Andrew Sa: 2026

This  FUV Live session is also available as a podcast, "FUV Live Sessions." We're elevating WFUV's long history of live sessions and interviews via a podcast that you can find on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Amazon Podcasts. New episodes drop every Monday.

Andrew Sa is an evangelist of — and testament to — the power of tenderness. It’s how he approaches his art, and his life: with his heart on his sleeve (and to the side of his tie).

American Rough, the Chicago-based artist’s debut album, is the sonic expression of that sensitivity. The album features ten tracks spanning more than ten years, exploring desire, intimacy and the softer, less examined aspects of masculinity, all through a queer country lens. 

While this might be Sa’s first album, he’s no stranger to the stage. When he was a child, he was tasked with warming up crowds for his mother’s karaoke business. As an adult in Chicago, the crooner became a co-host of "Cosmic Country Showcase," a variety show, performing under the moniker Lonesome Andrew. He also co-wrote and produced a collaborative 2021 film, "Andrew In Anotherland," documenting his music revue.

After so many years under so many spotlights, Sa has entered a new era with the release of his first album — and he's perfectly primed for this new time to shine. 

For his "FUV Live" session, Sa brought a well-earned ease and true sense of presence to his performance. He was assured, but not too rehearsed, both in the moment and seemingly transported as, eyes closed, he surrendered himself to each song. 

Joined by his bandmates — guitarist Sam Canto, drummer Jack Brereton, and bassist Sully Davis — Sa played three numbers from American Rough. 

“Under You,” written by Liam Kazar, is pure romance: a track about the intoxication of infatuation — a lush and languid song set between the sheets. “Your Whisper” is a vessel for vulnerability, exploring the exhilaration of emotional intimacy and the beautiful bravery required to reap love’s rewards. “Lavender Cowboy” serves as the artist’s ode to queer pioneer Patrick Haggerty. The late leader of Lavender Country, the first openly gay country band, Haggerty was a trailblazer and mentor who opened the door for artists like Sa. A true touring musician, at one point Haggerty came back through Chicago and crashed on Sa’s floor.

From introduction to interview, I was almost disarmed by Sa’s genuine and generous nature — andwhat it generated. In being so open, he created a safe space for both of us to share. I left the studio after our conversation, one that revolved in so many ways around love, feeling simultaneously lighter, fulfilled, and just a little more human.

[Recorded: 6/16/26. Engineered by Jim O'Hara, Alessandro Badalamenti, and Holden Buckley. Produced by Gwen Taylor and Heather Jones. Videographers:  Olivia Iannaccone, Dylan Duong, and Danny Cifelli.]