Exclusive Premiere: Samantha Crain, ‘Outside the Pale’

On July 17, Samantha Crain will unveil her fourth full-length record, Under Branch & Thorn & Tree, via Ramseur Records. The all-analog release serves as much more than just another album in our musically saturated world; it's a significant social statement made by an artist who's using her craft for the betterment of the world. Needless to say, we can't wait for the LP to hit the streets, and today (May 21), Diffuser is proud to partner with Crain for the premiere of an acoustic live session of album track "Outside the Pale" -- check it out above.

"The phrase 'beyond the pale' or 'outside the pale' has always been of interest to me," Crain admits. "It, more or less, refers to unacceptable behavior (in its origin, assuming anyone residing outside a particular area to be uncivilized or immoral). Any part of human behavior and life that includes a grey area of distinction, such as the categories included in this medieval situational phrase, catches my attention and thought."

Crain doesn't just focus on the phrase's ancient meaning, though. "In the modern world, what is 'acceptable behavior' or 'moral behavior,'" she asks. "I find it strange that a small minority of elite people are still capable of controlling the definitions of morality in our society. How do the common, so much larger in number and capable of brimming with passion, still manage to be cast out and downtrodden?"

On Crain's new album, she explores the concerns laid out with "Outside the Pale" as well as issues surrounding the working class and gender equality. She currently has a handful of shows scheduled through May, June and July, including a support gig with the iconic Buffy Sainte-Marie in Schenectady, N.Y., on May 23. You can find her full tour itinerary here, and make sure to grab information on Under Branch & Thorn & Tree at this location.