Sammy Rae & The Friends: Embracing Eclecticism with Their Debut Album Something for Everybody
Sammy Rae & The Friends aren't just a band, they’re a family of artists, dreamers, and creators, and their bond is at the core of their unforgettable live performances. Fronted by singer and songwriter Sammy Rae, the group has spent years touring and developing a sound that’s as eclectic as it is captivating, mixing classic rock, folk, funk, soul, and jazz into a musical concoction.
Their unique sound has captured the attention of thousands of new fans, all drawn to their ability to blend so many influences into a cohesive experience. This musical diversity is at its peak on their long-awaited debut album, "Something for Everybody". The title itself speaks to the band’s journey of self discovery, as they wrestled with questions of identity and genre.
“After seven years of playing, touring, and recording, we realised this is just who we are. We’re not going to wake up and decide we’re a jazz band or a rock band, we’re everything. And that’s our superpower"
For Sammy, a theatre kid with deep love for Bruce Springsteen and Paul Simon, forming the band in New York was a way of building her own community. Since releasing two EPs "The Good Life" (2018) and "Let’s Throw a Party" (2021), and performing at major festivals and sold out shows around the world, that community has only grown. Sammy Rae & The Friends now draw crowds of up to 5,000 in places like New York and London, but they also attract enthusiastic audiences in smaller markets.
In 2024, they’ll continue expanding their reach with performances at the female focused All Things Go festival and Holland’s North Sea Jazz Fest, further proving that this band has become more than a musical act, it’s a movement embraced by a diverse and passionate fanbase.
True to its name, "Something for Everybody" invites listeners from all walks of life into the fold. Whether you’re a parent, revealing in the prime of your life, or simply looking to cut loose after a long day, there’s a song for you. From songs that make you laugh or cry, to those that make you want to dance or reflect, the album offers something that resonates with each listener on a personal level.
A perfect example is the track “Coming Home Song”, which was directly inspired by interactions with fans on social media. Rae posted a question on Instagram, asking why it’s so hard to love ourselves the way we love others. The flood of heartfelt responses sparked a meaningful conversation and eventually inspired Rae to write the song.
“It’s about self-love, but it’s also a communal piece, because it was influenced by this dialogue I had with the audience”
The album, recorded at Dreamland Studios in Woodstock and Flux Studios in Manhattan, marks a full circle moment for Rae. Flux Studios played a pivotal role in her early career when she was scraping by in New York, and she still feels a deep connection to the people who encouraged her there. The album's collaborative spirit also shines through, featuring contributions from guest vocalists, writers, and even a string quartet. Producer Fernando Lodiero (Vampire Weekend, Esperanza Spalding) encouraged the band to fully embrace their eclecticism, pushing each track to reach its fullest potential.
Notable highlights include “We Made It”, featuring guitarist Celisse Henderson, and “Luck of the Draw”, where multi instrumentalist Will Leet steps into the spotlight alongside Rae and Twisted Pine’s Kat Parks. On the flip side, “Cool Doug at Night” channels pure disco energy, brought to life by vocalist Jacob Jeffries in a high energy homage to Bee Gees style falsetto.
Ultimately, "Something for Everybody" is a joyful and celebratory collection, brimming with deeply felt emotions and experiences.
“It’s happy, campy, and upbeat, but there’s an excitement and newness to it. This album is a culmination of where we’ve been, where we are, and where we want to go. It’s the perfect beginning of a new chapter”
With Sammy Rae & The Friends, there’s always a place at the table, and "Something for Everybody" promises to bring even more people into the fold. Whether it’s on stage or through the speakers, they’re here to remind us all what it means to be a part of something bigger.