Singer-songwriter Sam Ferrara came to Nashville five years ago to live out her dream. In 2022, she realized its first step with two fine self-released (on Ferrradon Records) Country-flavored singles. Take a moment to listen to “Whiskey Memory,” a lover’s tale that hits all the right spots for a smash single. Expect however that you will pick up a pleasant earworm from it for the rest of the day!

Sam is a regular performer on the local scene and is also a part of the “Nashville Collective” which describes itself as “A community of driven musicians who go big or go home”.” Based on what’s we’ve heard from Sam so far, I don’t think she will be going anywhere but up from here!

Thanks, Sam, for visiting 11 Questions and sorry that it took this space so long to discover your talents. Looking forward to your debut LP!

Where are you from originally, when did you move to Nashville and why?

I am from a town called Holbrook, NY on the south shore of Long Island, 45-50 minutes from NYC on a day with no traffic and two hours from Montauk, NY. I moved to Nashville in July of 2017 (Five years ago – wow!) because I just knew I had to be here. Have you ever had a moment when you knew something was “just right?” When I visited Nashville for the first time in 2013 and just looked around checking out downtown, I had that feeling and knew this was the place I needed to be. It took four years from that moment to be in Nashville and I wouldn’t change a thing on my journey to get me here!

What are the first and the last records you bought, and where did you buy them? Were they CD, vinyl or digital?

Oh, my goodness! I’m going to need a second to think that through. I can tell you the last album I bought was Carrie Underwood’s Denim & Rhinestones at her pop-up shop during CMA Fest (To which might I add is AMAZING and she is an ICON!). But the first album I ever bought was a Britney Spears “…Baby One More Time” album and I most likely bought it from Walmart. Both are CDs. I’m somebody who loves to buy CDs. I know we are in a digital streaming age, but I am someone who LOVES getting a physical copy of music and I usually will go to Target to buy them.

First and last live concerts that you’ve seen?

First concert I saw was Trisha Yearwood at Westbury Music Fair (now NYCB Theatre) and it was the coolest experience ever to see an artist in the round (stage in the center with seats all around). She was amazing and still is amazing to see live. The last live concert I went to was Olivia Rodrigo at the Opry. That was a whole new experience, and it was fun to watch her perform.

Whose star should be added to the Music City Walk of Fame?

I thought Carrie Underwood was on this list. She isn’t and should be on the Music City Walk of fame!

Where do you go in Nashville for coffee and pizza?

This is the STORY OF MY LIFE. Hehe! For coffee, I will say Frothy Monkey or Barista Parlor are my top spots to grab coffee. As for pizza, this is difficult because I’m from the land of “good pizza” (NY), but it’s definitely Five Points Pizza and honorable mention to Joey’s House of Pizza May they rest in the land of awesome spots in Nashville that have closed.

What’s your favorite record to ever come out of Nashville?

Hmm, so many good albums are coming out of this town. Currently I think Brandy Clark’s album Your Life Is a Record is an INCREDIBLE album full of storytelling and magic. She is one of my favorite artists and songwriters in this town. I have that album on repeat all the time.

Where’s the best place to eat late night after a show?

Best place for a late-night bite is definitely Dino’s in East Nashville or Waffle House (one of the few things open late nowadays).

The Bluebird calls and asks you to host an “In the Round.” Pick three local songwriters to join you.

AHH! I have so many talented friends in this town. I could give you multiple lineups right now. But I will go with Kristian Veech, Amanda McCarthy, and Lauren Rose Thayer. These three have amazing stories to tell, but so do all of the writers in this town. This was a difficult question.

What are your favorite music venues to play in town?

Easily my favorite venues to play in town are definitely the True Music Room at the Cambria Hotel, the Commodore Grille, and the Bluebird. (I’m still starstruck from playing there!) Still many more on my list to play at.

Name a musician who you’d like to see move here.

My friend Lauren Davidson who’s based in NYC (Girl, where are you at?)

Finally, what’s in your musical future?

My musical future is to become a full-time musician and just play ad sing all over the world. I also want to be writing all the time too and hopefully have a publishing deal. Anything else is a bonus!