When I heard Samia sing this song, I knew it was perfect for Insider Tracks. Not only because of who Samia is - an incredible performer and human being. But also because the song is a “pandemic baby,” hot off the presses, and an example of how artists are pivoting to embrace the possibilities within “lockdown.”

“I Am Light” was born when songwriter Kevin Velez, based in Maryland, was asked to contribute an original song for the digital concert, On Hope, organized by The Other Palace, the home of musical theatre based in Victoria, London.

Kevin reached out to Samia, who lives in Colorado, and she and Jonny Mantra made the recording.

“One of the silver linings of this pandemic is the way it's creating opportunities for global collaborations, like this one, and highlighting the fact that our world's artists CANNOT be stopped.”

Samia’s warm, beautiful voice goes beyond singing. She started the podcast Make America Relate Again, where she engages in compassionate, respectful political conversations with women who voted for Donald Trump. You’ll be blown away by how articulate, informed and playfully persuasive she is.

All proceeds, net of processing fees, will be donated to the Dramatists Guild Foundation’s emergency artist assistance grants. Consider making a larger donation here.