( ENSPIRE Music ) Sammy Wilk Gets Honest on “In Between” About the Dark Side of Fame With Some Help From JVCKJ
ESNPIRE Contributor: Taylor Groft
After an unprecedented start to 2020, KSR Records Recording Artist/Songwriter Sammy Wilk returns today with his second single of the year, reuniting with long time friend and collaborator, JVCKJ for the emotionally-charged “In Between.”
Backed by a mid-tempo track driven by an ominous mandolin and trap-inspired drums, Sammy once again taps into the authenticity and honesty that has always driven his music. “In Between” he bares his soul as he examines the darker side of the lavish lifestyle afforded to him by his success. Throughout the song, both Sammy and JVCKJ pack lyrics like the hook, “I feel like I’m swimming in between, in between real life and fantasy,” with a palatable raw emotion. And while the subject at hand is heavy, the song feels like a moment of clarity wherewith an added boost of hopeful energy.
The track features long-time collaborator JVCKJ—best known for being one half of the multi-platinum pop duo Jack & Jack. Having grown up together in Nebraska, Sammy has partnered with both members of the group on music and social media content. “In Between” serves as the second offering from JVCKJ as a solo artist. Last month, he debuted with single “You Lie,” which paints a true picture of how two people in a relationship can find themselves caught up in a vicious cycle of pain. Despite his previous sonic identity as part of Jack & Jack, this new venture will show a true yet different side of Jack’s musical ability.
Since the release of his 2016 debut EP, “Ready For War,” Sammy has connected with millions of fans over multiple platforms by allowing his authenticity and purity of spirit to shine through in all that he does. His music has a balanced blend, borrowing from the many genres that have shaped him as an artist—from Reggae, Ska, Rock, Hip-Hop, and R&B. In 2019, he widened the scope of his sound, constructing a collection of songs that detailed the highs and lows of relationships for his EP, “Keep It In The Middle.” What he enjoys creating most is music that makes him happy.
About Sammy Wilk
Sammy Wilk is a 23-year-old singer, songwriter, producer, philanthropist, and fashion designer who showcases an authenticity and purity of spirit through all that he does. Long before the artist even realized it, that authenticity was the driving factor in his musicianship: at each turn, he has made music that makes him happy, from Hip-Hop to Ska, Reggae, Pop and R&B. It has drawn a legion of dedicated fans; even as he’s taken time to redefine his sound and who he is as an artist. Growing up in Omaha, Nebraska, Wilk developed quite the eclectic taste in music. He fell in love with Hip-Hop at an early age, and by the time he was in middle school, a family friend introduced him to two things that would forever change the course of his life: reggae and a guitar. When he began to release music a few years later, he found himself naturally infusing island music into other genres of music, honing in on his unique sound.
Thanks to the powers of social media, Sammy has played by his own rules while developing a loyal following (more than 3 million across platforms) that welcomed his music in any formats. He became a new star in traditional media using new media to defy the playbook. In that time, his 2016 debut EP, “Ready For War,” amassed millions of streams across platforms and found him on the road on two North American tours between 2016 and 2017.
It was on a humanitarian trip to Malawi in 2017 where Sammy began to realize his purpose as an artist, wanting to inspire others. After returning home, he took 2018 to dive into his craft, honing in on what kind of mark he wants to leave with his music. Now working with the KSR Group, the production, and management company that has played a role in the success of such acts as Cardi B and HoodCelebrityy, Wilk is doing what he loves: creating music that makes him happy.
“I find myself shifting through different genres, so nothing from me will sound the exact same, but with that, I have found the type of music that I enjoy creating the most,” Wilk said while adding that his new music will detail. “Everything I have lived over the past two years. Some happy songs, some sad, some turn up, some slow. It all depends on the mood I’m in when I step in the studio. All of my new music will take you through a rollercoaster of emotions.”
It’s that purity of spirit that shines through on “Keep It In The Middle” and can be found across everything Wilk does.
Keep Up With Sammy Wilk:
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