Sam Lao is a vocalist from Dallas, Texas, whose work marries R&B, rap and soulful pop. After leaving a graphic design course in 2012 and falling out of love with her multimedia art practice, Lao felt like she was losing her way creatively — she got inspired again after being invited into the studio by friends and collaborators Brain Gang, and soon released her debut solo EP, _West Pantego_.. In 2016 she put out her debut full-length _SPCTRM_, which won best album at the Dallas Observer Music Awards. In this episode of Headphone Highlights, Lao presents the songs that keep inspiring her, from '70s rock and tender R&B jams to rap classics from Texas and elsewhere.
