Exclusive: Sammy Adams is back and is better than ever
Sammy Adams has come a long way from his "I Hate College Days." But that's not to say that he lost the charisma and undeniable swagger that turned him into a viral star back in 2009. If anything, Adams has found the perfect middle ground with his music maturing and still staying true to his youthful edge. His newest album "The Long Way" serves as proof that seven years later, Adams can still hold his own in the popular music arena.
His newest record marks Adams's choice to go independent again, focusing more on the music his fans want to hear and less about what big time record labels want to. As Adams explains, "This is the album I never got to make when I was signed to a major label. This is a record for the fans. They've stuck with me through ups and downs and this album touches on it all."
Die-hard fans are in for a real treat. "The Long Way" features soon-to-be chart dominating tracks produced by some of the biggest names in the music industry like B.o.B and Ti?sto and flexes Adams versatility as a musician. His newest single "Overboard" is an intense mixture of R&B, EDM, and Hip Hop sounds that feels completely current. With LMFAO-esque dance-inducing verses, tongue and cheek lyrics, and a Adams's intense croon over every chorus, "Overboard" -- which you can stream exclusively below -- is poised to dominated the airways.
Get ready Internet, because Sammy Adams is back and better than ever.
We recently had the chance to speak with Boston's very own Sammy Adams about the evolution of his music, how he conceptualized "Overboard" and how social media has changed how he operates as a musician.
And be sure to stream his newest singe "Overboard" below!
What was your first memory tied around music or the first moment you realized you had a passion for it?
I had the bug for music really young. I grew up playing piano and drums, got into hip-hop from my brother and carried it on through high school and into college. I was making beats and rapping early in high school, and always considered it a hobby. There wasn't that defining moment, it was more of a constant.
What were your biggest musical influences growing up?
My influences early on were all over the place. I would listen to Big-L with my brother and then the classic rock albums with my parents, so it was a well-rounded upbringing.
How have you seen your music evolve from your 'Boston's Boy' days?
I've been lucky to grow as an artist. Boston's Boy was so raw - the beats, the rhymes, the stories. This is the next chapter in my life, and I think the album reflects that.
How did you conceptualize Overboard? What went into the song-writing and producing process?
Elephante sent the track after my DJ introduced us. I knew it was a banger from the first listen. I've had this song in the stash and I was just waiting for the right production to lay it down. Its got a such a huge build it was perfect for how the pre-chorus flows in the hook right into the massive drop.
How has collaboration with other artists and people in the industry enhanced your music?
We've always been selective about collaborations - it's important to stay patient and let's the ones that make sense come organically. I always try to learn from my collaborators but also make sure I bring something to the table. You want the collab to be as beneficial to both parties as possible.
How has social media and technology changed the way you operate as a musician?
I've been on social from the jump. "I Hate College" blew up on YouTube and Facebook. It's the easiest way to connect with my fans. I can be at a college gig in South Dakota and tweeting with a fan in Boston. There's no excuse for not being connected to your fans in 2016.
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You're in an interesting position as a musician because you've played so many college shows versus shows in traditional venues. What is the main difference performing on a college stage or in a college town?
College shows are always fun. The biggest difference is winning over the kids at the show who have no idea who you are. If you're going to a Sammy headlining show at a traditional venue, 90 percent of the people there are there to see you. At a college show, some kids are just there to rage with their friends and blow off steam, so I have to work extra hard to win them over and hopefully turn them into a Sammy fan by the end of the set.
What's the biggest misconception people have about musicians?
That we're not regular people! At the end of the day, I'm just a regular dude who has the best job in the world. I get up in the morning and go to work just like them. I'm blessed to be here.
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