Samlight

Helsinki, Finland

Take that Step

Electronic

Behind the Music

Music can be an incredibly strong and impressive way to communicate. People are listening to music every day and I think, when paired with impactful journalism such as The Outlaw Ocean, we can reach a whole new layer of meaning through sound with this music project. There can never be too much artistry focused on showing the unknown parts of the world, and I have always wanted to create music that can make people think and feel something bigger, just as Ian does with his reporting. 

When it came to my tracks, I tried to utilize a lot of acoustic elements that would add a dramatic flair. I then combined them with my melodic and electronic style to make the songs even more powerful. When it came to bringing depth and emotion-filled sounds, I relied on my favorite instrument — the piano. Ultimately I wanted to create a body of music that would elicit feelings of optimism and a renewed sense of hope for a change that will bring a better future.

Samlight
About Samlight

Samlight is a Finnish DJ, music producer and musician. He began playing piano at a young age and soon after started performing with bands. By the time Samlight turned 13 he was already producing his own first tracks. In addition to many other clubs & festivals, Samlight has also played at the main stage of Weekend Festival - the biggest EDM festival in the Nordic countries. 

After a few releases things began to fall into place in 2017 when Samlight released "Let Me Know" on Sony Music Finland. The track was at the time his most successful song of his career. Samlight began 2018 signing with the world famous label Spinnin' Records and started dropping new singles on Spinnin' Talent Pool. After getting great attention worldwide Samlight released “Welcome” with Stage Republic, which was his first track to hit over two million plays on Spotify. In 2020 Samlight launched a new dance music event concept "Luxonia" in Finland. Lots of exciting projects and new music coming up, so be sure to keep your eye and ears on Samlight.

Winner of the 2021 Scripps Howard Award for Excellence in Innovation in Journalism

The Journalism behind the Music

All music in this project is based on The Outlaw Ocean, a New York Times Best-Selling book by Ian Urbina that chronicles lawlessness at sea around the world. This reporting touches on a diversity of abuses ranging from illegal and overfishing, arms trafficking at sea, human slavery, gun running, intentional dumping, murder of stowaways, thievery of ships and other topics.

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