Sammy Rae & The Friends are a genre-bending collective of musicians known for their electric live shows and empowering lyrics. Their creative process is intertwined with a sense of joy and belonging, and the band’s community-oriented fanbase is united by inclusive camaraderie and a dedication to expressive musicianship.
After the release of their debut studio album “Something for Everybody,” Sammy Rae & The Friends are returning to Boston’s Roadrunner for performances on Nov. 15 and 16. The Tufts Daily spoke with lead singer Samantha Bowers, known by her stage name Sammy Rae, about the band’s recording process and their upcoming shows in Boston.
“Something for Everybody” was released in September 2024, and was the culmination of a long period of musical growth and touring for the band.
“When the COVID lockdown happened … we were very intentional about maintaining our sense of community online. We were doing weekly meetups, Ask Me Anythings, Q&As, playing games … so when we got a chance to tour again safely, there was so much demand that we literally didn’t sit still for three years,” Rae said. “It takes quite a long while to make a record, and so we had to very intentionally build time into our schedule last year to take us off the road so we could make this record. And so that’s what we did. … We would have done it earlier if we didn’t have such a wonderful fan base that kept us fed and supported on the road, but we did … and we’re very proud of what we've come up with.”
The album weaves swinging and energetic tracks like “Good Time Tavern” together with slower and more nostalgic pieces like “I Get It Now” and “State Song.” In classic Sammy Rae fashion, several of the songs, such as “Cool-Doug, at Night” and “David,” are intricately crafted fictional narratives.
“Sometimes I want to tell a story that isn’t my own,” Rae said. “I find it makes it a more easily accessible experience for the audience when you can personify that: I’m singing about Cool-Doug, I’m singing about Jackie O, I’m singing about David, I’m telling their story. I’m just sort of the narrator. … There’s more stories to be told than just mine.”
In writing the album, Rae drew upon the community of musicians and friends that the band has developed over the past several years. She was particularly effusive in describing Jacob Jeffries, a high-energy songwriter and vocalist she recruited to sing on the retro-funk disco track “Cool-Doug, at Night.” Jeffries is known for his musical storytelling and authentic style, and collaborated seamlessly with Sammy Rae & The Friends.
“Jacob is one of the most gifted and fascinating vocalists I’ve ever met. He is such a character vocalist. He’s so good at bringing something bizarre to life, which is exactly what’s happened with ‘Cool-Doug, at Night,’” Rae said. “I actually thought of Jacob before the song was even finished. I called him, and I was like … ‘Do you want to do a song about this disco-Batman nine-to-fiver, white-collar guy who transforms into this dancing legend?’ … He’s just a dear friend, and it’s wonderful to work with him always.”
Sammy Rae & The Friends’ dedication to the musical community is also evident in their admiration and advocacy for other up-and-coming artists, including Melt, who performed at Royale in Boston on Saturday. Coincidentally, Melt’s lead singer Veronica Stewart-Frommer (LA’22) headlined for the groovy retro-pop band while studying full time at Tufts.
“Everyone should be listening to ‘If There’s a Heaven’ by Melt, which is one of our dear friends from New York City. This is their first full-length album as well,” Rae said. “I think it’s really going to transform things for them, and it’s just a perfect record.”
Rae is particularly excited to perform in Boston, as she has a deep and long-standing connection with the city.
“It is always such a treat to be able to play Boston, especially the Roadrunner. That’s one of those big venues that we played for the first time, and we’ve been touring Boston for so long that it always feels like coming home … so we’re just very excited.”
Tickets for Sammy Rae and the Friends’ performances at the Roadrunner on Nov. 15 and 16 are on sale now.
