Samantha Gongol, best known as one-half of the multi-Platinum duo Marian Hill, steps into her own spotlight with the release of her debut solo EP, Flash in the Pan!. The EP features new single ‘American Boy’ – watch the music video and listen to the EP below.
Inspired by the theatricality of show business, Flash in the Pan! marks a new musical direction for Gongol, grounded in raw, emotionally charged storytelling. The 8-track project includes new tracks ‘American Boy’ and ‘Whiplash’ as well as previously released singles ‘Flash in the Pan!’, ‘Planes Are Low’, and ‘When You’re Hot You’re Hot’, and delves into themes of self-reflection, uncertainty, and the passage of time. ‘Whiplash’ features production by longtime Marian Hill collaborator Jeremy Lloyd, offering a subtle nod to their signature sound as Gongol takes a fearless leap into new creative territory.
Earlier this month, Samantha unveiled the final episode of her semi-autobiographical web series, Flash in the Pan! The six-part series, created by and starring Samantha and her real-life brother, Tommy Gongol, follows a fictionalized version of Sam as she navigates what happens when a once-rising pop star ends up back in her childhood bedroom at 35. Watch the full series HERE.
Through both the EP and accompanying web series, Samantha Gongol explores the complexities of growing older in a fast-moving industry, confronting the fear that her moment may have passed and grappling with the question of whether to keep creating or let go. While fans of Marian Hill will recognize her signature emotive vocal style, Flash in the Pan! Introduces a sharp, theatrical edge and showcases Samantha’s willingness to push artistic boundaries as a solo artist.
We had a chat with Samantha all about Flash In The Pan! and it’s accompanying web series and more. Read the Q&A below.
Hi Samantha! How are you? What does a typical day look like for you right now?
“Honestly, just grinding away! I wake up, take a walk, and film content! Rinse and repeat! The life of an artist in 2025 haha”
You have just released your debut solo EP Flash In The Pan! Why was now the right time to strike out on your own and make such a record? And what do you hope fans take away from it?
“Honestly it’s taken me so long to release this project. There have been a lot of ups and downs, but it felt like I just finally had to move forward and release it! I hope fans listen and love it, whether or not they are fans of Marian Hill. It’s sonically very different, but it’s essential to try different things and step outside of your comfort zone in order to grow as an artist! It’s a personal record, explored through the lens of the showgirl theater aesthetic, which for many reasons I’ve always loved.”
What was your creative process for Flash In The Pan! like? How did it differ to your process in Marian Hill? What was your favorite part making the album? Did you face any challenges?
“Haha, Flash in the Pan! had so many iterations! All of these songs started out as an idea I had over the course of the last few years. In Marian Hill it’s very collaborative, Jeremy produces everything, and we write mostly for the song. In this project, I really wrote for myself. Similar to the band, I also wrote from the perspective of a character in songs like ‘American Boy’ and ‘When You’re Hot You’re Hot.’ But I loved getting to say whatever I wanted, and although there were some challenges at times bringing it to the finish line, I’m really happy that it’s finally out. It’s like a tasting of different sonic ideas and inspirations I’ve had from the last few years.”
You have also shared a semi-autobiographical web series to accompany the EP. Both explore themes of self-reflection, uncertainty, and the passage of time. Please tell us more about that!
“Of course! My brother and I started writing this series in covid. It started as a 30 minute pilot, but it was a weird time and we shelved it for a while. As I continued writing music for the EP, I felt that I was exploring a lot of similar themes. I called my brother Tommy and I said, what if we debuted the idea as a web series to start it off? It’s a show about family, but it’s also a comeback story. It explores getting older in the music industry, chasing your dreams, and going for it no matter the circumstances. Tommy also played my brother in the show, which was so fun to do together. I’m excited to start working on season 2.”
Finally, what’s next for you? Do you have any plans for any solo shows? Are you working on further new music?
“I have no live shows planned! I need to book something! I’ve been so focused on other things that my live show has fallen by the wayside haha, but I’d love to get out there. I’m working on new music, and more film and tv projects. And season 2 of flash in the pan 🙂 stay tuned!”
