INTERVIEW: Sam Kogon Confronts Division on "America"

Sam Kogon shares a searing, uncompromising vision of "America" on his latest single. The song was inspired by lockdown and the protests against George Floyd's murder in the summer of 2020, but it has gained an unfortunate new resonance in recent days. Kogon spoke with us about the influences behind his forceful power pop, finding queer country community in New York City, and embracing your queer identity.

Who are some of your musical influences?

Marc Bolan, The Left Banke, The Beatles, Cat Stevens, The Kinks

Name a perfect song and tell us why you feel that way.

"I Will" by Paul McCartney err I mean "The Beatles", it's a perfect song and it reminds me of my late dog Elvis.

Explain the title of your song.

I chose "America" as a title... it's pretty straightforward, it's a song about America. I could have spelled it "AmeriKa" to push the underlying message of the song but I didn't want to turn away listeners. There's so much division these days that your song title has to be neutral if you want to reach a wider audience in my opinion.

Does your album have an overarching theme?

I wanted to capture the American Experience. I make reference to a lot of the challenges many Americans face or are now facing in light of this new and toxic political environment we are wrapped up in, nationally and globally. I started writing it during COVID lockdown and the George Floyd protest but only recently finished it. It now feels eerily full circle in light of the new election. 

What do you want to see from white allies among your coworkers, team, and audience?

Frankly, more allies who know what it means to be an ally would be great. Queer people just want to be seen and heard and given a platform rather than so called "allies" with platforms speaking on our behalf / co-opting our stories and identities and doing it all for the social clout and not the ethics. Less social media action and more real life interactions is what it's all about.

Where are some places you’ve found joy within the country/Americana world?

There's a really cool underground queer Country / Americana scene in NYC that I've been welcomed into, the queer country genre is popping up all over the country now and I'm here for it.

What would you like to say to people who are currently questioning their identities?

You only live once, not a single living soul knows where we are going after we die so make a point to enjoy your life as every day is a gift. Make your own definition of what it means to be a good person and enjoy your life to it's fullest and pursue your passions to their fullest!

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