2025 is the year of queer country! Country music star Sam Williams is back with an all-new single and accompanying music video.
“No Problem” is the second track to drop from Williams’ upcoming project Act II: COUNTRYSTAR. The single is a melodic country song about the beauty of young, queer love. Williams tells his partner “I ain’t got a problem loving you.”
Watch the music video here:
Williams spoke with GLAAD about “No Problem” and his upcoming project Act II: COUNTRYSTAR, due on July 11th.
Williams spoke about his experience shooting this beautiful and unapologetically queer music video, saying, “It just felt like the easy and innocent kind of love. I didn’t want to do too much for this one and more capture the simplicity of when you have someone you can feel like you have it all. It was a full embrace of my soft boy side and it didn’t hurt that my costar looks a lot like a boy I love a whole lot.”
He talked a bit about how his music has evolved since the start of his career, sharing, “I’ve always been centered in setting and emotion. Around the Glasshouse Children era, I was in the beginning of creating a world and creating a sound and it started around my life and the house I grew up in. I anticipated adversity always, and I knew coming out as gay later would add to that fire, so in hindsight, it seems natural that I came out with really blatantly honest, sad and introspective music, because I wanted to be taken serious.
He continued, “I think, putting a lot of that to wax and continuing to unfold my story cleared the landscape for a bigger picture. From the beginning, you could hear a mix of honest storytelling and sadness with the influence of pop stars and R&B. Nowadays, that fusion is in the forefront. So a new confidence is unleashed because I’m comfortable being the one who can do it all and that’s what I’ve always wanted.”
Sam, who is the son of country icon Hank Williams Jr. and grandson of country music pioneer Hank Williams, spoke about how he balances the traditional elements of country music with his own modern and unique sound. He said, “I would almost put it like it’s second nature – learned/innate behavior. The periods that people live in and circumstances of the time, what media we’re exposed to, etc. determine a whole lot about what forms an artist, and on the other side, there’s the divine element that isn’t as nailed to perceived influence.
He shared, “I grew up a huge Barb, (Nicki Minaj is one of my favorite artists ever- talent, versatility, drive, the world she’s made.) I grew up in the internet era, loved Justin Bieber, Miranda Lambert, Britney Spears, Chris Brown, just a little of everything. Loved pop music and 2010s hip-hop will always be on in my car.”
He continued to say, “I always too felt a strong sense of sadness, sense of misplacement, a link to something gone now. I wondered why I was the one in my shoes probably googling my grandpa’s name at 8 years old and had to learn more about what I’m from. So, I think my love for pop culture, animation and new perspective creates a new lane with the kinda eery emotion I carry. A reporter and friend Marcus Dowling told me I’m a ‘modern vintage artist.'”
On the topic of his music inspirations, Williams revealed who his dream collaboration would be with: “MILEY CYRUS.” He shared, ‘I love Miley and just always felt kindred to her growing up. I’ve always been obsessed with the conviction in her voice, evolving through different experiences and sonics. She’s such an icon. I have a song with Dolly Parton so maybe one day we’ll all get together?”
“No Problem’s” proudly queer lyrics and themes are a part of a really important shift taking place in country music. Williams spoke about the changes he still hopes to see in the industry, especially when it comes to inclusion and representation. He said, “There hasn’t been a path for a solo gay male artist in Nashville really yet at all, so obviously it’s time for change and I’m always trying to be that. The bro culture of the boys club of music here needs more depth even aside from equality and progressive ideals. Being gay isn’t part of my personality, it’s part of my humanity part of my love. No one should be stopped from chasing their dreams and greatness for being authentic to themselves. I hope to see growth you just have to be bold tough and patient.”
To close, he teased a bit about what fans should expect for his upcoming project. “Act II: COUNTRYSTAR is the second installment of a trilogy. It’s the biggest I’ve ever sounded and bold and loud. If other music of mine asked ‘who hurt him’ this project asks ‘Who is he??’ I’m rapping for the first time, opening up my box of influences and what the future holds. I think these songs show the climax of where I’ve been musically and the confidence that comes with the chaos on the journey. It’s me doubling down that you’re not going to tell me who I am, I’m going to tell you who I am, however I want to. The sadness is still there, but it’s not in the drivers seat.”
Be sure to stream Williams latest singles “No Problem” and “COUNTRYSTAR” where ever you listen to music!