Queering the Underground: Sam Barbera on Women in Rock and New EP
To celebrate the release of their newest EP, front woman of Los Angeles band Beginners Sam Barbera recently sat down with The Advocate to share how living authentically has helped her face the world even as it feels like it’s ending.While Beginners is classified as alt-pop, Barbera likes to experiment with several genres, whether they be electro-pop or punk.
She says that whatever it is, it has “a little bit of raw aggression to it.”Barbera has been in the music business for over 10 years, though she shares that she wasn’t always able to be true to herself in her career.
When she started appearing in various alt-rock bands, her style didn’t fit the look her male bandmates wanted.Whereas she preferred jeans and Dr.
Martens boots, management would dress her in skirts and high heels to be more feminine. Barbera says she has always considered herself a tomboy and was unable to rock out in stilettos.“I’ve never even really thought about it until now.
