In a transformative journey, the artist known as Haffway unveils his debut album, Wither, marking a significant milestone in his musical career. The Oklahoma native and Nashville resident, Sam Westhoff, brings to life a deeply personal narrative on stage and in the studio, capturing struggles and triumphs in equal measure. This cathartic debut album not only showcases his unique artistry but also epitomizes the resilience found in creating music that resonates with listeners.
Illuminating the Stage and the Soul
Last March, Sam Westhoff stood beneath the iconic spotlight of the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, performing as Haffway during an opening act for Bear Rinehart’s Wilder Woods Tour. Clad in simple attire—white tank top, baggy green pants, and a baseball hat—he presented an unembellished yet profoundly introspective performance. Despite the grandeur of the venue, the performance was a testament to the power of raw expression.
The studio version of “Golden,” the piece he delivered that night, encapsulates both simplicity and complexity. Beginning with an acoustic strum, it blossoms into an evocative singalong featuring Brent Cobb. The layered vocals highlight themes dear to Westhoff, from “life” to “now,” rendering each word with potent emotion.
A Journey through Mental Health and Healing
“Golden” is just one of the 11 tracks composing Haffway’s debut album, Wither. Described by Westhoff in a voice memo as portraying “the highs and lows of unmanaged mental health,” the record dives into profound emotional depths. While the album contains moments of intense introspection, like the heart-wrenching “Deep End,” it also radiates an underlying sense of hope and recovery.
“If you listen top-down, it’ll make you feel weird. But weird is whatever you want weird to be,” says Westhoff. Through his words, he candidly shares both his affection for his wife and his battles with despair, combining vulnerability with humor. “It’s sad as fuck,” he laughs.
Musically, however, the album diverges from melancholy, presenting uplifting harmonies reminiscent of ELO in “Rest in Peace,” ethereal soundscapes in “Alpenglow,” and a powerful church-choir vocal in the title track. These sonorous elements underscore that, much like life, the album is both somber and beautiful.
Finding Wholeness in Music
The daily beauties and mundane joys are celebrated in “Golden,” where Haffway, with Cobb’s accompaniment, sings of the sun, moon, and the simple choice to rest on Sundays. These moments of clarity and appreciation add richness to life’s tapestry, making every moment worth cherishing.
Performing at the Ryman Auditorium was not merely a gig for Westhoff. It was a manifestation of a personal vow. “When I moved to Nashville at 28, I had a goal of not going to the Ryman until I play it,” he reflects. That evening was thus a magical realization of his aspirations—a moment of becoming whole.
Now returned to the Ryman with Wither in hand, Haffway stands fully realized. His artistry has come full circle, bridging the halfway mark of his namesake with a complete and resonant formation of his identity.
