LISTEN: You Need to Experience Samsaya’s ‘Stereotype’

Screen shot 2013-09-21 at 9.08.59 AMNorwegian-Indian pop singer Samsaya’s reputation for excellence precedes her. She already gave the world a couple of stunning gems in the form of “Apple” and “Breaking Bad.” Then she went ahead and nearly improved Lana Del Rey’s “Video Games”, too.

So it’s only a good thing that this weekend sees the (only-in-Norway) release of her newest single, “Stereotype.” This jam is lifted off her forthcoming album Bombay Calling. You’re forgiven for having this on blast throughout the rest of the weekend and dancing around wildly in your bedroom. I know I will be.

About the song’s message, Samsaya says:

In the studio I have freed myself from stereotypes. I do not limit myself to a genre or a certain way of being. I’m less concerned with defining and more concerned with capturing the different moments of life. Our unique names color our community and strengthen our ability to cope with generalization. “Stereotype” is about being open-minded.

Fun Footnotes about “Stereotype”:
• “Stereotype” and Bombay Calling are released on Samsaya’s own label, 3 mm.
• 3 mm is the size of the gap between her front teeth.
• This song was co-written with Iain James, who has also written for One Direction among many others.
• This song was produced by Fred Ball — who works under Jay Z’s Roc Nation.
• The video was filmed in Goa — where a crowd quickly assembled around the shoot. The director wanted to move the shoot to a “safer location,” but Samsaya insisted on filming the India she knows and loves.

Rohin Guha is a contributing editor at The Aerogram. Follow him on Twitter @ohrohin. Find The Aerogram on Twitter @theaerogram.

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