Sammy Brue performs at the Lincoln Theatre on Feb. 12, 2020. (Photo by David LaMason)

Sammy Brue has been called an “American prodigy” by Rolling Stone and, well, that feels like an understatement. The 18-year-old Utah-based artist put out two EPs before he was 14, his first LP, I Am Nice, by 16 and is on the edge of releasing a new album on venerable New West Records, home to many artists whom he has performed with and who call themselves fans, including Justin Townes Earle.

Sammy wrapped pop gems in folk trappings on his first record, but given the range of the newly released singles, “Crash Test Kids” and the garage rock of “Teenage Mayhem” the new album looks to expand that range. I hadn’t seen Sammy Brue perform before, but on Feb. 12, opening for Michael Kiwanuka at the Lincoln Theatre, Sammy blew me away!

Stepping onto the stage, it was just Sammy and a bass player, but his sound really filled that theater. With a few exceptions, most of the songs performed were new with “I Know” being the oldest of the bunch. I really loved “Die Before You Live,” which he described as being about change, and how it sucks sometimes. But it was that last song, the aforementioned “Teenage Mayhem” that really left the crowd wanting more. A brilliant set that was all too short.

Stream “Teenage Mayhem” / “Crash Test Kids” by Sammy Brue on Spotify:

I can’t wait to see more of Sammy Brue soon! He continues his tour with Michael Kiwanuka. Find out more here.

Here are some more photos of Sammy Brue performing at the Lincoln Theatre. All photos copyright and courtesy of David LaMason.