Samantha Free

Q: What's something about growing up in Las Vegas that people who didn't grow up there might not understand?

A: We didn't grow up in casinos, but my dad did used to be a bounty hunter.

Q: What was the initial reason for your move to Los Angeles, and what's kept you here since?

A: I was taking a gap year from music school at Berklee College of Music and I moved here to work with producers and make music until I moved, but ended up staying because I loved my life here.

Q: For someone discovering you for the first time, how would you describe what you do?

A: Normally I just say I make music or teach Pilates, but I would describe it as multidimensional. I like to try new things and not put too much of myself in one box. Life is short, I wanna do it all.

Q: Your career spans so many different creative outlets. Have you ever felt pressure to choose just one lane, or has it always felt natural to embrace all of your interests?

A: When I was 18 I thought the only thing I could do was sing, and then I found a love for fitness and creating, so I decided to embrace that part of me and get a certification in Pilates and post videos online.

Q: How does your creative process shift when you're creating something just for yourself versus something you're planning to share with an audience?

A: Creating comes most when I'm bored, so when I write I like to sit down at the piano for a few hours and create melodies and random songs. Most of the time they don't go anywhere, but that's what feeds my soul. When creating videos, I focus more on the audience and how it makes them feel.

Q: What's something you've always wanted to try, create, or pursue that you haven't had the chance to yet?

A: Cooking. I think it's so admirable when someone can make a really yummy dish. Food brings people together, and it's one thing we can all love and enjoy.

Q: Music has been one of your many creative outlets over the years. How does it fit into your life these days, and is there any chance we'll hear something new from you soon?

A: My music is about very personal experiences, so a lot of the times I sit on them for too long and then they just don't come out. This year I'm planning on releasing a few singles and I can't wait to share. I like to think of my music as a caterpillar, 40 songs in this little cocoon, and once I release them, the butterflies fly. It's exciting and nerve-wracking.

Q: You recently began teaching Pilates. What motivated you to move from practicing to teaching?

A: I've always loved taking classes and would always wonder what it'd be like to curate the room. The playlist and the music is actually what made me want to instruct, because I need to listen to Gunna and Don Toliver mid squat sequence.

Q: Since stepping into that role, what's been the most surprising thing you've learned from teaching others?

A: People love to see results and feel strong. Working out isn't about the outside, it's more about what it does internally, creating a sense of serotonin and dopamine that makes our mental health better.

Q: A lot of your content touches on mental health, balance, and wellness. What inspired you to start sharing those conversations online?

A: I've always dealt with anxiety and trying to understand why humans are the way we are, so the past few years I've read and listened to podcasts on the human brain, and I was inspired to share my thoughts from that intel.

Q: For someone looking to reconnect with their mental and physical well-being, what's the first piece of advice you'd give them?

A: Take a second to spend time alone and scan the parts of your life that don't make you the most fulfilled. Cut those out and add more of the things that bring you joy.

Q: What does your ideal reset day look like?

A: Wake up late, a massage, silent FaceTime calls with my friends.

Q: Favorite way to move your body?

A: Pilates and running.

Q: Go-to comfort meal?

A: Sushi Fumi.

Q: What are you listening to this summer?

A: Gunna and Blood Orange.