Meet a Member: Samantha Powell

Meet Samantha Powell (Sjae) from Pontypool, South Wales, who moved to LA 10 years ago ‘to pursue a better quality of life’

Was there a particular reason you chose LA?

When I was younger, I was signed to RCA Records and they used to send me to LA a lot on writing trips. I fell in love with the place the minute I got off the plane and honestly, the ‘shine’ still hasn’t worn off! I had been living in London and was so over the expense, the weather and the general rat race. I was producing records and writing songs for major artists (under the name Sammy Jay), but I just wanted a better quality of life, where I could still make a living from music, as I was in London. But frankly, I would have been happy doing anything! Fortunately, I was able to maintain and grow my work as a songwriter and music producer here in Los Angeles, as well as having a truly wonderful life experience. I find it a really good place to maintain that work/life balance.

What  do you miss most from home?

Marks & Spencers Food Hall!

What was your first impression of LA and has it changed since? 

My first impression was based on the people I first connected with, which were insanely talented musicians and spiritual soul mates. I was luck to find ‘my tribe’ early on and so have gravitated to the same things throughout my life here. I still think LA can be a really spiritual and soulful place, that encourages you to be true to yourself.

I’ve heard a lot of horror stories from people regarding fake and flaky people etc, but if you’re not pursuing those types, and can keep an eye on what’s really important in life, LA is a wonderful place to fall in love with. I’ve certainly seen neighborhoods change, the gentrification of the east side (Echo Park  and Silverlake), and the way tech money has influenced the Westside (Santa Monica/Venice), but I really do love every single part of this city!

What do you find the biggest difference is living here versus Pontypool and London?

Other than the weather? One thing that keeps me grounded is that I look at the Whole Foods Parking lot and every car is a Mercedes, BMW or Range Rover, and I think ‘This looks a bit different to the Tescos car park in Ponty haha!

I also think that the biggest difference is encouragement for entrepreneurs. If you have an idea, no matter what it is, someone in LA will get out their phone with a ‘I know a guy who knows a guy who can help you with this!’ People do 2-3 things for a living here and it’s embraced, not sneered at. So that British cynicism that sticks its nose into your dreamscape every now and again gets replaced by hope and encouragement. It’s in the air here.

Do you have a hidden gem in LA that you want to share with us?

The Lake Shrine Temple in Pacific Palisades.

What would you suggest to others who are thinking about making the move here?

Definitely see an immigration lawyer for a consultation before you even think about making any plans. Immigration is no joke and needs to be undertaken to the absolute 10th degree. Other than that, invest in real friendships. Even if you can count your real friends on one hand, they are invaluable, especially as you are so far away from family. Keep your friends close. Also, be prepared for some stressful financial times initially, it’s always a bit anxiety-causing trying to figure that out especially if you are in an artistic career, BUT keep the faith and don’t give up, because you WILL figure it all out! And it’s worth sticking around!

Lots of our members join our group Brits in LA seeking out words of wisdom – what is the best piece of advice you’ve been given? 

Never put a wishbone where your backbone should be!

Lastly, how can we find out more about you ? Are you working on anything at the moment?

Currently doing producing a lot of music for TV shows, I have music coming out on The New Step Up High Water TV Series, and Fox Sports promos for the World Cup 2018. You can find me online at sjaeofficial.com and on Facebook, Twitter and IG at sjaeofficial