Sam Bettens on Staying in the US, Transitioning, and Novel Musical Directions

Sam Bettens, the trans singer-songwriter known for his work with K’s Choice and his solo projects, has spoken openly about his decision to remain in the United States despite political challenges, his experience with transitioning, and his evolving musical style. Bettens, who has lived in the US for 25 years, emphasizes the importance of advocating for trans rights and finding community.

Remaining in the US Despite Political Climate

Addressing concerns about the political climate in the United States, Bettens stated, “No, I have no regrets because I still like living in the United States, and I have no plans to move unless it was no longer safe for me.” He acknowledges the presence of extremist views but believes they are amplified by media attention. “Not all people here are like [gens du mouvement] MAGA. The problem with MAGAs is that they are the loudest and most extreme and, in the media, that is what makes people click and buy.”

Bettens feels secure in his daily life with his family and community, stating, “It may sound strange to say, but my everyday life with my family and my community is exactly the same [qu’avant l’élection de Trump]. We perceive safe even though we live in scary times.” He expresses greater concern for others, particularly young people, who may face more significant challenges. “So, honestly, I’m more concerned for others, because I had the benefit of transitioning later, even if part of me would have liked to transition at 12,” he explained.

Transitioning and Moving to California

Bettens transitioned after moving to California with his wife, having previously lived in the more conservative state of Tennessee. “That’s not why I moved, but I’m not sure I would have transitioned if I had stayed in Tennessee. As a lesbian couple, me and my wife were always the strange people in the room there.” He describes leaving Tennessee as a relief, noting, “I still felt like a big weight had fallen off our shoulders when we left Tennessee and, three years later, I was trans.”

Experiences as a Trans Traveler

Bettens has not encountered issues with US customs or immigration, unlike trans singer Bells Larsen, who had to cancel a US tour due to discrepancies between the gender on her passport and birth certificate. “I have never had a problem entering or leaving the United States. I hadn’t heard of the Bells Larsen story, but it’s horrible! I sympathize so much. Personally, my passport is still valid until 2029 and I hope that the political climate will be different, that there will be someone else in the White House.”

Musical Evolution and Projects

Bettens launched his solo career in the US under his birth name, Sarah Bettens, while continuing to perform with K’s Choice. The band achieved some success in the late 1990s with songs like “Not an Adict” and “Everything for Free.” Last fall, Bettens released his fifth solo album, Coming Home, which he describes as a departure from the alternative and grunge sound of K’s Choice, leaning more towards country, Americana, and songwriting.

“It’s different from alternative sound, even grunge, from K’s Choice and even from my other solo albums. It’s more in a country, Americana, songwriter vein, because that’s what I’m listening to a lot these days. It feels good to do something different,” Bettens noted.

He plans to tour Europe with both solo shows and K’s Choice, performing their second album, Paradise in Mein, in its entirety, and playing festivals this summer. However, there are currently no plans to bring K’s Choice back to the United States due to the high cost of touring with the band’s members who reside in Belgium.

K’s Choice and Alanis Morissette

Bettens credits Alanis Morissette with playing a significant role in K’s Choice’s early success in America. “Alanis saw us at a festival in Germany and loved the reveal. She came to spot us to ask us to do her first part in America. Of course we said yes! What an experience to play every night in front of crowds of 15,000 people!”

Rex Rebel Project

In 2018, Bettens also formed Rex Rebel, an electro project with fellow K’s Choice members Reinout Swinnen and Wim Van der Westenthe. The project was unfortunately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. “We were unlucky that our album launch show took place a day before everything shut down due to the pandemic. The next day everything was closed! And when everything reopened, our album was already old. It’s extremely sad, because we had worked very hard on this,” he concluded.