Culture
30 Jun 21

LISTEN: Dublin artist Sammy Copley shares intensely personal track 'Marsha'

The singer-songwriter has released the track on the final day of Pride 2021, detailing his personal journey surrounding his queer identity.

Dublin native Sammy Copley has reflected on his journey of coming to terms with his queer identity with new track 'Marsha'.

Released today on the final day of Pride 2021, the singer-songwriter pays homage to queer icon Marsha P. Johnson as he sings over an emotional piano ballad.

"Why should I be rewarded / For work done long before me? / I am reaping what was sewn before my time," Copley sings in the opening lines of the track as he pays tribute to the LGBTQI+ activist and drag queen.

Speaking today about the track, Copley explains, “'Marsha,' named after icon Marsha P. Johnson, is a song that explores the tumultuous mixture of anger and gratitude that comes from honouring the legacy of the trans women of colour that paved the way for LGBTQ+ rights without ever being afforded them themselves.”

"It captures the feeling of bittersweet gratitude for the work and life of Marsha P.," Sammy continues.

The song produced by Nathan Cox - who has previously worked with Declan McKenna and Orla Gartland - also acts as a reflection of Copley's own journey with his identity. Sammy describes the creation of the beautiful track as "a journey so personal that it felt particularly hard to capture in song".

'Marsha,' is completed by a breathtaking string section which further emphasises the poignant message of the song.

The 20-year old has been performing on YouTube and releasing music independently since he was 14 and boasts over 40,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. He dropped his self-released debut album Growing Pains in January and is now embarking on a new journey with Tinpot Records.

Listen to 'Marsha' below: