Sam Wi iams Channels Qu r Romance and R&B Swagger
Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Country music’s rising star Sam Williams is turning up the heat—and the heart—with his latest single “No Problem,” a sultry, genre-blending track that arrives alongside a breathtaking black-and-white music video celebrating soft, tender queer love.
The song is a bold step in Williams’ evolving sonic journey. Written by Williams, Nick Bailey, Michael Tyler, and Noah West, “No Problem” mixes his signature country twang with a rich R&B-pop groove. It’s an unexpected but seamless fusion that highlights Sam’s soulful vocals as he croons about life’s irritations—tequila burns, winding roads, and blinding sun—before making it clear that love isn’t one of them. “I ain’t got a problem loving you, no / I ain’t got a problem in this room, no / I don’t ever wanna leave this bed / Love it when you’re layin’ on my chest / I
ain’t got a problem, baby / I ain’t got a problem loving you,” he sings with silky confidence.
Visually, the song finds a perfect partner in a monochromatic music video that gently unspools a series of intimate, fleeting moments between Williams and a male love interest. Through quiet glances, shared laughter, and touch, the video captures a beautifully understated portrayal of queer intimacy—rarely seen, and even more rarely embraced, in mainstream country music.
A torchbearer of country music royalty, Sam Williams is the grandson of country pioneer Hank Williams and the son of outlaw legend Hank Jr. But rather than follow in anyone else’s footsteps, Sam is charting his own distinct path. He sings with a singular voice and writes with gut-wrenching honesty, plainspoken poetics, and raw vulnerability. His 2021 debut album, Glasshouse Children, earned critical acclaim from outlets like Rolling Stone, Music Row, and the Associated Press. Its deluxe edition, released in 2022, featured “Tilted Crown,” a deeply personal track about grappling with the weight of legacy. In 2023, Williams released a string of powerful songs and delivered show-stopping performances at the Grand Ole Opry, CMA Fest, and the UK’s Country 2 Country Festival. Earlier this year, he debuted “Carnival Heart,”
the official anthem for Songblazers: A Journey Into Country Music, a groundbreaking Cirque du Soleil and Universal Music Group Nashville production.
In reflecting on his latest track, Sam shared, “I thought it’d be fun to make a song that had an R&B-pop vibe to it because that’s what I grew up listening to. ‘No Problem’ is a confident, romantic love letter that embodies the energy of Act II: unapologetically honest, gutsy, and layered with complex emotions.”
“No Problem,” along with the previously released “COUNTRYSTAR,” will be featured on Sam’s forthcoming project Act II: COUNTRYSTAR, due July 11. The seven-track collection continues his bold trilogy of releases and showcases his creative versatility. With producers Nick Bailey (Lana Del Rey, Maroon 5, Quavo) and Yung Lan (Morgan Wallen, Lil Uzi Vert) at his side, Sam is redefining what country music can sound—and look—like.
With Act II: COUNTRYSTAR on the horizon, it’s clear that Sam Williams isn’t just building on a family legacy—he’s crafting one of his own, and it’s queer, honest, genre-bending, and unapologetically original.
By Cator Sparks
The Queer Compass
Hey Folks! I’m Cator Sparks, and I am a certified professional Life Coach focusing on all men and specializing in the queer community. I am honored to kick off this column in David Magazine!
Queer folks don’t have a lot of safe spaces to get quiet, vulnerable, and authentic with each other. The main spaces where we find community are bars, clubs, and bathhouses. These aren’t typically the proper places to open up to your bestie about what’s really going on in life. As a life coach, I offer the space (either on Zoom or in my home office in Midtown) for a one-on-one connection where we slow down, take a breath, and check in. I always ask a client to come with a topic in mind – and believe me; there is always something to process!
Folks often ask what the difference is between coaching and therapy. On a fundamental level, therapy often focuses on the past, while coaching focuses on the future. Some examples of coaching topics include:
Relationship issues?
Let’s weigh the pros and cons and see if your relationship aligns with your values. Not sure what your values are? We can work on that, too.
Single and struggling to find a partner?
present with your emotions.
A bit about me
Let’s discuss what you want in a partner, how you present yourself on apps, and what has worked and not worked in past relationships.
Feeling stuck in a job?
Let’s focus on what you want and how to achieve that.
Lacking routine?
I can help you figure out why you can’t attend the gym three times a week and are always rushing into work.
How is that self-love?
I grew up in Atlanta and left in 1999 for NYC, where I spent 20 years as a journalist and editor. I then landed in Charleston, South Carolina, for 12 years to slow down, recenter, and be closer to my Atlanta family. After losing a job and going through a divorce, life coaching called. I have been doing this for six years, and working with men to grow and achieve their goals is an honor. I have my private practice and host an annual GBTQ+ retreat at Easton Mountain in New York. I moved back to ATL in November of 2024 with my partner. We both missed big city vibes and a more diverse and queer community. The city has not disappointed!
Most folks struggle with this, but queer folks have a tough time. We were in the closet, bullied, told by many (including this current regime) that we are less than. Digging deeper and processing what keeps us from loving ourselves wholly can be lifechanging.
These are just a few of the many topics that my clients discuss. I often assign homework and hold you accountable at our next session. Coaching is a great way to get ‘unstuck,’ move forward, and learn about tools that you can use in your daily life to regulate your body and mind and be more
This column is all about y’all! So please email me with any questions regarding mental health. Topics can range from sex, dating, inner critic, drinking/substance issues, time management, career advancement, and goal setting.
Send your questions to cator@davidatlanta. com, and check back each week to see if your question was selected. We will never publish the name of the person who asked the question. Promise.
Hope to see y’all out and about, and you can always find me on IG @CatorSparks.
HOLLER!
EASTER BONNET CONTEST - EASTER EGG HUNT - MUSICAL C
HAIRS - EASTER DRAG RACES
SNAP YOUR WEINER - BINGO - BANANA RING TOSS - PLINK
O - AND MUCH MORE!
FORTUNE TELLER - DUNK TANK - FACE PAINTING - EGG DY
CONCESSIONS
EING - MUGSHOT PHOTO BOOTH
BURGERS - HOTDOGS - COTTON CANDY - SNOW CONES - POP
CORN - JELLO SHOTS
Easter Weekend in Atlanta
A Celebration of LGBTQ+ Cul�ure and Communi�y
Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt
As Easter approaches, Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ community is gearing up for a weekend filled with vibrant events that celebrate diversity, creativity, and unity. From electrifying dance parties to spirited drag races, the city offers something for everyone looking to embrace the festive spirit.
Easter Weekend Highlights
Queen Butch Presents: Back Room
When: Friday, April 18, 10:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Where: The Heretic
What to Expect: A night of pulsating music featuring DJs Pageant Queens, Ariel Zetina, Miss Twink USA, and Vicki Powell. Attendees are encouraged to express themselves through bold fashion choices, embracing individuality and creativity. Tickets at queenbutchevents.com.
Latin Night
When: Friday, April 18, 8:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Sheaster Afters
Where: The Atlanta Eagle
What to Expect: DJ Brian Rojas opens the night at the downstairs bar at 8 PM, and DJ Rubén takes over the main upstairs dancefloor at 11 PM.
When: Saturday, April 19, 3-6 AM
Where: 2069 Cheshire Bridge Rd.
What to Expect: Continue the Back Room Sheaster shenanigans at the afters, located right behind the Heretic. Get hot and sweaty with music by Atlanta legend Leonce of Club Morph.
When: Saturday, April 19, 2 – 9:30 PM
Where: 420 Edgewood Ave. (Georgia Beer Garden)
What to Expect: This Easter-themed dayinto-night party will feature an array of amazing DJs, including PHOX, Brian Rojas, Neighbor, Berth, and of course Let’s Dance party founder, Mike Bradley.
Easter Drag Races
When: Saturday, April 19, 3 – 8 PM
Where: The Heretic (outdoor event)
What to Expect: Join The Armorettes for their annual Easter Drag Races! The iconic games and races you’ve come to know and love are now a
festival! With our new festival format, you can come and play all the usual Easter drag race games with your friends throughout the day. With special guest host Brigitte Bidet.
Sheaster Saturday presented by Queen Butch Events x Deep South
When: Saturday, April 19, 10:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Where: Future Atlanta
What to Expect: A dynamic dance party headlined by DJ Analog Soul, Vicki Powell, and YSHESO_. Tickets at queenbutchevents.com.
Let’s Dance
Easter Sunday on the SquareWhere: Ansley S
What to Expect: A collaborative event hosted by the Atlanta Eagle and neighboring bars, featuring music, drag shows, dancing, and community engagement in a festive outdoor setting.
Bunny Sock Hop Tea Dance
Mercy Me
When: Sunday, April 20, 3 – 7 PM
Where: Ansley Square at the Atlanta Eagle
What to Expect: DJ
Neon the GlowGoBear will play tunes to make any bunny hop. Short shorts and hi socks encouraged.
ShEaster Sunday by Deep South x Stroke
When: Sunday, April 20, 6 PM – 3 AM
Where: 420 Edgewood Ave (Georgia Beer Garden)
What to Expect: An impressive lineup to amp up the ShEaster celebrations into overgear! DJ sets by Vicki Powell, DJ NSA, D2T, Brian Rojas, Divine Interface, Wild Cherry, Waste Management, and microset by Swine Flu.
This Easter w kend, Atlanta invites everyone to partake in a series of events that not only entertain but also foster a sense of community and inclusivity. Whether you’re dancing the night away or ch ring on drag racers, the city’s LGBTQ+ scene o ers a memorable celebration for a .
eatu he Divas of Lips
ring the magic of Lips Celebrit y Imperso ed esd , April 30 2
BARS & CLUBS MIDTOWN
BLAKE’S ON THE PARK blakesontheparkatlanta.com 227 10th St NE
BULLDOGS 893 Peachtree St NE
FRIENDS NEIGHBORHOOD BAR friendsonponce-atl.com 736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
MY SISTER’S ROOM mysistersroom.com 66 12th St NE
X MIDTOWN xmidtown.com 990 Piedmont Ave NE
THE T modeltatlanta.com 465 Boulevard SE
CHESHIRE
HERETIC hereticatlanta.com 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road
BJ ROOSTERS bjroosters.com 2043 Cheshire Bridge Road NE
WESTSIDE
MARQUETTE 868 Joseph E. Boone Blvd NW
840ATL
840 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd
ANSLEY
ATLANTA EAGLE 1492 Piedmont Ave NE
FELIX’S 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
THE HIDEAWAY 1544 Piedmont Ave NE
MIXX mixxatlanta.com 1492 Piedmont Ave NE
OSCAR’S oscarsatlanta.com 1510 Piedmont Ave NE WOOFS woofsatlanta.com 494 Plasters Ave NE
TRIPPS fb: tripps-bar 1931 Piedmont Cir NE
EAST ATLANTA, GRANT PARK & EDGEWOOD
MARY’S marysatlanta.com 1287 Glenwood Ave SE
SISTER LOUISA’S CHURCH sisterlouisaschurch. com 466 Edgewood Ave SE
LORE ATLANTA loreatl.com 466 Edgewood Ave loreatl.com
DINING
MIDTOWN
CASA ALMENARA 991 Piedmont Ave NE casa-almenara.com
OLIVE BISTRO olivebistro.com 1050 Juniper St NE #4
LA HACIENDA lahaciendamidtown. com
900 Monroe Dr NE
TUK TUK THAI FOOD LOFT TUKTUKATL.COM 1745 Peachtree Rd NW
DEKALB
LIPS ATLANTA atldragshow.com 3011 Buford Hwy NE
RETAIL
MIDTOWN
BOY NEXT DOOR MENSWEAR boynextdoormenswear.com 1000 Piedmont Ave NE, Ste A
ANSLEY
BARKING LEATHER AFTER DARK barkingleather.com 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
GCB & PLEASURES brushstrokesatlanta. com
1510-D Piedmont Ave. NE
FITNESS MIDTOWN
URBAN BODY FITNESS urbanbody tness. com
500 Amsterdam Ave N
CHESHIRE GRAVITEE FITNESS graviteeatl.com 2201 Faulkner Rd NE
SPAS/BATHS ADULT
FLEX SPA exspas.com 76 4th St NW SOUTHERN NIGHTS
2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE
Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood
Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood
Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood
We all have those moments of ‘wait, did they just say that?’ Lucky for you, we compile the best of the best right here on this page. Want to join in on the b*tch session? Submit your own nuggets to info@davidatlanta.com.
IDGAF about no student driver sticker. B*tch GOOO!
People tend to talk about you because they lost the privilege to talk to you.
May I compare thee to a sunset? Because it’s every fucking day with you!
Run spelled backward is nur. And yeah, it’s a nur from me.
This made my hole weak. I mean my whole week. Don’t come around me sighing because I will not ask you what’s wrong.
Bread is like the sun. It rises in yeast and sets in the waist.
Gay men really believe that their birthday should be a national holiday!
Bottoms use Spotify, tops use Apple Music.
