lovely surprise, her presence and songs made my evening, a rare treat’ – James Yorkston