The indie music scene tends to be a grab bag of musical variety—unless you’re searching for something in particular, what you could find could vary from dad’s ’70s ska band to music you’d only find at an underground rave.
The upside to that variety, however, is that amongst all the mediocrity, you find gems.
Meet Sammy Rae & The Friends: an indie alternative funk fusion band with attitude, style, and most importantly—passion. Based in Brooklyn, New York, the group got its start back in 2016, and has since then developed into an international phenomenon that has one goal: to show the world that everybody has a friend. With their smooth saxophone, killer bass, and sensational synth—as well as the phenomenal voice of the head singer, the group takes its jazz, country, funk, and rock inspirations and sensationalizes them, merging them into a sound best described as brassy, loud, passionate, and fun.
The style of the group, however, isn’t the only reason why they’ve gained such popularity—their open acceptance of the queer community plays a major part, as well.
Stemming from Rae’s personal experiences as a queer woman growing up Catholic in the South, songs such as Jackie Onassis or Denim Jacket discuss personal experiences that every individual goes through—feeling nervous, alone, and stressed—and puts them through a lense that can only be described as loud, proud, colorful, and queer. It’s something which can only be attributed to Sammy Rae & The Friends—at least, at a glance.
At the current date of writing, the group is currently on their ‘CAMP!’ Tour—taking woodsy, campy, and colorful aesthetics, and merging them into an engaging 2+ hour performance that can only be described as invigorating and electrifying, with their current sets taking place throughout the UK and beyond until March.
If you’ve got the time, money, and willingness, consider catching them in Europe—you might just make a new friend.
