Dothan, Ala. (WDNews) — As Samantha Fish prepares to take the stage in Dothan, fans will be getting more than just a concert — they’ll be seeing an artist in the middle of a major moment in her career.
Fish, known for blending blues, rock, soul and more into a sound that continues to evolve, said her music stays grounded while pulling from a wide range of influences.
“My music is rooted in American roots and blues,” she said. “But I pull from a lot of different places… and it all filters through my voice and guitar.”
That balance between honoring tradition and exploring new directions has become central to who she is as an artist. While she credits blues as her foundation, Fish said she’s intentional about not being confined by it.
“I owe that music everything,” she said. “But I want the freedom to explore… that’s part of my job as an artist.”
That approach carries into her latest album, “Paper Doll,” which touches on multiple themes rather than focusing on a single concept. At its core, she said, the project reflects identity and the expectations placed on women.
“It’s about being a woman in the world and having all these expectations placed on you,” she said. “It’s a song in defiance of all that.”
Fish has also earned recognition at the highest level in the industry, receiving two Grammy nominations — one for “Paper Doll” and another for “Death Wish Blues,” a collaboration with Jesse Dayton.
Now, Fish is building on that momentum with a live album set to release this summer. While details remain limited, she said the project will capture the energy of her performances — something she views as a key part of her artistry. The live album, recorded on tour, will deliver excitement and intensity that continues to validate why Fish is one of the most compelling musicians in modern blues rock.
The upcoming release is expected to highlight the raw, in-the-moment feel of her shows, giving fans a closer look at how her music translates on stage.
That energy is exactly what she plans to bring to Dothan.
Fish will perform at the Dothan Opera House as part of a tour alongside Tab Benoit, marking the first time in several years the two have toured together.
For the Dothan show, Fish said fans can expect a dynamic set that blends newer material with fan favorites.
“It’s about putting on something that’s entertaining and engaging,” she said. “You’ve got to pack a lot into a little amount of time.”
Her live performances have become a defining part of her career, with a reputation for high energy and strong crowd connection.
Off stage, Fish said her songwriting process shifts depending on the moment. Sometimes she works independently, while other times she collaborates with trusted partners to bring in new perspectives.
“Sometimes I get more done when I’m working with others,” she said. “It just depends on where I’m at.”
Inspiration often comes during everyday routines.
“Seventy-five to 80 percent of my songs probably start while I’m driving,” she said.
As she prepares for her visit, Fish said she’s also looking forward to spending time in Dothan and exploring the downtown area.
The concert is set for Friday, April 17 at 8 p.m. at the Dothan Opera House. Tickets are available at https://share.google/i6G9iOJWkJUBIgBRA.
With a new live album on the horizon and a tour underway, her stop in the Wiregrass comes as her career continues to grow — and take new shape.
