Sam Gleaves Finds Beauty in HONEST

Sam Gleaves is truly a queer country treasure. His 2015 album Ain’t We Brothers is as raw and emotional as the day it came out, an ode to queer life in Appalachia when such voices on the national stage were all too rare. Gleaves is a consummate banjo player and gives earth-shattering bear hugs, all while delivering simple truths with an angelic voice. That his upcoming album, HONEST, is his most personal yet should come as a celebration and a warning — to have the tissues handy when it comes out this Friday. Below, Gleaves tells us about making the album and finding joy in vulnerability.