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

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[New York, NY - January 24, 2025] — 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’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.


Tour Dates:

February 8 -  Kellertheater (Trio) - Brig, Switzerland 

February 14 - Kulturfabrik (Kufa Lyss)  - Lyss, Switzerland

February 15 - Mokka - Thun, Switzerland

February 20 - Konzerthaus Schuur (solo) - Lucerne, Switzerland

February 21 - Kammgarn - Schaffhausen, Switzerland

February 22 - X-TRA Musikcafe - Zurich, Switzerland

February 23 - Mahogany Hall - Bern, Switzerland

February 28 -  Parterre One Music  - Basel, Switzerland


*(Additional dates to be announced soon.)


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

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.


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For more information, please contact:


Nichole Peters-Good

Nichole@bighassle.com