Samantha Crain

Samantha Crain (born 15 August 1986) is a Choctaw Nation singer-songwriter, musician, and producer from Shawnee, Oklahoma. Known for her evocative storytelling and distinctive voice, she blends elements of folk-rock, Americana, and indie-rock to create a sound that resonates deeply with listeners. She began her musical journey in her late teens, teaching herself guitar and composing songs inspired by her short stories. By 19, she was touring nationally, initially as a solo artist and later with her band, Samantha Crain and the Midnight Shivers. Her early work earned her critical acclaim, and she won three Native American Music Awards (NAMMYs) in 2009, including Folk Album of the Year and Songwriter of the Year. In 2022, she received the Single of the Year award for "Bloomsday." Throughout her career, she has released several albums, with notable works including A Small Death (2020) and Gumshoe (2025). A Small Death was particularly acclaimed, ranking #25 on NPR’s 50 Best Albums of 2020 and #8 on Rolling Stone’s Best Music of 2020. The album's introspective lyrics and minimalist instrumentation showcased her growth as an artist. Beyond her music, she is an advocate for Indigenous representation in the arts. She has composed scores for films such as Fancy Dance (2022) and documentaries like Drowned Land (2024), highlighting Indigenous stories and perspectives. Her commitment to her heritage is also evident in her music, where she has incorporated the Choctaw language and themes into her work.