Sam Williams, the grandson of country pioneer Hank Williams and son of outlaw legend Hank Jr., continues his family’s illustrious musical legacy as an emerging country star. His distinctive sound is shaped by an expansive vocal range, heartfelt lyricism, and raw, plainspoken poetics. Sam has been cultivating a dedicated fanbase in recent years, founded in mesmerising live performances across the US.

Now, three years after the release of his critically acclaimed debut “Glasshouse Children” in 2021, Williams makes a highly anticipated return with his bold new project, “Act I: Scarlet Lonesome”. This ambitious work remains deeply rooted in traditional country while embracing contemporary influences, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter in his career. Alongside the release, Williams delights fans with the captivating music video for “Scarlet Lonesome,” offering a visual window into “Act 1: Scarlet Lonesome”. Accompanied by the soft, melodic strumming of gentle guitar strings, “Scarlet Lonesome” showcases a series of intimate close-up shots of Williams singing directly to the camera. This creates a beautifully cinematic experience, brimming with warmth and emotional depth. The close-ups allow Sam’s rich, expressive vocals and poignant lyricism to take centre stage, amplifying the song’s heartfelt and powerful impact.

Watch the video…

We joined up with Sam to talk through the creative process for the visual component of “Scarlet Lonesome”, the confusion surrounding inheriting his family’s musical name and what fans can expect from Act II.

Read the interview…

Congratulations on “Scarlet Lonesome” and the music video! Can you share your inspiration for creating the track?

To me, love and fear are more intertwined than we give credit to. I made Scarlet Lonesome at a time I was very enveloped in love, the thought of losing it, and what would remain. That fear was driving me mad. I’d dreamed of a love and found it and would hold it with all my might. I think the record is what the love sounded like to me, it was eclectic, fierce and against all odds. It was sensual and dreaming but born in chaos. I identify with much of that as well.

What was the creative process like in creating the visuals?

I really love storytelling and wanted to incorporate dialogue and setting building, but intentionally didn’t take that route here to leave it open to imagination. Is this all real? Are they competing or lusting? How can I condense the biggest feelings in a short form? I wanted it to mean something to me firstly because that’s the bottom line in creating my music. The urgency of the edit and cuts towards the end really resemble the spiralling feelings of a relationship to me and the unravelling of the question. Was it real?

How did you get started in music, can you share how your background led to the mic?

Well, I learned very young that my family was very famous, and it was puzzling. I didn’t get why I was born into it and how I fit into the picture. Being hyper empathic and enduring the pitfalls of fame behind the pretty gates, I was scared to find my voice. That was out of fear of being accepted. I knew I loved music forever and wore out Britney Spears and Chris Brown as a kiddo. I kept my attention to sports and studies but there was always a star inside of me dying to reveal. Eventually, I wanted it to and eventually, my words and my story found me too. I sort of believe that every moment was aligned So that I had to really work to find my voice and I think it’s better that way. No pieces of my talent have been manufactured or forced.

As the grandson of Hank Williams and son of Hank Jr., you’ve grown up on a family with a huge musical legacy. How do you balance honouring your roots whilst forging a new sound?

I don’t pay as much mind to honouring my roots in music as people think. My family has made a huge impact on music and I’m grateful for that legacy. At the same time, I don’t want to bake cakes that have been cooked. I have my taste and talents for a reason and the legacy will expand for a reason. My music is natural and I’m an artist, one that doesn’t feel obligation to uphold any traditional norms. Well, other than that music connects and it should come from a place of experience and passion. I more so honour my roots by being a great father and preserving our future as Williams’. Sonically, it’s mostly balanced through my vocal. I grew up on the likes of Drake, Nicki, Rih, really the great 2010s icons. I listen to rap every day and always have since I was around 12. I think I carry a lot of weight in pain and pondering and listening to confidence and triumph inspires me. Yet, boy do I default to pain and passion when I’m near a guitar.

You released “Scarlet Lonesome” earlier this year, marking your first project in three years since your debut album. How has your sound developed since then?

My life has just developed and the sound in turn does too. Life is art and art is life to an extent. I had a lot I was holding in to share; I matured and loved and lost a lot in that time. Last year songs poured out of me in romance and regret and next came a confident spurt to just ball out. I thrive on different sounds and love to experiment. I think of pieces of different records I love and imagine blending all together into what is Sam Williams. Which is… a little of everything.

You’ve mentioned that Act I is just the beginning. What can fans expect from Act II or future releases, and how are you continuing to push boundaries with your music?

I would say expect more of me. I came up at first really making emotional music and lamenting on life because I needed to, but my music was missing the rest of me. I’m fun and spontaneous and progressive. I like fashion, pop culture, history, politics, I’m queer… there’s just a lot to me that I haven’t got to show yet and it’s time to. Expect swagger and story and the modern Hank Williams that listened to J Cole on the way to school every day.

What does the rest of the year have in store for you?

The rest of 2024 I’m going to prepare my next releases, keep writing and hopefully do some needed normal life inventory. Trying to make it in these times is tolling and you never know when it could be your time. So many around me believe my time is almost here and I would like to be ready when it comes. On a lighter note, probably lots of espresso martinis, Tennessee football, and situationships.

What are your hopes for the rest of your career?

Long term- I hope it takes me places I didn’t imagine and one day I can provide life without struggle to the people I love. To champion my passions and represent the real. For now, I want to challenge my pen and my work ethic. I want to be in Wonderland Magazine – 🙂 thank you – and everywhere people wouldn’t have expected me. I want to defy the odds and be undeniable regardless if I’m someone’s cup of coffee or not. I hope to bust out of Nashville with a fire and prove myself worthy.