Sam Austins on Touring With Dora Jar, His Hometown Recommendations, and His Newest Single ”Dancing With The Devil”
[UNPUBLISHED:] Your sound is so refreshing - how do you think your sound has evolved from when you first started making music?
[SAM AUSTINS:] Since the first time I ever wrote a song, the thought has always been about how I can explore my consciousness, and draw inspiration from the things in my life that have impacted me. Today, we get in the studio and relentlessly challenge ourselves on how we can give our inner child the world we always wished for. The sound is growing every day and we’re reaching for new heights – sonically, contextually, and spiritually. I’m excited for people to finally hear all the things we’ve been working on; it’s going to speak volumes about how far we’ve come.
[UNPUBLISHED:] You recently released your song “Dancing With The Devil” - what was your inspiration behind that single?
[SAM AUSTINS:] I wrote this song at a transitioning point of me moving to Los Angeles from Detroit. I had just gotten my bed into a small office room in Echo Park, paying $500 a month in the middle of the pandemic to stretch money while I created and figured out the plan. I was spiraling, praying daily for consistency and motion, and I felt as if my spirit had a weight on it that I couldn’t lose. Being an artist – doing something so pure in creativity in this big pot of commercialism that the music industry is – I have found myself, at times, looking for room where I coexist amongst this new community. That’s the exact feeling that this song stems from. The loss of belonging and the circles we dance in, the things we sacrifice for gain, in whatever way that may be. For me, when I wrote this song, I had sacrificed personal space to allow for the chaos to seep in. Where it lives within my story, I still feel like it’s a daily process I’m growing in – finding my people and my balance here in Los Angeles.
[UNPUBLISHED:] You’re originally from Detroit - give us some recommendations of your favorite spots!
[SAM AUSTINS:] It’s crazy how much Detroit has changed since I moved. I used to not have money for shit, and all we ate was Coney Island restaurants on the block. Now, when I go back, I typically spend time downtown trying new spots and checking out the new vibes that pop up. I encourage everyone to go to Detroit; it’s the motherland.
[UNPUBLISHED:] You recently went on tour with Dora Jar - how was that? Did you learn anything from Dora while on the road?
[SAM AUSTINS:] It was so fucking sick; I love Dora and her whole band. I’ve been a big fan of her music and when I found out that she wanted me to come with her, I thought it was the coolest shit because our music sounds so different, but goes together in the best way. The fans went apeshit with us and we now have a forever love. My favorite thing I picked up from her while touring was how to nurture a fanbase culture. You give them the right seeds, and the people will grow the most beautiful flowers. Everyone was amazing.
[UNPUBLISHED:] What is one item you couldn't live without while on the road?
[SAM AUSTINS:] My facial steamer, hands down.
[UNPUBLISHED:] Do you have a favorite city to perform in?
[SAM AUSTINS:] There’s nothing like hometown shows in Detroit. I did love the West Coast shows a ton, and we didn’t get to stop in Detroit, but I’m anticipating that will come very, very soon. I’m itching to do something mad proper for my people.
[UNPUBLISHED:] Who is an artist you’ve been listening to a lot recently?
[SAM AUSTINS:] Alex G. His new album is phenomenal and everyone should take a listen.
[UNPUBLISHED:] What is one fun fact that not many people know about you?
[SAM AUSTINS:] The first instrument I ever played in school was a viola. My favorite part of warming up was using the rosin to prepare the bow before I would play.
