Acclaimed Swiss-American alt/indie artist Sam Himself, known for his rich, resonant baritone and evocative songwriting, shares his latest single, “Backstreets,” an intimate yet anthemic track that marks the second preview of his highly anticipated album Moonsongs expected to drop later this year.
Dubbed the “King of Tears” by Swiss radio, Sam Himself’s unmistakable voice spans three octaves in “Backstreets,” supported by a driving beat and a melodic bassline courtesy of Josh Werner (Norah Jones, Ghostface Killah). The track’s production, handled by Daniel Schlett (Iggy Pop, The War on Drugs), delivers an arrangement as cinematic as it is deeply personal, reflecting Sam’s knack for storytelling through sound.
“Backstreets” traces an emotional journey, weaving between places and memories—from “Final Avenue and 1st Street” to the ever-poignant “Memory Lane”. The song captures the bittersweet feeling of being at home in between worlds, an experience Sam knows well as a “Swiss-born, Gotham-bred” (SPIN) artist who divides his time between New York City and Switzerland.
Sam’s evocative style and cinematic sound have recently gained recognition on major platforms, including the soundtrack for HBO Max’s And Just Like That. Critics continue to compare his artistry to icons like Bruce Springsteen and David Bowie, with connections further underscored by Sam’s longtime mastering engineer, Greg Calbi, who has worked with both legends.
In support of Moonsongs, his third studio album, the two-time Swiss Music Awards nominee will embark on an international tour starting in February. Performances will include a mix of full-band shows, trio sets, and solo appearances, kicking off in Switzerland.
What do you think about this latest single?
