WAIM 172: Queer Country Crooner Andrew Sa

Andrew Sa grew up under the spectre of country music. Growing up in Fremont, California, some of Sa’s most intense childhood memories revolve around the family crammed into his father’s F150 pickup listening to Top 40 country radio allowing him to soak up the likes of Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton. Sa’s grandparents kept a collection of cassette tapes at their home, and Andrew always found himself gravitating to the saddest songs in the Patsy Cline collection. Something haunting, yet alluring lay within the grooves of those records, and Sa was fascinated to find out the truth about it.As an adult, Sa followed the path of love to find himself in Chicago where he set about taking classes at the famed Old Town School of Folk Music. In Chicago, Sa began to invest himself deeply into the art of songwriting. He also found himself developing an intense bond and friendship with country singer and songwriter, Patrick Haggerty, a trailblazer in the world of queer country. Haggerty’s early 70’s LP Lavender Country served as a major influence for Sa, who was also shaped immensely by Haggerty’s experiences and advice.Andrew Sa’s debut record, American Rough was issued in late June on Bloodshot Records. That album is a culmination of years and years of work and rework. Sa was deliberate in the release of his album, taking a full year to shop it around and find the perfect home for its release. The record itself is a gorgeous, seemingly timeless affair that recalls notes of Roy Orbison, KD Lang, and The Everly Brothers.During our conversation, Sa and I talked about the immense impact his collaborators have had on the album. We talk at length about the contributions of the album’s producer H.C. McEntire who helped to shape Sa’s songs into a cohesive sonic piece. There is also talk of the queer country scene in Chicago, including Sa’s own Lavender Prairie Fest that he has spearheaded for the last several years.Let’s get into it.Cheers,Matty C-------------------------End CreditsThanks so much to Andrew for joining me. You can find his new album, American Rough wherever you get your music. The What Am I Making podcast is hosted, written, and produced by me, Matty C.Our theme music was written and recorded by David J. Baldwin.You can subscribe to our show wherever you get your podcasts. Please be sure to like, rate and review the show if you enjoy it.Our work is solely sponsored by listeners and readers like you. Please lend your support today with a paid subscription at whatamimaking.substack.com/. Now is a crucial time for new paid subscribers. Please step up and support the show.You can email the show anytime at [email protected]. You can also leave us a voicemail with your questions or concerns at speakpipe.com/whatamimaking Get full access to What Am I Making at whatamimaking.substack.com/subscribe