{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2022}} {{short description|Singaporean music band}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = The Sam Willows | image = | caption = | origin = Singapore | genre = Indie pop, jazz fusion | years_active = {{Start date|2011}}–2019 (on indefinite hiatus) | label = {{hlist|Sony Music Singapore|Warner Bros. Records}} | website = {{url|thesamwillows.com}} | current_members = *Jonathan Chua *Benjamin Kheng *Sandra Riley Tang *Narelle Kheng }}
'''The Sam Willows''' is a four-member Singaporean pop band formed in 2011. The group consists of siblings Narelle and Benjamin Kheng, together with their friends Sandra Riley Tang and Jonathan Chua. The quartet’s self-titled freshman EP was released in November 2012, followed by their debut full-length album ''Take Heart'' that was released in October 2015.
In July 2018, the band released ''I Know, But Where'', their second full-length studio album.
As of May 2019, the band has gone on an indefinite hiatus. It was also confirmed that they have no plans to disband and will focus on personal projects for the time being.
== History == === 2011 – 2013: Formation, ''The Sam Willows'' === The Sam Willows were formed in December 2011 by founding members: Benjamin Kheng, Jonathan Chua, Narelle Kheng, and Sandra Riley Tang.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Auto |first=Hermes |date=2018-07-06 |title=Home-grown pop quartet The Sam Willows' second album a result of 'confusing' times {{!}} The Straits Times |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/entertainment/home-grown-pop-quartet-the-sam-willows-second-album-a-result-of-confusing |access-date=2023-02-21 |website=www.straitstimes.com |language=en |archive-date=21 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221070529/https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/entertainment/home-grown-pop-quartet-the-sam-willows-second-album-a-result-of-confusing |url-status=live }}</ref>
Barely a year after they formed, the quartet launched their debut EP ''The Sam Willows'' under a distribution deal with Warner Music Singapore, and made their international debut in 2013 at the annual South by Southwest music festival in Texas.<ref name="Straits">{{cite web|url=http://stcommunities.straitstimes.com/music/2012/11/24/indie-band-same-willows|title=Indie Band: The Sam Willows|publisher=stcommunities.straitstimes.com|date=22 November 2012|accessdate=9 July 2014|author=Abdul Hadi, Eddino|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714230420/http://stcommunities.straitstimes.com/music/2012/11/24/indie-band-same-willows|archive-date=14 July 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> The band continued on a North American Tour, Korean Tour, and represented Singapore for the Western Australian Music Festival (WAM) in Perth.<ref name="WAM">{{cite web|url=http://rosogorman.com/2013/11/wam-music-conference/|title=The Sam Willows at 2013 WAM Music Conference|publisher=rosogorman.com|date=15 November 2013|accessdate=9 July 2014|author=O'Gorman, Ros|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140308100917/http://rosogorman.com/2013/11/wam-music-conference/|archive-date=8 March 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
In April 2013, the Singaporean quartet entered the studio with Steve Lillywhite for a week-long production session, organized by Singapore Music Society (SG MUSO).<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Sam Willows make sense of it all |url=https://www.todayonline.com/entertainment/music/sam-willows-make-sense-it-all |access-date=2023-02-21 |website=TODAY |language=en |archive-date=21 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221070552/https://www.todayonline.com/entertainment/music/sam-willows-make-sense-it-all |url-status=live }}</ref> The result was a reworking of their track "Glasshouse" and released as the band’s latest single at the time.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}} In August 2013, the band released their "Glasshouse (Lillywhite edition)" music video.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}}
=== 2015 – 2016: ''Take Heart'' === The band signed to Sony Music Singapore on a 360 deal in January 2015 and embarked on their journey to Stockholm, Sweden to record their debut album, ''Take Heart'', with producer Harry Sommerdahl the following month.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}}
''Take Heart'' was released later in the year in October 2015, with "Take Heart" as their first official single from the album released in May 2015.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}} The music video for the song was later released in July 2015 and amassed over 1.6 million views on YouTube.
In the same year, the band opened for Irish pop-rock band, The Script, at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in April 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.midaspromotions.com/photos/event/the-script-opening-act-the-sam-willows|title=The Script Opening Act - The Sam Willows|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417095108/http://www.midaspromotions.com/photos/event/the%2Dscript%2Dopening%2Dact%2Dthe%2Dsam%2Dwillows|archive-date=17 April 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Sam Willows also recorded three songs - "Flags Up", "Ordinary" and "Champion", for the compilation album, ''Songs of the Games'' for the 2015 Southeast Asian Games.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.todayonline.com/entertainment/music/official-music-album-launched-28th-sea-games|title=Official music album launched for 28th SEA Games|date=3 March 2015|publisher=Today|last1=Hon|first1=Jing Yi|accessdate=17 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150307130510/http://www.todayonline.com/entertainment/music/official-music-album-launched-28th-sea-games|archive-date=7 March 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> To celebrate Singapore's independence, The Sam Willows performed at the National Day Parade 2015 in August 2015, playing one of Singapore's National Day songs, "Home".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singaporeans-celebrate-50th-national-day-with-nostalgic-and-touching-parade-at-the-padang|title=Singaporeans Celebrate 50th National Day With Nostalgic and Touch Parade At The Padang|date=9 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812075421/http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singaporeans-celebrate-50th-national-day-with-nostalgic-and-touching-parade-at-the-padang|archive-date=12 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
In May 2016, the quartet supported Little Mix on their The Get Weird Tour in Manila and Singapore.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.midaspromotions.com/coming-events-2/25-concerts/353-little-mix-may-2016|title=Midas Promotions - Little Mix - May 2016|last=Admin|first=Midas|website=www.midaspromotions.com|accessdate=23 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170530172838/http://www.midaspromotions.com/coming-events-2/25-concerts/353-little-mix-may-2016|archive-date=30 May 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> Following that, the band sold out their first headlining concert in Singapore at The Coliseum.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/entertainment/the-sam-willows-to-stage-their-own-concert-at-the-coliseum|title=The Sam Willows To Stage Their Own Concert At The Coliseum|newspaper=The Straits Times |date=11 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160518231101/http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/entertainment/the-sam-willows-to-stage-their-own-concert-at-the-coliseum|archive-date=18 May 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== 2017: Making of second album === The Sam Willows released an exclusive compilation album (consisting of 16 songs from their first EP, the ''Take Heart'' album and lead single "Keep Me Jealous" from their upcoming second album) in Japan (marketed and distributed by Sony Music Japan).<ref>{{Cite web |title=シンガポールより新感覚のポップサウンドが上陸。サム・ウィロウズ日本デビュー決定！ |url=https://www.sonymusic.co.jp/artist/samwillows/info/484160 |access-date=15 January 2026 |language=ja |quote=本国シンガポールをはじめ、東南アジア各国で軒並みチャート上位を獲得した、“サム・ウィロウズ”が8月23日（水）アルバム『テイク・ハート（ジャパン・エディション）』で日本デビューする事になった。2017年、同年後半に発売予定の2年ぶりとなるアルバムからの1stシングル「キープ・ミー・ジェラス」をリリース。今回発売となる日本盤は上記の海外既発のアルバムとミニ・アルバムに新曲を組み合わせた、まさにベスト盤的内容。 |trans-quote=Sam Willows, who have topped the charts in their home country of Singapore and other Southeast Asian countries, will be making their Japanese debut on Wednesday, August 23rd with the album "Take Heart (Japan Edition)." In 2017, they released "Keep Me Jealous", the first single from their first album in two years, due for release later that year. The Japanese version being released this time is a true best-of album, combining the above-mentioned previously released overseas albums and mini-albums with new songs.}}</ref> They became the first English performing band from Singapore to be marketed and distributed by a major international music label in Japan.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chan |first=Melissa |date=2019-04-04 |title=From Techies To Musicians: 28 S'pore Individuals On Forbes' 30 Under 30 2019 List |url=https://vulcanpost.com/660212/forbes-30-under-30-2019-singapore/ |access-date=2026-01-15 |website=Vulcan Post |language=en-US}}</ref>
In May 2017, The Sam Willows released "Keep Me Jealous", the first official single from their upcoming second album, co-produced by the band themselves and producers Fredrik Häggstam and Litens Anton Nilsson.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://zyrup.sg/2017/05/01/sam-willows-tease-new-single-keep-jealous/|title=The Sam Willows Tease New Single "Keep Me Jealous"|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170501210105/https://zyrup.sg/2017/05/01/sam-willows-tease-new-single-keep-jealous/|archive-date=1 May 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 13 July 2017, the band released their next single, "Save Myself", co-produced with Harry Sommerdahl. "The song talks about how we’re usually the worst lovers to ourselves – we don’t know how to love or save ourselves till it’s too late," member Benjamin Kheng said of the song.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Osman |first1=Sadat |title=The Sam Willows release second single, "Save Myself" |url=https://juice.com.sg/sam-willows-release-second-single-save/ |website=JUICE |accessdate=18 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718120500/https://juice.com.sg/sam-willows-release-second-single-save/ |archive-date=18 July 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> The track clinched the 'Best Song' award.<ref>{{cite news |title=Winners at inaugural NEXT Music Awards include The Sam Willows, Gentle Bones and Kenny Khoo |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/entertainment/winners-at-inaugural-next-music-awards-include-the-sam-willows-gentle-bones |work=The Straits Times |date=30 November 2017 |language=en |access-date=18 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718115306/https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/entertainment/winners-at-inaugural-next-music-awards-include-the-sam-willows-gentle-bones |archive-date=18 July 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> === 2018: ''I Know, But Where'' === On 9 February 2018, the band released two of their singles "Robot" and "Papa Money" simultaneously. Both tracks took over local airwaves and charted across territories such as Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Philippines.{{citation needed|date=January 2021}}
The initial release of four lead singles ("Keep Me Jealous", "Save Myself", "Papa Money" and "Robot") collectively garnered more than 10 million streams and have each been certified GOLD.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Abdul Hadi |first=Eddino |date=2018-07-06 |title=Home-grown pop quartet The Sam Willows' second album a result of 'confusing' times |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/entertainment/home-grown-pop-quartet-the-sam-willows-second-album-a-result-of-confusing |access-date=2026-01-15 |work=The Straits Times |language=en |issn=0585-3923}}</ref>
The Sam Willow's 11-track second album ''I Know, But Where'' was released on 6 July 2018, making it their second studio album. The album debuted at number 1 on the Singapore iTunes chart on the day of its release and has since found its way into charts around the region like Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Taiwan.{{citation needed|date=January 2021}}
With this album, the band hoped to "present a feel-good and happy version of the things (they) struggle with".<ref>{{cite web |title=The Sam Willows talk their new album I Know, But Where and its "world of openness and love" |url=https://hear65.bandwagon.asia/articles/the-sam-willows-i-know-but-where-interview |website=Hear65 |date=10 July 2018 |accessdate=18 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718115328/https://hear65.bandwagon.asia/articles/the-sam-willows-i-know-but-where-interview |archive-date=18 July 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Featured in the line up of We the Fest 2018, The Sam Willows performed on day 2 of the festival. Headliners of the festival included Lorde, SZA, James Bay and more.<ref>{{cite web |title=We The Fest 2018 |url=http://www.wethefest.com/ |access-date=13 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813174922/http://www.wethefest.com/ |archive-date=13 August 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> The band also performed at Southeast Asia's First Esports Music Festival.<ref>{{cite web | access-date=18 July 2018 | archive-date=18 July 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718115132/https://hyperplay.mtvasia.com/ | url=https://hyperplay.mtvasia.com/ | title=ASEAN ESPORTS & MUSIC FESTIVAL | url-status=dead }}</ref>
On 11 November 2018, the band released their Christmas special single, "I'm Gonna Be Loved (This Christmas)", which was released as part of their extended play ''Christmas EP''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chew |first=Benjamin |date=2 December 2022 |title=5 songs not from Mariah Carey to add to your Christmas Spotify playlist |url=https://youthopia.sg/read/5-songs-not-from-mariah-carey-to-add-to-your-christmas-spotify-playlist/ |access-date=30 December 2022 |website=youthopia.sg |language=en-US |archive-date=30 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221230085113/https://youthopia.sg/read/5-songs-not-from-mariah-carey-to-add-to-your-christmas-spotify-playlist/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
===2019: Hiatus=== On 26 April 2019, The Sam Willows released a mandarin rendition of their single "Say So", from their second studio album ''I Know, But Where'', featuring Joanna Dong.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Arteche |first=Michelle |date=26 April 2019 |title=The Sam Willows release Mandarin version of '《无言》Say So' with Joanna Dong |url=https://hear65.bandwagon.asia/articles/the-sam-willows-release-mandarin-version-of-say-so-with-joanna-dong |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221230083615/https://hear65.bandwagon.asia/articles/the-sam-willows-release-mandarin-version-of-say-so-with-joanna-dong |archive-date=30 December 2022 |access-date=30 December 2022 |website=The Sam Willows release Mandarin version of '《无言》Say So' with Joanna Dong {{!}} Articles {{!}} Hear65 - Home for Singaporean Music |language=en}}</ref> The band was also involved in the 2019 Singapore National Day parade theme song.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NDP 2019 Theme Song: The Easter Eggs You Probably Missed |url=https://www.todayonline.com/8days/seeanddo/thingstodo/ndp-2019-theme-song-easter-eggs-you-probably-missed |access-date=2023-11-21 |website=TODAY |language=en |archive-date=21 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121033131/https://www.todayonline.com/8days/seeanddo/thingstodo/ndp-2019-theme-song-easter-eggs-you-probably-missed |url-status=live }}</ref> Later on 27 May, the band announced an indefinite hiatus and that the members would be focusing on solo activities for the time being.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Sam Willows Are Taking A Break: "I Wish I Had More Drama For You But We're All Still Good Friends" |url=https://www.todayonline.com/8days/sceneandheard/entertainment/sam-willows-are-taking-break-i-wish-i-had-more-drama-you-were-all |access-date=2023-11-21 |website=TODAY |language=en |archive-date=21 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121033131/https://www.todayonline.com/8days/sceneandheard/entertainment/sam-willows-are-taking-break-i-wish-i-had-more-drama-you-were-all |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Members == === Benjamin Kheng === {{Main article|Benjamin Kheng}} Benjamin Kheng was born on {{birth date and age|1990|8|15|df=y}} in Singapore. He is the keyboardist, rhythm guitarist and vocalist. He was a former national youth swimmer, having trained since he was 6. He attended Anglo-Chinese School (Primary), Anglo-Chinese School (Independent), Singapore Sports School<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.asiaone.com/news/showbiz/star-turn|title=Star turn|access-date=22 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913230532/http://news.asiaone.com/news/showbiz/star-turn|archive-date=13 September 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> and has a diploma in Arts and Theatre Management from Republic Polytechnic.
=== Jonathan Chua === {{Main article|Jonathan Chua}} Jonathan Chua was born on {{birth date and age|1990|2|12|df=y}} in Singapore. He is the lead guitarist and vocalist. He took Sociology as a major in Nanyang Technological University. In 2015, Jon started Zendyll Productions, a recording studio and sound design company in Singapore.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.solidspace.sg/blog-/2016/7/22/kopi-with-jon-chua|title=Kopi With Jon Chua|website=solidspace.sg|accessdate=23 May 2017|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911165101/http://www.solidspace.sg/blog-/2016/7/22/kopi-with-jon-chua|archivedate=11 September 2016}}</ref> Jon is known to be the big brother in the band who gets things done <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.todayonline.com/entertainment/music/3-things-you-should-know-about-sam-willows-silent-member-jon-chua-silent-willow|title=3 things you should know about The Sam Willows' silent member, Jon Chua|website=todayonline.com|accessdate=23 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606133720/http://www.todayonline.com/entertainment/music/3-things-you-should-know-about-sam-willows-silent-member-jon-chua-silent-willow|archive-date=6 June 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Narelle Kheng === {{Main article|Narelle Kheng}} Narelle Kheng was born on {{birth date and age|1993|9|24|df=y}} in Singapore. She is the bass guitarist and vocalist. She was a former national youth swimmer, having trained since she was 6. She attended Methodist Girls' School, Singapore, Anglo-Chinese Junior College and Singapore Sports School, and took Communication Studies as her major in Nanyang Technological University's Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.herworldplus.com/lifestyle/women-now/sandra-tang-and-narelle-kheng-the-sam-willows-secret-popularity|title=The ladies from The Sam Willows share the secret to their popularity|access-date=22 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813121307/http://www.herworldplus.com/lifestyle/women-now/sandra-tang-and-narelle-kheng-the-sam-willows-secret-popularity|archive-date=13 August 2016|url-status=dead|date=29 July 2015|last=Lai|first=Amanda}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/entertainment/swimmer-turned-singer-turned-actress-narelle-kheng-is-stretching-her-wings|title=Swimmer-turned-singer-turned-actress Narelle Kheng is stretching her wings|newspaper=The Straits Times |date=9 July 2014|access-date=22 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828150750/http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/entertainment/swimmer-turned-singer-turned-actress-narelle-kheng-is-stretching-her-wings|archive-date=28 August 2016|url-status=live|last=Eddino Abdul Hadi}}</ref> She had cameo roles in drama serials ''Zero Calling'' and ''Against The Tide'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.asiaone.com/news/diva/7-things-her-bag-narelle-kheng?page=0%2C1#sthash.GvLIQkG8.dpuf|title=7 things in her bag: Narelle Kheng|access-date=22 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910203724/http://news.asiaone.com/news/diva/7-things-her-bag-narelle-kheng?page=0%2C1#sthash.GvLIQkG8.dpuf|archive-date=10 September 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> and starred in a Channel 5 show, ''Do It Yourself''.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=10 facts you might not know of local songbird Narelle Kheng |url=https://www.herworld.com/gallery/life/10-facts-you-might-not-know-of-local-songbird-narelle-kheng/ |access-date=30 December 2022 |website=Her World Singapore |language=en-US |archive-date=30 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221230030536/https://www.herworld.com/gallery/life/10-facts-you-might-not-know-of-local-songbird-narelle-kheng/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Sandra Riley Tang === {{Main article|Sandra Riley Tang}} Sandra Riley Tang was born on {{birth date and age|1990|12|25|df=y}} in Singapore. She is the keyboardist, percussionist and vocalist. In 2012, she started RileyArt, which showcased and sold her handmade accessories, art and calligraphy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lollipop.com.sg/insider/why-sam-willows-sandra-riley-tang-puts-baby-powder-her-hair-regularly|title=Why The Sam Willow's Sandra Riley Tang puts baby powder on her hair regularly|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170324223159/http://www.lollipop.com.sg/insider/why-sam-willows-sandra-riley-tang-puts-baby-powder-her-hair-regularly|archivedate=24 March 2017}}</ref> In 2015, she co-founded her yoga studio, The Yoga Collective.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theyoco.com|title=The Yoga Collective – Singapore's First Home-Concept Yoga Studio – Yoga Classes, Yoga Courses|website=www.theyoco.com|accessdate=23 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710074647/https://theyoco.com/|archive-date=10 July 2017|url-status=usurped}}</ref> She made her solo debut as 'RRILEY' in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 December 2021 |title=Rriley reborn: Sandra Riley Tang on confidence, craft and her latest track 'You Should Have Said So' |url=https://vogue.sg/rriley-sandra-riley-tang-interview/ |access-date=30 December 2022 |website=Vogue Singapore |language=en-US |archive-date=30 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221230081542/https://vogue.sg/rriley-sandra-riley-tang-interview/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Discography == {{Main article|The Sam Willows discography}} * ''Take Heart'' (2015) * ''I Know, But Where'' (2018)
== References == {{Reflist|30em}}
== External links == *{{Official website|http://thesamwillows.com}} * {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=mn0003138435|label=The Sam Willows}} {{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sam Willows, The}} Category:Singaporean indie rock groups Category:Singaporean musical groups Category:Musical groups established in 2012