Exclusive Premiere: Sam Himself Unveils 'Backstreets' Music Video Ahead of Upcoming Album Moonsongs Through Atwood Magazine

Swiss-American auteur Sam Himself unveils the emotional journey of "Backstreets," the second single from his upcoming LP, Moonsongs, set for release later this year.

Artwork by: Samuel Koechlin

[New York, NY - March 7, 2025]  — Acclaimed Swiss-American alt/indie artist Sam Himself, celebrated for his deep, resonant baritone and evocative storytelling, is thrilled to unveil the music video for his latest single, “Backstreets,” premiering exclusively with Atwood Magazine. The track, a blend of intimacy and anthem, serves as the second glimpse into his eagerly awaited album Moonsongs, slated for release later this year.

Dubbed the “King of Tears” by Swiss radio, Sam’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” takes listeners on a poignant emotional journey, shifting between physical places and emotional landscapes—from the streets of “Final Avenue and 1st Street” to the evocative “Memory Lane.” The song encapsulates the bittersweet feeling of belonging to two worlds, a familiar sentiment for Sam, who splits his time between New York City and Switzerland, and draws on his experience as a “Swiss-born, Gotham-bred” (SPIN) artist.

Known for his cinematic sound and evocative style, Sam Himself continues to gain recognition on major platforms, with his music recently featured in the soundtrack for HBO Max’s And Just Like That. Critics have frequently drawn comparisons between his artistry and icons like Bruce Springsteen and David Bowie, further solidified by his long-standing collaboration with legendary mastering engineer Greg Calbi, who has worked with both of those musical giants.

About Sam Himself

Sam Himself - is a Swiss-American songwriter and performer celebrated for his soulful baritone and cinematic, genre-blurring sound, which Sam’s longtime producer Daniel Schlett has dubbed “Fondue Western” (a nod to Ennio Morricone as well as Switzerland’s national dish). Sam Himself’s music bridges the introspective and the anthemic, drawing comparisons to icons like Bruce Springsteen and David Bowie. With two Swiss Music Awards nominations and a growing presence on global soundtracks, Sam Himself continues to carve out a unique space in the alt/indie music world.

In early 2020, the pandemic left Sam Himself, alias Samuel Koechlin, stranded in Europe and unable to return to New York City, his chosen home of the previous decade. Exile proved to be inspiring, however, and in 2021, Sam released his debut album, Power Ballads, a largely home-recorded yet “well-crafted set of atmospheric post-punk” (KEXP), to international acclaim. 

Sam Himself’s EP Slow Drugs (2020), feat. vocalists Denitia and TEEN, as well as drummer Parker Kindred (Jeff Buckley; Elliott Smith), had previously earned him the National Broadcasting Network's prestigious Best Talent Award.

For more information about Sam Himself, upcoming tour dates, and his latest music, visit www.samhimself.com. 

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Nichole Peters-Good

Nichole@bighassle.com