When discussing his recent single “If I’m Gonna Stay,” Music City newcomer Sam Varga gets right to the point: “It’s about me taking inventory of a life half lived and mislead and trying to get it back on course, asking the question what is life going to look like into adulthood and in the music industry.” Watch the video for the song here. Kind of like Jason Isbell’s “Cover Me Up” on amphetamines, and I just love it!

Varga is slamming it on the internet with tons of hits on both Spotify and Tik Tok. His songwriting has no doubt been impacted since coming to Nashville, but his Punk roots still shine through giving his songs an edge that’ll stimulate all your senses.

Thanks, Sam, for doing 11 Questions. Keeping an eye out at your Facebook page for news of another local show. Kudos on moving ahead with life and get ready to embrace the success sure to come your way!

Where are you from originally, when did you move to Nashville and why?

I’m originally from Louisville, KY. I moved to Nashville to be a songwriter. They call it a “Ten-Year Town” and I got a little impatient after year one and started releasing the music myself.

What are the first and the last records you bought, and where did you buy them? Were they CD, vinyl or digital?

First record I ever bought was an Aaron Carter cassette tape for a Walkman I had. First record that changed my life was AC/DC Live. I burnt a hole in those two CD’s. And to this day, I still need a great riff if a song is gonna press all my buttons. Last one was Sense Fail’s Let It Enfold You on vinyl. I was feeling nostalgic. That album made me want to write songs, so I snagged the 25th Vagrant anniversary edition.

First and last live concerts that you’ve seen?

Backstreet Boys when I was 11. The Maine last week.

Whose star should be added to the Music City Walk of Fame?

Give one to Chris Stapleton or Tyler Childers. Someone who’s really carrying on a Country Music legacy in the modern world.

Where do you go in Nashville for coffee and pizza?

Sky Blue cafe’s Irish Cream latte doesn’t mess around. And Five Points for pizza, duh 😉

What’s your favorite record to ever come out of Nashville?

From a Nashville artist? or to be recorded in Nashville. Ruston Kelly’s Dying Star hands down for Nashville artist. Favorite album recorded in Nashville is Southeastern by Jason Isbell…. again…too easy 😉

Where’s the best place to eat late night after a show?

Jack Browns. Dear God…. it’s…. it’s just the best. Close second and third would be the classics: Dino’s or Daddy’s Dog.

The Bluebird calls and asks you to host an “In the Round.” Pick three local songwriters to join you.

Kalie Shorr (my woman). Lauren Weintraub, and Mia Mantia.

What are your favorite music venues to play in town?

Exit/In was amazing. I’m dying to play the Brooklyn Bowl soon. That room sounds amazing.

Name a musician who you’d like to see move here.

Yungblud. Did you catch his Ryman show? That beautiful man needs to make a Country album with Dave Cobb in RCA Studio B yesterday.

Finally, what’s in your musical future?

Well, it’s looking like 10-15 years of nebulous hard work and existential dread as your loved ones begin to question your ambitions more and more until that 9999th noodle at the wall finally sticks and I’m an “overnight success.” Ideally.