DragonflyStigma is the professional name of independent songwriter and composer Catherine Samantha Goma. Originating from the Caribbean island nation of Martinique, she made her professional solo recording debut in 2020 with the single “To No Avail”. That record introduced a skilled musician and lyricist with a deeply soulful and organic acoustic sound.
Collaborating with musicians and vocalists around the world, DragonflyStigma followed that debut with a string of powerfully emotional vocal and instrumental singles. Blending elements of pop, rock, indie and classical music, she has developed a distinctive and unique sound that pushed the boundaries of traditional folk music. Last month she returned to the world stage with her first commercially released single in over two years.
“Cast Away” is the brand new single from DragonflyStigma, released worldwide via all major streaming services on January 13, 2023. A solo acoustic guitar opens the tune, finger-picking a melancholy minor-key chord progression. Ambient synths paint the periphery as vocalist Nicholas Berg steps to the mic and shines with a soulful meditation on the pain of anxiety and isolation.
Check out “Cast Away” below. You can also hear the song on the Deep Indie Chill playlist, or listen on your favorite streaming service. We had the chance to chat with DragonflyStigma about her music. See her answers to our 8 questions below. And follow the links at the end of this article to connect with the artist.
8 Questions with Catherine Samantha Goma
Where are you from?
I am from Martinique. I was born there. It’s a French Caribbean island. I spent my teenage years in France. In the 90’s I returned back to my roots, my comfort zone island.
How long have you been making music?
As far as I remember most of my life. I grew up listening to my grandfather playing the violin. It was love at first listen. I started with piano then it turned out I really wanted to play guitar too. I love finding inspiration by learning new instruments here and there. I’ve been writing songs since I was 8 years old. It helps me to deal with my anxiety.
Who are the musicians involved in your project?
On this last project Nicholas Berg on the vocals is a huge add on to the DragonflyStigma concept. He also did the mixing and mastering part. A big heart and amazing human being with an impressive vocal range. I just adore him.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
Picking a genre or an artist in music is really hard for me. It’s like asking a parent to pick their favorite child, or a guitarist to pick their favorite. I find inspiration where the goosebumps happen. From classical composers like Vivaldi or Bach, blues rock artists like SRV or Philip Sayce to Bon Iver, novo amor…
What is your greatest non-musical influence?
Life and all the challenges that come with it. People in their uniqueness. I am mostly driven by emotions, whether they come from my own story or what I can feel through someone else’s eyes or expressions.
What inspired you to create this project?
“Cast Away” is right in the middle of two concepts I was working on. Encouraging people to be themself and accepting their uniqueness no matter what, and the Halcyon myth and its unconditional love story. I felt like a “Cast Away “ most of my life being a real massive introvert. Now it’s definitely time to sail that spiritual boat I’ve been building for years.
What are your plans for the future (musically)?
There’s a few compositions on the neoclassical part that are almost done. We have other songs still cooking with Nicholas on the Indie folk/rock side. I might also try to push myself out of my comfort zone this year so… Let’s see where it goes. Balancing between a full time job and music takes a lot of work and energy, yet I still feel like I have messages to share so even if it reaches only one person it is always going to be worth it
Is there anything else you would like to say?
Maybe just to explain a bit of the concept behind DragonflyStigma. It’s mainly intended to send a message of acceptance and self growth. It’s also about enjoying the collaboration between several artists that fit the theme and share the same passion for music and message
