With recent singles like “Minute Man” and “Long Way Back,” Sam Varga has been growing the alt-country sound that fans heard on his debut album, Shadow Work, last year. Equal parts punk, emo, country, and rock, Sam’s music pulls from the music he grew up listening to in his parents’ home and in the Louisville DIY emo scene. His alluring mix of punk energy, emotional lyrics, and genre-bending vocals is a key element of his artistry, as it not only defines his work but also sets him apart. For his next single, Sam continues to refine this unique sound while verifying that it will only get stronger.
An acoustic guitar-driven anthem, “Queen of the Ashes” captures the intense spirit of someone who needs to destroy to feel in control. Sam does not hold back vocally, giving us his signature fiery country-rock vocals from the start. He sings, “When it’s all burning / Will you still be laughing? / What’s left to rule when the flames take everything worth having?” The drums, the strumming, and the anthemic choruses all enhance the lyrics, making this one scorching production.
Telling us more about “Queen of the Ashes,” Sam explains,
“I had the title for a while and knew exactly who I wanted to write it with. Caroline [Romano] is an outstanding artist, and Spencer [Jordan] has been my best friend since I got to town—he’s the special sauce on so much great music coming out of Nashville and LA.”
You can listen to “Queen of the Ashes” here.
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