Samantha Gangal recently dropped her new single accompanied by a music video “My Own Prison” and Celeb Secrets had the chance to chat with the artist herself to get the inside scoop on the track.
Even though Gangal may have just made her musical debut, 18-year-old is no stranger to the entertainment industry. The talented singer/songwriter started her career as an actress and is best known for her recurring roles in Fresh Off The Boat and on the Dreamworks Television Series OMG! Samantha also starts in a lead role as Lilly Franks in the award-winning film Make A Wish, Mom.
Written in a collaboration with producer David Kidd, who has worked with other young talents including Hayden Summerall and Jules LeBlanc, “My Own Prison” is a beautiful and sad song about personal struggles.
Inspired by events in her own life and the lives of those around her, the single explores the internal battle of being trapped and the feeling of helplessness when life seems out of control. Samantha‘s gentle voice over the harmonic melody reminds listeners that you are not alone in your battles and that there are people who can relate, help and support you during hard times.
We sat down (virtually) with Samantha to hear all about her debut single, what she hopes listeners take away, and what is coming up next. Check out the full Q&A below and don’t forget to let us know what you think of “My Own Prison” by either leaving a reaction or by sending us a tweet at @celebsecrets.
You can connect with Gangal by giving her a follow on Instagram at @littlesamkay.
Celeb Secrets: Hi Samantha, congratulations on your new single “My Own Prison!” How are you feeling about your first release?
Samantha Gangal: “I’ve done covers for years, but I am really excited to finally release my own original songs.”
CS: The lyrics seem really personal, what inspired you to write the song?
SG: “There’s not one particular event that inspired me to write this song. It’s basically a combination of different events that were going on in my life and the lives of the people around me. It’s that feeling of helplessness that comes over us and we feel like we have no control.”
CS: How do you hope fans will react when they hear “My Own Prison” for the first time?
SG: “I am hoping they can connect with it in whatever way it applies to them. My goal was for everyone to understand that we all go through something at one time or another…that no one is alone in their struggles.”
CS: You’ve done covers of “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Shallow,” which are very beautiful. Are you planning to record more covers or focus on the original music?
SG: “Right now I am focusing on my original music with the hopes of having an EP ready to release this winter. However, I am not opposed to doing the occasional cover song.”
CS: You also released a music video for “My Own Prison” that reflects on the relationships and friendship, why did you choose this specific set up to explain the struggles that teenagers go through?
SG: “When planning the music video, we thought it would be best to just choose one variation on the theme of the song. It was the easiest storyline to come together as we had a short deadline to get the video completed and released.”
CS: You have an impressive acting career! You are well-known for your roles on Fresh Off The Boat and on the Dreamworks Television Series OMG! Of all the roles you have played in the past, which is your favorite and why?
SG: “Actually, my favorite role was a short film that I co wrote with a friend of mine. It was showcased in many film festivals and won several awards.”
CS: When did you realize that you also want to sing and grow as a songwriter or was it always your plan? Are you looking to focus on music in the future or movies as well?
SG: “My plan was to always do acting and singing. Songwriting was the part I just got into doing the last couple of years. I am still focused on both singing and acting.”
CS: How do you balance school, being an influencer and a career in the entertainment industry?
SG: “It’s not easy, but you have to stay organized and manage your time wisely. I actually completed high school a semester early and have one year of college completed as well.”
CS: Any upcoming projects that you are working on currently? What can we expect?
SG: “I have another song ready to release in the upcoming months. It will be released along with a music video, once it has been filmed. This next song is a bit more indicative of the direction my music is heading, which is more of a rock song than a ballad. I have several more songs in the writing stage with the plan of having an EP ready to release around the first of the year.”
CS: Lastly, since we are Celeb Secrets, can you share a secret talent/fun fact of yours?
SG: “Fun fact – I have visited all 50 states.”
