Local Singer-Songwriter Makes Television Debut

Since her days at Division Avenue High School, singer-songwriter Samantha Smith has dreamed of making a breakthrough with her music.

Nearly nine years later, the Levittown native has made her television debut on a local series offering a forum for artists of all kinds to strut their stuff. Smith appeared on Cablevision's Talent Showcase last Sunday evening and her performance is set to air again Jan. 22 and Jan. 29 at 7:30 p.m. on Cablevision's channel 20.

"My mother had told me about auditions so I picked up my keyboard and headed to Hauppauge," explained Smith, a 2003 graduate of Division Avenue. "I heard back a few months later and went to record in their studio."

"It's a real first for me and its a big step up personally," Smith added. "Those who watch the show can see my music and get a chance to see who I am and what I'm all about."

Smith's performance featured one original song of her own titled "Alone", written and composed on the piano, as well as a cover of "If I Ain't Got You" from world renowned R&B artist Alicia Keys, one of her biggest inspirations. 

"Too many artists have inspired me from music from the 1960s and seventies to gospel and Christian music and artists like Alicia Keys and India Arie," Smith explained. "Having the Lord in my life and faith in Him is also very inspirational to me."

Through her growth as a musician, Smith feels that she has come to appreciate the art of music more than ever.

"There's so much to love about it," she said. "I love the emotional impact it can have on people and on myself as well. The ability to move people and uplift them is amazing."

Smith began performing live while in college at Pace University in New York City. She attended several open mics to get her music out into the world as well as participating frequently at her church. Through her journey, Smith feels that she has come to realize how much she has grown personally and has overcome struggles that brought her to where she is today and finds it all to be quite rewarding.

"I definitely feel like I've changed and grown and that's what pushes me to go forward," Smith explained. "I see the progress. I can write and put a song together in the right format. I've grown lyrically, vocally and with my piano skills and especially stage presence. It's very fulfilling."

Though Smith has no upcoming performances set in stone, she is hoping that her appearance on Talent Showcase will open new doors.

"My only hope is to get my songs out there for more people to hear," she said.