Universal Music Group Nashville
06/28/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 06/28/2024 09:16
Sam Williams Releases New Project ‘Act I: Scarlet Lonesome’ – Out Now
SAM WILLIAMS RELEASES NEW PROJECTACT I: SCARLET LONESOMEOUT NOW
LISTEN HERE
PERFORMED AT GRAND OLE OPRY LAST NIGHT
MORE MUSIC COMING SOON
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 28, 2024) - Today, critically acclaimed rising country star Sam Williams shares his exciting new project, Act I: Scarlet Lonesome, available now. Listen HERE. This marks his first full project in three years since the arrival of his debut album, Glasshouse Children, in 2021.
About the project, Williams comments, "I'm excited to introduce you to Act 1: Scarlet Lonesome. Fear is the mother of foresight, I've found. We can be afraid of love, to love or be loved, we can be afraid of the future, or to let go of the past. This music encapsulates some of my life and some of my dreams. I am honored for my words and voice to get to live in your worlds, too. I'm scarlet lonesome, too. I hope these seven songs find you well. Your destiny is written, there's nothing to be afraid of anymore."
Act I begins with the song and title track "Scarlet Lonesome." He sends an open-hearted love letter through a haze of faintly finger-picked guitar, shimmering keys, and radiant strings. Distortion anchors a celestially catchy chorus as he urges, "So go on, spin me around, in your orbit now," before proceeding to assure, "I'm Scarlet Lonesome too."
Be on the lookout for the premiere of a powerful music video to accompany the track.
Among many highlights on Act I, Sam sets the scene for "I Was Home" with a concerned voicemail and a confession, "I don't know where home is anymore." His unfiltered emotions toss and turn at the whim of the rhythm. Then, there's "Siren Song." Breathy delivery weighs heavy on the verses as slide guitar accents a gentle acoustic arpeggio. He laments, "Baby I'm a siren, loving me is violent." Elsewhere, "Run Away" soundtracks a moment of romantic escape with vivid imagery and vibrant instrumentation. Ultimately, this music shores up his place at the forefront of the "New Nashville."
Full track list below.
Williams teased this chapter with the acclaimed "American Actress." Of the latter, Country Universe raved, "This is a career-best from an artist still putting the finishing touches on a distinct persona," and Rolling Stone touted it on "Songs You Need To Know." Celeb Secrets showcased it on "New Music Friday (Country Edition)," and Hashtag Magazine also plugged it.
Just last night, Williams delivered an unforgettable set at the Grand Ole Opry, bringing the audience to its feet. Earlier this month, he shined on Good Molecules Reverb Stage at CMA Fest, at the UMG Nashville Takeover at Skydeck on Fifth and Broadway, and at Ole Red. These appearances followed his show-stopping set at the ACM Awards Official After Party.
Earlier this spring, he notably unveiled "Carnival Heart" as the official anthem for the new innovative country-themed show, SONGBLAZERS: A Journey Into Country Music, produced and presented by Cirque du Soleil and Universal Music Group Nashville. Listen to "Carnival Heart (from Cirque du Soleil Songblazers)" HERE via Mercury Records Nashville. Written and directed by Amy Tinkham, SONGBLAZERS opens in Nashville next week with seven additional cities following the launch. Check out the full itinerary HERE.
Williams gave audiences an initial taste of the magic on Act I: Scarlet Lonesome by sharing his stunning duet with Carter Faith "'Til I Can Make It On My Own." Beyond amassing nearly half a million streams thus far, it incited widespread critical applause from the likes ofThe Tennessean,Whiskey Riff, and more. Plus,Billboard touted the song as one of "8 Must-Hear Country Songs" and professed, "These two artists' voices are like twin flames."
Additionally, Williams embarks on a European headline tour this September. For more information, visit https://www.samwilliamsofficial.com/.
This all paves the way for more music to come from Sam Williams. Stay tuned!
ACT I: SCARLET LONESOME TRACK LISTING
1. Scarlet Lonesome
2. I Was Home
3. Heard My Mother Prayin' For Me
4. Run Away
5. American Actress
6. Siren Song
7. 'Til I Can Make It On My Own
About Sam Williams
Grandson of country pioneer Hank Williams and the son of outlaw legend Hank Jr., Sam Williams is the latest in a long line of American originals, who sings with his own singular voice and writes in his own singular style, fusing gut-wrenching honesty and plainspoken poetics with raw vulnerability and deep empathy. 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 so much more. In October 2022, Williams unveiled a deluxe edition of the record, which featured "Tilted Crown," a reflective track about navigating his legacy in life. Williams followed up his debut with a string of powerful songs in 2023, along with multiple shows at the Grand Ole Opry and show-stopping performances at Nashville's CMA Fest and the UK's Country 2 Country Fest. Earlier this year, Sam unveiled a new poignant song "Carnival Heart " which is the official anthem for the new innovative country-themed show Songblazers: A Journey Into Country Music, produced and presented by Cirque du Soleil and Universal Music Group Nashville.With the release of Act I: Scarlet Lonesome and much more music on the way, Sam continues to prove that he is making a legacy for himself that is completely his own.
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