Singer-Songwriter Sammi Accola wows with debut single “Nostalgia”

Here at VIE, we are lucky to witness many talented individuals chase their dreams. One, in particular, is Sammi Accola. Sammi interned at VIE in between semesters studying at Belmont University in Nashville. Just recently, on April 16, 2021, she released her debut single, “Nostalgia.” The song was inspired by a quote by John Pantana that said, “Nostalgia has a way of rose-coloring our past misery.” As a self-described Folk-Pop Americana artist, Sammi has released a debut song that is as dreamy as it is relatable. The song and lyrics have a way of making us feel like falling in love over and over again. The accompanying music video for the new tune was just released on April 30 and is equally impressive. Sammi’s natural talent and passion for music are undeniable. This girl is going places!

We asked Sammi a few questions about her experience studying at Belmont, “Nostalgia,” filming a music video, and more! Check out her interview below:

VIE: We hear you’re studying songwriting at Belmont in Nashville; what is that experience like?

Sammi: Studying Songwriting and Entertainment Journalism at Belmont University in Nashville has been one of the biggest blessings of my life! Every day, I am inspired by my fellow hardworking peers and the passion of my professors. What drew me to Belmont was the close personal relationships between students and professors. After experiencing two years of school in Nashville, I have formed such great connections, and I am so thankful for their mentorship.

To bring you into the Belmont songwriting community bubble: songwriting classes have looked a bit different this past year. Since the pandemic, we’ve had hybrid courses but can still meet in person and share songs! Whether laughing or crying, emotions are always welcome in the classroom setting— because, if you didn’t know, songwriters can be kind of emotional, ha! My experience in the Belmont songwriting program has been nothing short of students empowering one another and chasing real-life dreams! We certainly have our moments of sitting in a circle switching off heartbreak songs, but the lessons learned are for a lifetime. The major focuses on the “commercial” aspect of songwriting, so, in the classroom, we balance creativity with what “sells” in the industry. It has been an interesting field to navigate, but I believe in the power of music and its influence on people’s lives, especially in today’s generation!

Another noteworthy component to the songwriting major at Belmont is that our classes are actually on music row, off-campus! Located at 34 Music Square East, we study in the same building known as Columbia Studio A and the Quonset Hut, which have hosted the famed studio sessions of Patsy Cline, Bob Dylan, and Johnny Cash. We are living history, and I could not be more grateful for the songs and other collaborations to come!

VIE: What inspired “Nostalgia”?

Sammi: My debut single, “Nostalgia,” was released on April 16, 2021, and the journey has been such a blessing and a joy! “Nostalgia” is inspired by a quote I read by John Mark Pantana that said, “Nostalgia has a way of rose-coloring our past misery.” After reading those words, my mind wouldn’t stop running, and I couldn’t look away from the ink. Something about those words seemed to free my thoughts and revealed the inner workings of how I have often romanticized relationships and hard circumstances from my past rather than seeing them for what they are. I wanted to personify this perspective on nostalgia, creating a character surrounding this feeling.

For the first half of the song, I paint a picture of what the “perfect” relationship might look like, only to take the listener on a journey of self-reflection to find that nothing is what it appears to be. Utilizing light and folk instrumentation, such as strings and mandolin, to accompany the meaning-rich lyrics, “Nostalgia” is the perfect juxtaposition to transport the listener in and out of reality. “Nostalgia” reveals to the listener how, if we are not careful to check in on our emotions or experiences, we can quickly begin to fantasize over a present or past situation rather than face it for what it is.

VIE: What was the production process like?

Sammi: I collaborated with so many talented creatives and musicians on the “Nostalgia” single, including my incredible producer and friend, Ryan Rasmussen. Going into the production process, I was super nervous because I had never worked on my songs in a studio before. Ryan’s ability to translate my many production ideas was spot-on to my vision, and we worked well communicating as a team! There were many points in the process of recording where I felt stuck and uncertain. But, through the encouragement of close friends and the collaboration of other musicians, “Nostalgia” has become a song that I am very proud of and one I’m so excited for the world to hear! I’ve often heard from professors and teachers that “You don’t find songs, they find you.” After writing the song over a couple of long quarantine days, “Nostalgia” seemed to fall from the “songwriting stream” and was one of the most natural and enjoyable songs I’ve written so far.

We recorded “Nostalgia” in Ryan’s Nashville home studio, but we first met at the beach in Florida through a church connection! The timing of it all is still unexplainable. The recording and releasing of “Nostalgia” have been an unforgettable experience. The music industry is certainly not for the faint of heart, but the incredible village I’ve found makes every pushback and obstacle worth it!

VIE: What do you enjoy more, singing or songwriting?

Sammi: I enjoy both singing and songwriting! I am a singer-songwriter, which in my book has been the best of both worlds! I’ve done vocal training and singing lessons since I was about seven years old, but only in my sophomore year of high school did I start writing songs of my own after learning guitar. The two dance together for me, and I am thankful that I can write, play, and sing.

Songwriting is a challenge I don’t think I will ever fully master; it keeps me on my toes and pushes me to grow every day. There is always something to learn and create; whether writing a heavy topical song, trying out unique chords and melodies, or collaborating with someone new, the process is ever-changing and evolving. Writing never gets old.

As songwriters, we are storytellers. Sharing parts of yourself can be vulnerable and terrifying at times, but I couldn’t imagine not doing it. Songwriting is a passed-down craft, meaning every person and interaction in my life has formed my songs and story somehow. I find that truth to be fascinating and such a beautiful picture of the community!

Looking back, I never really saw myself as an artist. Since writing my own songs, I have dreamed of releasing music but could not have predicted where I’d be today. The Belmont and Nashville communities have been the most inclusive, celebratory, and encouraging groups of creatives who push me daily to be better! After writing and producing “Nostalgia,” it all just felt like the right timing, and sometimes you have to take a leap of faith and ask yourself “Why not?” I am excited for the future process of promoting my music and growing as both a songwriter and an artist!

VIE: How was the experience of filming a music video?

Sammi: Filming the music video for “Nostalgia” was equally the most fun and most time-consuming project I’ve ever been a part of! I worked with my good friend Keno Manuel of KENO Visuals, an up-and-coming videographer and filmmaker in the Destin, Florida, and Nashville scenes! He is one of the most talented, ambitious, and creative people I know, and we had a blast planning and shooting the video. We started prepping two months before filming—organizing costumes, locations, scenes, actors, props, and watching hours of music videos and movies looking for ideas.

During the filming process, we faced many unexpected challenges along the way. The first being a surprise hailstorm that hit while we were unloading gear (you should’ve seen the other guy). Others included last-minute permits and working around muddy fields to shoot a “dreamlike” picnic scene. On a positive note, we filmed some streamer scenes that were conceived the day of, and that ended up being pivotal for the music video, as they came out like magic! I remember us all crowding around the camera and the crew, so amped up about the scene! All in all, I learned that collaboration is essential, and I am so grateful to have a team that feels like family.

VIE: From the looks of it, your career is about to take off. What are your long-term goals for your music career?

Sammi: Thank you! I am so fortunate to have been given all the excellent opportunities to pursue my passions. Currently, I am focused on building my relationships in the music industry and learning from anyone willing to help and support upcoming singer-songwriters like myself. I am still trying to figure out the long-term goals, but I know, as a creative, that I will never stop creating and writing. All I know is that I am incredibly passionate about the craft of music and believe that anything is possible with the right amount of hard work and heart!

VIE: Where can we listen to “Nostalgia” by Sammi Accola?

Sammi: By searching “Nostalgia” by Sammi Accola, you can stream the song on every available platform, such as Apple Music and Spotify. “Nostalgia” can also be downloaded from iTunes. The music video was released on Friday, April 30, on Youtube and is all yours to watch and share with friends! (See above!) 

As for future news, I will be releasing two more songs this summer and a six-song EP in the fall. I am excited to keep growing my artistry and platform, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to speak with VIE!

VIE: Congratulations, Sammi! We can’t wait to hear more as your music career evolves!