Posted inArts, Boggabri, Fundraiser, Good News, What's on

Sam Snape celebrates real life on the land in debut album

Boggabri singer-songwriter Sam Snape releases his debut album Good Things today – a fitting title for a project that’s been nearly two years in the making and filled with stories from real life on the land.

The album brings together eight tracks written and recorded across a journey that began back in January 2024, following his appearance on Australian Idol. What started with a message from cousin and fellow artist Anthony Snape soon turned into a full creative pursuit, fuelled by the momentum of The CMAA Academy of Country Music earlier this year.

“Anthony reached out to me after Idol and really helped me get started on doing my own music,” Sam said.

“I released a song last January and the album wasn’t on my mind until The Academy at the start of this year. I felt like I wanted to keep pushing music. I had a little launch party at Boggabri last year and then I thought I’d do something bigger this year, so I decided to release an album.

“It’s been a great experience doing the whole thing. It’s opened up so much more for me with an album being out.”

Produced by Michael Carpenter, Good Things features co-writes with Anthony Snape and Duncan Toombs, with the remaining tracks written by Sam himself. Michael and Sam share the instrumentation, with Luke Moller adding fiddle on several tracks.

“When I listen to the songs now, they’re telling my journey of the last two years,” Sam said.

“It’s as honest and true as it gets from my perspective. I can’t write about other people; this is my life, it’s what I’ve lived. The ultimate goal is to keep writing songs and tell more of the farming story and get it through to people who don’t understand. I really want to be someone for the farming community. Every song you write is the best one at the time, until the next one.”

Raised on Brooks & Dunn, Garth Brooks and Alan Jackson, Sam’s country roots run deep. Music has been part of his story since childhood – from playing his grandparents’ old piano and listening to cassette tapes on the road between Boggabri and Mullaley, to his mum recording home videos singing along to 90’s country.

Good Things includes brand new tracks Doin’ It Right and Big Love in a Small Town, rounding out a record about real life, family, friends and farming.

The official launch takes place tomorrow (Saturday, October 11) at The Commercial Hotel, Boggabri, featuring guest artists, a charity auction supporting the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, and a mechanical bull for anyone keen to take a ride.

“Making this record was about celebrating where I’m from and the people who’ve stood by me through the ups and downs,” Sam said.

“Good things take time – and this album is proof of that.”


Read all the way through to the end of the story? So did lots of other people. Advertise with New England Times to reach New England locals who are interested and engaged. Find out more here.

Kath Jacobs is a senior journalist and manager at New England Times. Got a story for me? Email kathj@netimes.com.au