February 1st 2025.
Sammy Rae and their band are gearing up to embark on an exciting tour across the UK and Europe. Despite their deep American roots, the group has found a surprisingly large and devoted fan base in the UK. Known for their unique blend of rock and roll and jazz, Sammy Rae and the Friends offer something for everyone, as the lead singer explains in an exclusive interview with Metro.
When asked about the difference between US and UK audiences, Sammy, who goes by She/Her and They/Them pronouns, reveals that the band has a strong connection with British crowds. "Last time we were here, we sold out the Eventim Apollo, which is 1500 more tickets than we've ever sold in our hometown of New York. The reach across has been joyful and overwhelming in the best way possible," they say.
One of the things that sets UK audiences apart, according to Sammy, is their respect and reverence for the band's performance. "There's this understanding that we've traveled all the way here to put on a show, and the audiences are so respectful. It's a really special experience," they add. The singer also jokes about only crowd surfing in the UK because of the "big burly rugby guys" in the audience, highlighting the sense of community and understanding present at their shows in the UK.
In light of their success in the UK, Sammy reflects on the differences between US and UK audiences. They believe that British audiences have a collective desire to come together and support something they are passionate about, whether it be music or sports. "They all go to sports together, yeah, and there's this collective desire to pile into a space with thousands of other people and scream about something you're all excited about," they explain.
As a visibly queer artist in Trump's America, Sammy also discusses the responsibility of artists in the current political climate. They express their concern about the lack of access to factual information and the pressure to constantly be present on social media. "I signed up to move people's lives with my music, not to be a political commentator. But that's what's been thrust upon musicians in this era, especially in the United States," they share.
With the rise of short form content on platforms like TikTok, Sammy expresses their dislike for this trend, calling it the "death of art." They share a personal experience of going viral on the app and how it undermined their talent and hard work. "I never signed up to be a social media star, but that's what people expect now," they say.
Despite the pressures of the music industry, Sammy and their band have managed to cultivate a large following in the UK. They credit this to their authenticity and the fact that they cannot be easily categorized into a specific genre. "We don't fit into a box, and that's our superpower. We embrace that with our latest album, Something for Everyone," they explain.
The band's energetic live shows have also contributed to their success, with Sammy emphasizing the importance of personal authenticity. "If you're not being authentic, you'll eventually burn out, and the audience can tell. That's why I always try to be honest with my fans, even when I'm dealing with personal struggles like depression," they share.
In the end, Sammy's candidness and eloquence make it clear why their music has resonated with so many people, especially in the queer community. As they say, "Personal authenticity allows for others to feel safe being authentic, and that's what we'll always offer the world."
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