It’s been an exceptional year for singer/songwriter Samantha Jade.

Following her emergence on The X-Factor, the 26-year old favourite went on to win the competition, release her debut single and album, and has since been hard at work in the studio on her next album project.

Her lost confidence, after years of struggling to find her own identity in the industry, began to resurface, and now Samantha has fully embraced her destiny with a renewed lease on life.

“I was so overwhelmed and things had changed so much in my life – and things are still changing every day. I’m just grateful to be where I am right now and I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. I’m living the dream, literally, and working really hard to do my best for everyone that supported me through it all. “I’m back to being me again, which is really nice. The show really brought me back to life. It’s nice to be back in a good place again,” she smiles.

In late 2012, Samantha’s debut single “What You’ve Done To Me” shot straight to #1 on the Aria Singles Chart, whilst it’s accompanying album, recorded in a matter of just weeks, defiantly debuted at #3 on the Aria Albums Chart. Ever since then, audiences have been anticipating the next new release from Samantha Jade.

“It’s nice to know that people are waiting to hear what’s coming up for me next, and it’s such an amazing feeling. My new single “Firestarter” is the perfect lead-in to the next stage of my music.”

2013 has seen Samantha tour the length and the breadth of Australia, connecting with her audiences face-to-face, and returning to the studio to begin writing and recording for her upcoming new album. “I’ve been in the studio writing a lot, which is great because I was a writer before the show, and that was something I took a break from over the last few years. Writing has always been, for me, one of my favourite parts of the process. I just love the idea of telling stories and letting other people into my view on life or a particular subject – it’s such a powerful thing. It’s been great to be back in love with songwriting again.”

Working with the dynamic team of writer/producers DNA once more, Samantha co-penned her new single “Firestarter”. “It was great to go back into the studio with the guys who had helped make that magic on my first single. I feel really comfortable with them, and they completely understand where I’m coming from as an artist. Together, I think we make a really strong collaborative team.

“’Firestarter’ is really just about getting the party started and getting a great vibe happening. We wrote it in a way where you could take it in a few different ways, but it’s all about getting someone in a good mood, and getting their ignition going,” she says, adding that when it comes to getting her own fire going, it’s all about good music and good people. “I just want people to enjoy it and have fun with it.” Charging out with an international pop/dance sound that Rihanna and Kylie would be proud to call their own, “Firestarter” is an exuberant celebration which firmly reinforces Samantha Jade’s sound and style. “I don’t know where I fit in with in relation to other artists as such, but my music is definitely in the pop arena,” Samantha says modestly. “The single is a fresh pop song and I think that I’d be honored to follow in the footsteps of any pop artists who’ve dedicated themselves to their music and their career, and given 100% to their own performances.”

With work continuing on her new studio album which is due out later this year - and which she promises will be a versatile original project with its roots in pop, dance and R&B - Samantha’s career is ready to explode even further with the release of “Firestarter”.

“I seriously look back on where I was this time last year and I pinch myself because I never thought I’d be in this position now… I really didn’t. Everything feels so perfect right now, and I just want the party to continue. I want to take it up a notch again and share the excitement and energy with everyone that’s supported me over this incredible year.”

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