Sam will have played a string of shows to sold out audiences in Spain, Norway, Sweden, The Netherlands and the UK before arriving in Kilkenny on Sunday night with his five piece American band.
Sam is based in southern California. He is steeped in the music and myths of west coast country, absorbing the classic vibes of everything from ’60s Bakersfield honky-tonk to ’70s Laurel Canyon troubadour pop and refashioning them into a sound that’s pleasurably past, present and future tense.
For many music fans he is considered the heir apparent to country legend Dwight Yoakam. Sam himself refers to his music as “SoCal Country,” a contemporary interpretation of country music with a Californian flair. His songs are powerful and timeless, complete with guitar, violin, and occasional Mexican influences. During this concert, he will perform not only his hits like “Ghost Town” and “Trouble” but also songs from his just released fourth album, “Terra Cotta.”
Sam’s first album was “Angeleno” in 2015, produced by Ry and Joachim Cooder, Coincidentally, Joachim Cooder appears at the festival on Saturday 4th May.
He has toured the world extensively, including as an opening act for country giants Kacey Musgraves, John Prine, and Dwight Yoakam. He has also made multiple appearances on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Sam’s songs have been featured in popular TV shows such as Nashville, and his music has been streamed millions of times. He released his brand new single “Ways To Go,” in January, providing a beautiful preview of his upcoming album.
Sam was born Sam Morton, but when he decided to actively pursue a music career, he borrowed his mother’s maiden name, Outlaw, for his stage name. His mother has since died and he honours her by continuing to use the family name.
Sam Outlaw and his band take the stage at Kytelers at 9pm on Sunday 5th and will close the festival at the same venue on Monday 6th.
Tickets for all shows are on sale through the festival website https://kilkennyroots.com/
