Young Christian Artist Sam Pio Inspires Others Through Her Music

HI SAM! THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO SPEAK TO US! CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF, WHO IS SAM PIO IN YOUR OWN WORDS?  
I was born and raised in California. I love playing at the park, baking cookies, swimming, roller skating, studying Bible and history, learning about animals and helping the homeless. I have an outgoing “poppy personality” and I love getting and giving big hugs!  I am an Evangelist, Messenger of God, a Christian Recording Artist who loves to sing, write songs, act and share the love of Christ through music, movies and missions. 

ENTERTAINING PEOPLE IS THE MOST DIFFICULT TASK; YOU STARTED AS A BABY MODEL. HOW DID THAT HAPPEN? AND WHEN EXACTLY DID YOU REALIZE YOU HAD THE PASSION FOR SINGING & ACTING?
While out with my dad in Miami, he was stopped and asked if he had ever considered me being a baby model. We later interviewed with the agent and were signed immediately. I booked National print ads on my first two auditions and went on to book commercials. 

From a very early age, I loved to sing and if there was a stage in sight I was on it. I also loved to make up songs and would often turn my day’s  adventures into a song.  At age 5, I started performing in musical theaters and taking voice lessons. By age 7,  I went on to release my first EP, perform my first live concert and act in a short film. So, I guess you could say, “I was born with passion.” 

DID YOUR PARENTS INTRODUCE YOU TO MUSIC OR YOU JUST NATURALLY LIKED IT?
Surprisingly, my parents know very little about the entertainment world and music, but in spite of this, I just loved to sing anywhere, anytime, and for any reason. Mom says that by age 2 I would sing at the zoo, the mall, the airport, farmers markets, and to anyone who would listen.  So singing comes naturally.  I believe God gave me the gift to tell the world how much He loves them. 

CAN YOU SHARE WHAT LED YOU TO BECOME A WORSHIP LEADER?
In addition to loving to sing at an early age, I also loved Christ and studying the Bible.  That’s why at age 4, I told my mother that one day I would be on a huge stage and tell the world about God because they didn’t know Him.  I also told her I wanted to go to Israel and be baptized in the Jordan River.  But I don’t think she took me seriously.  My mother wanted me to explore all genres of music.  After exploring pop, country, opera, and classical music, mom finally let me just sing gospel music once my voice coach told her how different my voice sounded when I sang Christian songs. At age 8, I aligned my music with what God had put on my heart, “my passion,” and God opened the door for me to start leading Worship. 

WHY DO YOU THINK IT’S IMPORTANT FOR KIDS TO LEARN WHY WE WORSHIP?
I believe the evil one uses music to lead many kids away from God.  I want to use music to lead people toward God. I believe Worship music does that. 

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE PERFORMING ON CHRISTIAN NETWORKS 3ABN AND ALONGSIDE GOO GOO DOLLS LEAD SINGER, JOHN RZEZNIK? 

Singing with incredibly talented artists like The Goo Goo Dolls, with a full Band on an amazing set, was truly a dream come true and one I will never forget. 

By saying yes to singing on 3ABN, I experienced God at work.  First God enabled me to learn 12 songs within a few weeks and sing them live in one take.  Then God used that music to create my “Be Joyful” album, prompted me to write my first original, “Be Joyful It’s Christmas” for the lead song (within 48 hours) and opened the door way for me to have my own, “Be Joyful with Sam” radio program which aired all throughout Christmas, along with the 3ABN Kids Network that aired 26 times.  It was in late September, when I was in Florida that the opportunity came in, and by November we had completed the TV show, the Album, the original song, 10 music videos, and the radio program. 

Both experiences taught me that when I TRUST God and align my passions, talents and gifts to His will and calling, amazing things can happen! 

YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT GIVING BACK, TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR PARTNERSHIP WITH GOO GOO DOLLS, AND THE LA FOOD BANK.
Giving back is something that I feel strongly about.  So I founded LFJM “Live For Jesus Ministry ”.  This year I partnered with ASi world missions, started a radio program on Salem KDAR The Word, and I am involved with an outreach program at a local church.  When I performed with the Goo Goo Dolls we raised money for St. Jude’s Hospital, and it was such an honor to be part of such a worthy cause.  I also love helping the homeless and have had the opportunity to raise money for the LA Food Bank. 

IS THERE ANYBODY THAT YOU WANT TO PERFORM WITH?
There are so many amazing Christian artists that I would love to perform with, but Lauren Daigle or Carrie Underwood are two of my favorites. 

HOW DOES ALL YOUR RECOGNITION MAKE YOU FEEL?
It feels amazing to experience The Holy Spirit working through me to help others understand how much God loves them. 

WHERE DO YOU WANT TO BE IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS?
Wherever God leads me, I dream of being able to go around the world telling everyone about how much God loves them through my music, missions and movies. 

WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE TO YOUR FANS AROUND THE WORLD?
Be The Light, Be Yourself and don’t let anyone shut you down because God loves you more than you could ever imagine.

TO KNOW MORE ABOUT SAM PIO DON’T FORGET TO FOLLOW HER ON INSTAGRAM @sampioofficial