Episode 176: Johanna Samuels

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Episode 176 of Look At My Records! features an in-depth conversation with Los Angeles-based songwriter Johanna Samuels. Samuels just released her debut full-length, Excelsior!, earlier this month on Mama Bird Recording Company. The songs on the album explore many of Samuels’ personal relationships, with many tracks like “Julie” and “Sonny” named after particular people in her life, and places an emphasis on personal growth through learning from others. Recorded live to tape at Sam Evian’s Flying Cloud studio in upstate New York, the record has a very warm and intimate feel, driven by Samuels’ earnest lyricism and irresistible melodies. Tune in to our interview to hear all about how her late Grandfather inspired the title “Excelsior,” how Christine Blassey Ford’s testimony before Congress inspired the album’s excellent second single, “Nature’s Way,” what inspired her to launch a series of benefit live streams called Abolition, and much more. Plus, Johanna picked some awesome records from Yo La Tengo, Courtney Marie Andrews, Television, and more. You can follow along with her picks via the official playlist for Episode 176.

Excelsior is out now via Mama Bird Recording Co. You can purchase a copy on limited edition red vinyl via Bandcamp. The album is also available on all streaming platforms. Keep up with Johanna by following her on Instagram and liking her on Facebook.