Retro Firefly is the stage name of 22 year old English songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Samantha Penman. She began writing music in her early teens and had her first performance as Retro Firefly in 2019. Since then she has performed over 100 times, honing her craft and picking up fans and friends along the way. 

 

Based in her hometown of Lowestoft in Suffolk, Retro Firefly has worked closely with First Light Festival Lowestoft, playing on their New Dawn youth stage in 2023 and assisting as a local voice on their apply-to-play panels. In 2024, she was awarded a residency by First Light at The Red Studio in Aldeburgh in association with Britten Pears Arts. Whilst there, she wrote new material that she performed at the 2025 Festival. 

 

Samantha was diagnosed with Tourettes Syndrome 2019, and has spoken openly about how important Music has been in dealing with and managing her tics, particularly during her teen years. In December 2023, she collaborated with her University, the London College of Contemporary Music, for a press campaign highlighting Neurodiversity in the Music Industry, speaking in numerous live radio interviews nationwide as well as appearing on live Sky News and GB News. 

 

As an indie-folk artist, Retro Firefly has visited many folk clubs, including Waveney Folk Club, where she supported Liz Simcock; and Bungay Folk Club, where she took part in a sing-around that led to her being booked for Bungay Folk Festival. In 2024, she took part in the Milkmaid Folk Club’s Songwriting Competition, coming runner up and earning a place on the Main Stage at Bury Folk Festival. 

 

In January 2025, Retro Firefly worked with London Event Promoter HOT VOX to record a 30-minute set that later premiered as a live event to raise money for War Child UK, the only specialist charity for children living in war torn areas. From donations, Retro Firefly was able to raise £545.