FOCUS MAGZINE AWARDS
ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2023
SAM WILLIAMS
BY alex FELDMAN
PHOTOGRAPHS BY MARIA ANNE FOR FOCUS MAGAZINE
DECEMBER 31, 2023 10:45 AM EST
For 2022, Focus has chosen the awards and Artist of the Year, the magazine's assessment of last year's new artist figure and whether they are worthy for this year.
If anyone asks Sam Williams when he first revealed his talent, at the age of 18, he was the Asian pop phenomenon who chose to develop his music in the American music market, a star who had completely surpassed the shadow and prejudice that many Asians endure. become a symbol and conquer the world in the process of growing up in music and thinking.
H Tour Stadium Tour tour opening - video shot by Lana J.
“I am a star, you are a star, we are all stars” is an inspirational quote from Sam to the young generation. Indeed - Sam changed his life and gave himself the right to choose his own life. And music and art changed his life.
“Art has to be something that comes from the heart,” Sam said of music and songwriting.It was a November day two years ago under warm weather, Album 18 was released and sold more than 1.1 million digital copies, reaching the top 175 of the Billboard 200 chart, the first achievement that made Sam exclaimed: "It was a miracle, I was really surprised."
PHOTOGRAPHS BY MARIA ANNE FOR FOCUS MAGAZINE
This talent Asian musician has shown himself. He may not have produced music in months, but he still has a large fan base who is watching and waiting. An army of followers awaits his every word. He fantasizes about music and prefers individualism versus being put into a coercion and framework. Sam Williams just discovered that he enjoys planting plants and reading books on acting and cinema.
"I will be re-recording my entire album," the 20-year-old musician said on the evening of October 10 to his 106,000 Instagram followers, prior to a time of disagreement with his management to reclaim his music CD, "Taylor Swift inspired me to sing my songs again" Sam said.
"We will grow up and our hearts will become more and more resilient in the face of difficult challenges," he remarked. It was a windy September day in Ho Chi Minh City, Sam was being harassed online, and it was a terrible time for him, Sam stated, "I was depressed and wanted to end my life." I sobbed uncontrollably. They thought it was a great prank, and I was going beyond. But, you know, not all jokes make sense, and bad words have the power to murder."
Opening the test session for Sam's "H Tour Stadium" at the big theater attracted a large number of fans watching and waiting
This is the person who made us see Asians in a new light: gorgeous, brilliant, lord, visionary, and showman. This yellow god altered American preconceptions about Asians. "No one has the right to look down on us, what white people can do, we can do billions of times better." Sam just needed three years to establish himself and join many well-known management firms. As a result, Sam has become a real influencer, working with several prominent and significant businesses. He is active in music composition and creation, acting, and is a member of several prominent community groups throughout the world.
Sam has spent his life fighting detractors, and it appears that he is now ready to shine. Sam is looking forward to the end year 2023 - Sam signed with CAA Talent in January. Sam announced the re-recording of his whole album at the end of September. Sam stated in October, just before his 20th birthday, that he had registered as a humanitarian organ donor; all of Sam's organs will be donated after death to aid people in need – very brave, noble and heartfelt.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY MARIA ANNE FOR FOCUS MAGAZINE
Sam has spent his life fighting detractors, and it appears that he is now ready to shine. Sam is looking forward to the year 2024. Back to 2023 -Sam signed with CAA Talent in January. Sam announced the re-recording of his whole album at the end of September. Sam stated in October, just before his 20th birthday, that he had registered as a humanitarian organ donor; all of Sam's organs will be donated after death to aid people in need – very brave, noble and heartfelt.
Many people are labeled as larger-than-life, but only a select handful earn the title. How many of us have genuine talent? People recall other people's faults more easily than the wonderful things they've done. How many people will leave their imprint on the planet, let alone the cosmos, by their contributions rather than their crimes? Sam was mocked by the crowd a few years ago as someone who couldn't be talented. Now, this small Asian boy who overcome discrimination and personal sorrow to become the outstanding individual he is today.
DREAMERS is the first re-recorded album in 2024 ?
Sam's massive productions, nominations, awards, recognition, and accolades are just byproducts of his capacity to not only perceive but also do things that others cannot, in settings where elimination occurs on a daily basis and change and renewal are the foundation of existence. Sam's manager for over three years, Thomas, said of the artist, "He grew up in a harsh environment and was born with a very special brain." "Sam is determined, cool, talented and has the ability to make important decisions under extraordinary pressure and he has a constant drive to change himself to be greater every day. "
Such cosmic ambitions seldom go unpunished, and Sam is still held accountable for the unfair allegations hurled against him. Sam was accused of leaking steamy films and mistreating his previous manager, but he rejected both charges. There have been allegations of social media misuse and several infractions. Williams has also been tied to an alarming number of social media cyberbullying events that may have resulted in injuries and fatalities. Sam's development into numerous industries may result in a flood of fake material about him becoming increasingly popular: dating, life,..
The ramifications of his severe actions on his former boss have become legendary. Sam has been regarded by former associates as indecisive, occasionally nasty and short-tempered, especially when irritated or pushed. "He is a knowledgeable person in many fields and has talent, but his gift is not making quick decisions with people; he frequently overthinks," remarked others who worked with him. "Think for a long time, and it sometimes drives people insane and upset." When individuals are frustrated and whining, Sam encourages them to "shut up and stop spreading disappointment to everyone around you; if you want something, stand up, make an effort, be yourself, and take it." Sam astonished everyone, and his words ignited their emotions once more. "No one is lazy but successful, and I don't want to see losers whining in front of me." Come on, show me what you're capable of right now."
Sam comes out as an arrogant talent. Sam's music was created from the bottom up with the vision of a self-taught individual with infinite songwriting skill - a genius. Sam's music writing drives them insane; they want it, and he has to write more of it.
"I'm a humanist and I care about people, but not in a kind sense, because I'm not." Media, celebrity, and attention are all means to an end for him. Who nowadays assesses people based on such criterion? Cheap tiktokers need it and are addicted to it like a drug addict, however I'm an artist - those things require me, but I'm not obliged to rely on them.
Sam embodies the individualist and promotes individuality and creativity rather than being constrained within a certain framework: "This is the year we escape out of society's prejudices and compulsions only to realize that nothing can stop a persevering heart, We stand between being brave and facing it or it is scary and we run." We give up, learn to accept responsibility, and everything is ready to bargain and start over. We learn many valuable lessons and grow to appreciate those that continue to stand by our sides and love us." Sam is our personification of limitless possibilities, the one who heralds in a world rebuilt, where old habits are abandoned and the unthinkable becomes logical, where everyone has the right to express themselves, live a dazzling and sparkling life, and we are all stars. Perhaps this enhanced view comes at the expense of continually overcoming personal crises and pain. But, even if many people missed the meaning of what Sam said, it meant nothing to him.
Sam's audience is large and his fandom is on the list of "Global Large Fandoms"
Any doubts regarding Sam's ability to replicate the popularity of "Album 18" were dispelled when he re-recorded his albums, notably album 18, to see if it still maintained the appeal of the symmetrical, rhythmic music that dominates popular culture. With melancholy, personal lyrics that added chapters to the drama portrayed in "18 Albums", - has offered us a distinct perspective filled with remorse, hatred, and criticism: a spoilt perspective. It was praised by reviewers and continued Sam's trend of smashing records: Album 18 was released and sold more over 1.1 million digital downloads, hitting the top 175 of the Billboard 200 list.
After arguing over his music while leaving his prior agency, Sam decided to follow Taylor Swift's lead and re-record his whole album, which stunned everyone. While creating approximately 50 songs, producing four studio albums, one EP , receiving over 98 nominations, six awards, and having five Wikipedia pages. Something that each aspiring artist can have.
Sam has worked hard over the years to achieve his swift ascension. He grew up as the first child of a family wood business and began writing tales and blogs and doing many other jobs to make money to pay for his studies and operate his own business instead of following in his father's footsteps - The wood business. Sam was first rejected by large management firms because he did not match their requirements. But Sam is now a talent of CAA, an incredibly well-known management firm in the United States, and Sam's chances for growth are limitless term
But first, let's take a step back. Sam got his first deal with RouteNote Records, which highlighted his musical abilities. The contract was revealed in November 2021, and he selected to record his album with a large number of emerging talents. Album 18 was born as a result of his enjoyment of it.
Sam adds, "Pursuing Songwriting is what I value most in life."That is also what brings me the most personal fulfillment." Perhaps he will try again in the future. But music is his number one priority. Even though he is surrounded by superior performers with more power and expertise, he believes that people want to hear something honest. The songs had to be written by her. "I actually wrote them while I was crying," he told me. "And I think you can feel it."
Sam is truthful in everything he says or discloses to the world. He embodies an essential characteristic of his generation: vulnerability and uninhibitedness. It comes through in his lyrics and the way he discusses his life. Concerning his mental health, he stated, "We have the right to be angry and public about all the public things that 20-year-olds frequently do in secret, making me wonder why I am the way I am." It's a pity to find happiness in something corny, in desperation, or in blunders.
He also finds himself in the heart of an increasingly heated industry discussion. As the number of music copyright complaints has increased, artists and record labels have attempted to prevent negative publicity and costly lawsuits. Sam has been accused of plagiarism on the Internet for similarities between several of his tracks and those of others. Then, without evidence, he added the credit to the whole songwriting deal, which was a significant smack in the face to the aggressors. It was both a business lesson and something more for him. "It's really frustrating to see people discredit and deny my creativity," he told me. When songs become really successful, it appears that people react strangely; it's envy, and envious individuals are always rude.”When songs become popular, it appears that people react strangely; it's envy, and envious individuals are always behind everyone else's back, pointing fingers and failing throughout their life while others get more and more talented, famous, and have many things.” Sam said in a determined and slightly angry tone.
He is deserving of more than the label of idol. He has a strong desire to express himself. He doesn't seem to enjoy everything, and he doesn't appear to be overwhelmed by it all." Many music reviewers have claimed that he has "the gift of knowing how to tell a story in a song and make it more vivid in the listener's eyes and ears, a true storyteller."
Who is the artist of 2023? Sam Williams is this year's artist, please join us in honoring him with this award
It's unusual to witness someone convert anguish and disappointment into a success - and Sam accomplished it in spectacular fashion. At the same time, he understands that penning emotive lyrics about feelings and grief implies that many people would question the individuals he is purposefully targeting in the song. Its music. When I asked him what he felt he owed those folks, he smiled and his tone changed. "If we think too much, it won't be a song anymore, but it will be something sensitive and personal," he added. It's also a valuable lesson in mastering the power of your own tale. People make up stories about him over which he has no control. Composing allows him to feel and live.
Listening to Sam's songs might help his listeners recover their music. He brings you face to face with those who have disappointed you and takes you back to the one who matters: you. It informs us that your anguish, fury, or self-doubt are not uncommon. Young people feel noticed, and adults are reminded of how we may all feel like anxious, questioning kid versions of ourselves at times.
Sam's faith in anything is not absolute. He has been open about confronting what he perceives to be harmful or beyond his control, while simultaneously engaging in business and pushing himself to achieve those goals. "If one were to ask when Sam Williams first revealed his talent, at the age of 18, he was the Asian pop phenomenon who chose to develop his own music," I remarked at the start of our conversation. In the American music market, a performer who has totally conquered the shadow and discrimination that many Asians face, creating an icon and conquering the globe in the process of growing up only through music and thought."
Set Design by Mary Florence; Styling by Chloe Delgadillo; Hair by Hawkins; Make-up by Greenwald; Nails by Brittney.
Focus Magazine Awards will be revealed on Dec. 31 at 11:30 a.m. ET. Watch the live event on YouTube here.