With his first two singles “History” and “Boots” gaining high praise from both the industry and the most important force in the world of music – the fans – Sam Grow‘s journey as a country music artist is at full-speed ahead. Named one of Billboard’s “7 Country Acts to Watch in 2019,” Grow puts an incredible amount of emotion into his craft and dedication to his fans, playing more than 150 shows a year. Now fans can celebrate the release of Grow’s new album, Love and Whiskey, available today (5/3) via Average Joes Entertainment.
We caught up with the singer/songwriter to talk about his new album, friendships and more.
CN: For our readers who may not be familiar with you, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
SG: My name is Sam Grow and I play country music. I have been playing since I was 16. I’m from Mechanicsville, MD and Winfield, KS.
CN: Which musicians, country or not, have influenced you both personally and as an artist?
SG: Ronnie Dunn and Elvis have influenced me a lot. Ronnie for his amazing vocal ability. His story telling is awesome… and Elvis because he was never defined by a genre. He had number 1s in all of them.
CN: So many fans are embracing you and your music – How does it feel to have one of the most fierce and fast-growing fan-bases in country music right now?
SG: I’m grateful for anyone who listens to my music. God and them are the only reason why I get to do this for a living.
CN: Your new album “Love and Whiskey” is out on May 3, and features 12 tracks – 9 of which you co-wrote. Can you take us through your song writing process? Do you draw mostly from personal experiences, or from those around you?
SG: I draw all of my song writing from life and living. If I haven’t lived it, then I shouldn’t be singing it.
CN: The album’s liner notes feature some of Nashville’s biggest names. How did so many great collaborations come to be?
SG: I’m blessed that everyone featured on my record are genuine friends of mine.
CN: You co-wrote “She Ain’t One Of Those” with Adam Craig. Can you share the story behind this song?
SG: Me and Adam both played Country USA in Wisconsin. After drinking a bottle of Jameson, we got to talking about his ex girlfriend…. I asked if she had ever reached back out to him and he said “Nah, she ain’t one of those.” We smiled and booked the write.
CN: “Dirty It Up” features a familiar voice, and your good friend Colt Ford.
SG: I’m so excited for all of the opportunities Colt has given me. So when the chance came to write a song and have him on it, I was even more excited… especially since he was willing to do it. To have him on my very first record, underneath his label brand, is a milestone for me.
CN: You’ve been quoted as saying that “Love and Whiskey” allowed you to find out who you really are, and that the “record allowed me to take all the things I love about country music and music in general and put it all together.” At what moment did you make this realization? Was it while writing a certain song, or during post production?
SG: I had that realization while in the studio with the same musicians who have been with me my entire career and had no one breathing down my back during the creative process. Average Joes just lets me make music and they let me make music with who I want to. I honestly believe they’re the best label in town.
CN: What do you hope your fans get out of this album?
SG: I hope everyone gets an album they listen to front to back. One that no matter what mood they’re in, I have a song for it.
CN: You completed a two-month long tour on 3/30, took less than a month off and are now back out with a 17-city headlining tour that kicked off 4/25 and wraps up September 21. What is it like to be on the road for such long stretches of time?
SG: It’s all I have known since I was 16 years old. Being on the road is normal to me.. it feels like home.
CN: What is the first thing you do the moment you get home after a tour?
SG: I can’t answer that because kids read this lol
CN: We hear you have a soft spot for our dear furry friends! English bulldogs to be exact. How did they find you (as that’s what pets do)? What are their names?
SG: I have Loretta Jane and Chief. I have always loved bulldogs… my spirit animal. They are cuddle bugs and sleepy.
CN: Do you have a dream collaboration in mind?
SG: That’s easy.. Ronnie Dunn.
CN: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?
SG: Loyal. Loyalty is everything to me.
CN: What was the first concert you ever attended?
SG: The Allman Brothers reunion tour at age 14.
CN: New album, New Tour. What’s next on the horizon?
SG: More touring with more attendance hopefully.
Love And Whiskey is available for purchase and download here.
For more information Sam Grow, visit his website at officialsamgrow.com and follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
“Love And Whiskey” track list:
1. Boots (Josh Thompson and Jason Saenz)
2. History (Nick Donley, Michael Hardy, Cam Montgomery)
3. God Mad Small Towns (Sam Grow, Michael Lotten, Taylor Phillips)
4. I’m Not Him (Sam Grow, Jimmy Yeary, Tim Nichols)
5. Battle of the South (Sam Grow, Michael Lotten, Taylor Phillips)
6. Drink About That (Sam Grow, Chris Lindsey, Taylor Phillips)
7. Love and Whiskey (Sam Grow, Chris Lindsey)
8. Dirty it Up f/Colt Ford (Sam Grow, Michael Lotten, Taylor Phillips, Colt Ford)
9. Nobody’s You (Sam Grow, Jason Mater, Ben Wells)
10. She Ain’t One Of Those (Sam Grow, Adam Craig)
11. Try (Sam Grow, Kyle Jacobs, Brian Bunn)
12. What We Wanna (Michael Lotton, Jason Sever, Brad Clawson)