New Jersey born Sammy Kay is a punk-rock-folk-troubadour, with a vocal style that defines gruff, with just a hint of Tom Waits. And he has a new virtual single out, which includes today’s song which reflects on experiences gained, and things that got lost along the way. Talking of things that got lost along away, all funds raised from the single will go to support Women Have Options Ohio a state-wide abortion fund in Kay’s current home state. There’s no explanation attached to that decision – because no explanation is needed. Remind me again, what century is this?
Sammy Kay started out dabbling in punk rock and soul music, he played in numerous bands in high school and would soon befriend King Django, a heavy hitter of ska and reggae music in New York City who taught him the ropes of the business when Kay was 16. His debut album, ‘Fourth Street Singers‘, arrived in 2014 and marked his distinctive style. He says “I had always written songs as folk and turned them into whatever it was.” Whilst recording that album he decided to sober up, and before it was even mastered, Gaslight Anthem and Mumford & Sons offered him various tour opener slots.
Sammy Kay is gearing up to release his fourth album 'civil/War' on October 4th, from which 'Sweet Cecilia' is taken. It's an almost love song that grapples with addictions and a refusal to face up to the world and resolves into a gruff carpe diem: "Say your prayers and count…
Sammy Kay has picked a stonking opening track for his new album ‘civil/War’. Straight from the off the gravelly-voiced New Jersey singer-songwriter grabs your attention with the superb ‘Silver Dollar’ and quickly backs it up with the excellent ‘Forgotten Ones’. ‘civil/WAR’ is an album where Kay seems to rediscover himself…
There is no middle ground with tribute albums. They turn out either as a haphazard collection of fan musings with a lot of hits and even more misses, or as well-thought-out collected reflections on important genres. Too many of the former around, too little like the ones late great Hal…
Sure, I could climb high in a tree, or go to Skye on my holiday. I could be happy. All I really want is the excitement of first hearing The Byrds, the amazement of decades of Dylan's music, or the thrill of seeing a band like The Long Ryders live. That's not much to ask, is it?