“I knew as soon as I had written it that it’d be special to me forever,” said Stillwater Area High School alumni Sammy Brown of her new single, set to release Nov. 5, with proceeds benefiting the Zach Sobiech Osteosarcoma Fund. The song, “How to Go to Confession”, is a tribute to her best friend Zach Sobiech, who died after a courageous battle with osteosarcoma last May. It expresses her emotions about him and the short amount of time he had.

For Brown, the songwriting process was very bittersweet, yet therapeutic. During a church retreat reflection last February, Brown felt a strong desire to process her feelings on Sobiech’s situation through music.  She wrote the song in the margins of the only paper available:  a pamphlet titled “How to Go to Confession”. After the retreat, she showed Zach the song, still untitled; he replied, “It looks like it’s already titled for you!”

This song’s Celtic vibe with multiple harmonies draws from Brown’s Irish dance and music background.  Brown begins songwriting with one line or thought, capturing her emotions into something tangible.

“Writing is a really great way for me to think about things in different lights,” she said.

Sobiech made it clear he wanted Brown to move on without him. His friendship made Brown increasingly grateful for everything.

“Even in the moments where I’m missing him so much, I can’t help but smile because it was just the best having him in my life,”  Brown said.

Zach’s difficult journey brought the Sobiech and Brown families, already great friends, even closer. Their shared experiences led them to view life differently.

“Sammy’s songwriting has gotten me thinking about how to live a better life and to think that life is more special than people may think. Since Zach died at such a young age, it shows we should learn to live in the moment more,” said sophomore Matt Brown, Sammy’s brother.

Sammy’s family has been very supportive of her endeavors and accomplishments. Her mother has helped with managing her music and performances.

“I am very proud her accomplishments allow her to keep raising money for osteosarcoma research,” said Anne Brown, Sammy’s mother.

Producing another album is a strong possibility, with four other songs finished or in the works. Sammy is not sure how long she plans to continue with her music career, but, she said, “There are three things I am sure of: 1) Singing and writing music makes me incredibly happy, 2) As long as I am making music, I want to raise money for Children’s Cancer, especially the Zach Sobiech Osteosarcoma Fund and 3) Zach will be with me in anything I do.”