Sam Hunt Feels ‘Undeserving’ of His Star Status: Music Is ‘Just a Talent’
Being one of country music's biggest stars comes with a whole lot of attention, and for Sam Hunt, that's been a real adjustment.
In an interview with the Bobby Bones Show, the chart-topping singer shares that he considers himself a "reluctant star," as his comfort zone exists outside of the spotlight. When Hunt moved to Nashville after college, he came with the intent to be in the music industry and was intrigued when he discovered the world of songwriting that took place behind the scenes. Though he did have the intention to make an album, he wasn't enticed by the idea of becoming a star. "I'm even uncomfortable with the word 'star.' Even hearing that makes me cringe a little bit," he says with a smile.
Hunt's career skyrocketed after the release of his debut album, Montevallo. He's sent five songs to the top of Billboard's Country Airplay chart, and "Body Like a Back Road" set records at the time of its 2017 debut, spending 34 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. The hitmaker has made a significant impact on the genre, but still has a hard time wrapping his head around his celebrity status. Though Hunt considers himself to be an outgoing person, he admits that he feels "undeserving" of the attention he receives.
"Kinfolks" Is Sam Hunt Like You've Always Known Him
"The celebrity that comes with this job in this society is a little bit strange for me, the pedestal that you get put on ... I guess it's just feeling a little bit undeserving of the attention and the focus being on me just for creating some music, because music is not really a reflection of your character or your morality, the things that I feel like are more deserving of attention," he explains. "It's just a talent. It's not really a heroic talent, but you're kind of looked at in that way."
In spite of the pitfalls that come with a life in the spotlight, the superstar singer is grateful for the opportunities he's had in his trailblazing career.
"It's not all bad, I've enjoyed so much of it," he says.
Hunt released his first single in over a year on Thursday (Oct. 10), "Kinfolks," and says he'll release another track before the holidays. He has said that he will devote much of 2020 to touring.
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