Taylor OhrynAugust 22, 2025Queen of the Ashes, Sam Varga new single, Nashville alt-country, Shadow Work era, emo country fusion, Caroline Romano co-write, Spencer Jordan songwriter, Dan Swank producer, Southern emo rock, Louisville DIY scene, Alt-country anthem 2024, emotionally raw songwriting, post-party spiral songs, existential country rock, August 2024 new musicComment

SAM VARGA REVEALS BROODING NEW SINGLE, "QUEEN OF THE ASHES"

SAM VARGA REVEALS BROODING NEW SINGLE, "QUEEN OF THE ASHES"
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Nashville-based singer and songwriter Sam Varga reveals his new single, “Queen of the Ashes,” out August 22. The brooding, guitar-driven anthem tells the story of someone who burns everything down just to feel in control. Fueled by Varga’s signature emotional intensity, “Queen of the Ashes” channels the chaos and allure of self-destruction into something strikingly cathartic.

“I had the title for a while and knew exactly who I wanted to write it with,” Varga shares. “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.” The trio wrote the song in a single night at Varga’s apartment before bringing it to producer Dan Swank (All Time Low, Knox, Taylor Acorn), who helped bring the vision to life in a quick-fire studio session.

Building on the sound he introduced with his 2024 debut album Shadow Work, Sam Varga continued to expand his vision with breakout singles like “Minute Man” and “Long Way Back.” Now, with “Queen of the Ashes,” he pushes even further, deepening his alt-country edge while preserving the raw vulnerability and urgency that set his music apart.

Sam Varga is a Nashville-based artist blending his emo roots with Southern grit and singer-songwriter soul. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, he came up in the city’s DIY emo scene, cutting his teeth on loud guitars, basement shows, and late-night chaos. At home, his parents filled the house with ’80s rock, Southern staples, and classic lyricists, giving him a rich musical foundation. That mix of raw punk energy and emotional storytelling now fuels a sound that sits somewhere between alt-country and rock. It's gritty yet melodic, with acoustic textures and dynamic, genre-blurring instrumentation.

Addictive, sharp, and self-aware, Varga's music is emotionally unfiltered, self-deprecating, and unflinchingly human. Whether he’s unpacking existential dread or offering hard-won hope, his songs are made for long drives, post-party spirals, and those fleeting moments when you just need everything to make sense for a few minutes.

"Queen of the Ashes" will be out on all streaming platforms on August 22nd