We were lucky to catch up with Sammy Kay recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sammy, thanks for joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

There is no way on earth I would be where I am today without my parents haha! They have believed in me since the beginning. One of my favorite memories was when they bought me my first guitar when I was 10 years old. My dad would learn guitar chords and then teach me how to play and my mom was beside me while I wrote my first songs. They both would drive me to open mics all around Indiana as I pursued my career in music at a young age. After graduating high school, I took the risk and moved to Nashville to go to Belmont University to study songwriting and music business. Without my parents support, I wouldn’t have made the leap. My parents have been nothing but supportive, and that’s given me the confidence to never give up. I have now graduated college and work in the music business while pursuing my artist career. My parents still come to every show that they’re able to. A 6 hour drive is nothing to them. Pursuing a music career is terrifying and at sometimes heartbreaking, but I’ll always know that my parents will be there for me. I really do have the best parents in the world.

Sammy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Sammy Kay and I’m a folk-pop singer-songwriter based in Nashville. My greatest music inspirations include Ingrid Michaelson, Taylor Swift, and Vance Joy. I graduated from Belmont University’s songwriting program last year. I now work in the music industry and have a full-time artist career. Some places that I regularly perform at are Big Machine Tavern, Bay 6 at The Wash, weddings, and with Nashville Tour Stop. I am also a writer for a company called Songfinch, where I write custom songs for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, etc.
I released my new EP titled ‘12th Avenue’ on all streaming platforms this past March. I recorded three of the songs at Round Table Recording Company in Indianapolis , and co-produced “Waiting for Winter” with my friend and co-writer, Naomi Johnston, in Nashville. I am so proud of this project and couldn’t be happier with the end product. There are two music videos that go with this EP, both filmed by my brother, Nick Williams. I also released a lyric video for my song “Apt. 419”, created by Bea Bitter. This EP is a culmination of my college years, from boys upstairs, to fear of heartbreak, to letting someone know they have someone, to first loves. I hope this EP relates to my listeners and makes them feel less alone.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

One of the most rewarding things as an artist is seeing my music be felt. Playing my music at weddings is my absolute favorite thing to do because you can literally feel the love as the bride walks down the isle or when the bride and groom have their first dance. And my music is a part of it. That’s so special to me.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

One thing that I regret during my college years was not exploring all that Nashville had to offer for me as a songwriter. I didn’t really venture out into the songwriting community until after graduation. There are so many amazing writer’s rounds, such as Nashville Tour Stop, Tuna Bop, and Sam’s Jams that have become so valuable to me. That’s where I have found my favorite co-writers and lifelong friends who are also pursuing music careers.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sammykaybooking.wixsite.com/sammykaymusic
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/SammyKayMusic
• Facebook: http://facebook.com/SammyKayMusic
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/SammyKayMusic
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1IsD-uSXPPF9hDoDPc2wAA
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/album/7s6O7jCf9jru9ewWmxOoKF

Image Credits
Nick Williams