ARTIST OF THE WEEK: No.524 - Sam Austins

Detroit’s rising star Sam Austins kicks off the year with his new single 'Smoke Break', a genre-blurring track that puts a modern twist on alternative sound while diving into the complexities of spontaneous romance. Following the viral success of 'Seasons' and last year’s 'Say What You Mean', Austins continues to push the boundaries of his artistry.

Speaking on the track, Austins explains: “‘Smoke Break’ is a love letter to Detroit ghettotech, the boundaries of how far we can push the sound, and the level of emotion we can reach within it.”

A genre-defying force, Austins has been reshaping the alternative scene with his distinctive sonic identity. His breakthrough mixtape 'Homeless Star' was a deeply personal love letter to Detroit, balancing raw storytelling with the resilience of his city’s culture. In 2023, his EP 'Boy Toy' showcased his fearless genre-melding approach, drawing inspiration from Outkast, LCD Soundsystem, and Smashing Pumpkins.

Have a listen to 'Smoke Break' in the player below.