INTERVIEW: Sam Williams Claims Power on "No Problem"

Grandson of country pioneer Hank Williams and the son of outlaw legend Hank Jr., SamWilliams is the latest in a long line of American originals, who sings with his own singular voice. In 2021, Williams released his debut album, Glasshouse
Children, which was a testament to his brilliant lyricism and soulful vocals and received rave reviews from Rolling Stone, Music Row, Associated Press, and more.

With the release of Act I:Scarlet Lonesome and Act II: COUNTRYSTAR on July 11, Williams is prepping to make his mark on Nashville. Williams' newest song, "No Problem," is an R&B-infused slow jam reveling in the easy bliss of downtime with your loved one. In our interview, Williams discusses where he's been and where he plans to go.

Explain the title of your project. Why ‘COUNTRYSTAR’? 

"Countrystar" has a few meanings to me. It feels like the flip side to the character of my music in "Scarlet Lonesome." When you listen to it, you hear there is more to me than heartbreak. I grew up in a small town always wanting to do something big, and in a way it personifies the history of my legacy and all the different influences that got me here. 

Does "Act II" have an overarching theme? How does it compare to "Act I?" 

It's fun, charismatic, but still the depth I come with. Act I may pose the question, "damn who hurt him?" while Act II says more "damn who is this?" I definitely wanted to show the world that I'm not a one trick pony. My music seems to always walk the line between light and darkness and I think you hear that in a new way here.

Who would you love to collaborate with? Why? 

 Miley Cyrus!!! Growing up, watching Miley achieve her goals and figure out her voice in the public eye was so inspiring. She has one of my favorite voices I've ever heard. She gives everything: reinvention, power, sensuality, just greatness. The artists that have not let people tell them no for an answer show me I can do it, too. More so, Holly Humberstone, Jack Harlow, Brandi Carlile.

Recent release you cannot stop listening to? 

 I'm not the best at new releases, but my friend Carter Faith's "If I had Never Lost my Mind" resonates with me deep. The new Drake album. Does Nicki Minaj's 2007 mixtape Playtime is Over count?

How do you feel your queer identity ties into your performance style or music? 

Animation, attitude, wardrobe, honesty. My influences growing up and having the courage to come out, it takes the power from people that want to take yours. The only thing left to hide is the story you haven't told yet. 

 As an LGBTQ+ artist, what would you like to say to people who are currently questioning their identities?

 Y'all means all! 

Is there a professional “bucket list” item you would love to check off? 

 I haven't done anything in film, yet. Maybe keep an eye out for that. I'd love to eventually create some fashion around my music. In my little universe, I'd love for this album to come out with a signature Alaia x Sam Williams boot haha. Right now it's all about watering the seeds and putting drops in the bucket to hopefully get there.

Act II: COUNTRYSTAR will be out on July 11. You can pre-save it here.

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