Search ( / ) Sam Varga Releases New Single, “Long Way Back”
Sam Varga is a Nashville-based artist fusing his emo roots with Southern grit and singer-songwriter depth, crafting a sound that lives at the crossroads of alt-country, punk, and raw storytelling. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, he came up in the city’s DIY emo scene, steeped in basement shows and emotional intensity, while his childhood was soundtracked by ’80s rock, classic lyricists, and Southern staples. That collision of chaos and craft laid the foundation for a style that’s emotionally sharp, self-aware, and unflinchingly human—music that hits like a confessional and comforts like a companion on a lonely drive.
His 2024 debut album Shadow Work marked a striking entry into the emo-tinged edges of country music, where steel guitars meet existential angst. With his latest release “Long Way Back,” Varga deepens that sound, bringing even more grit, urgency, and vulnerability to the mix. Whether he’s exploring heartbreak, identity, or healing, his songs resonate in those raw, reflective moments—after the party, on the road, or somewhere in between.
“I was with someone special for a long time, but deep down, I always knew it wasn’t right, One day, you wake up miserable, wondering how you got there. I think we’ve all been in something we knew wasn’t for us. The longer you stay, the harder it is to leave, and the longer it takes to find your way back. It’s like missing your exit on the highway and watching it disappear in the rearview, getting further and further away. Eventually, you have to tear yourself away to save yourself.”
Nashville-based artist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Sam Varga returns with “Long Way Back,” a poignant and gut-wrenchingly honest single that confronts the quiet devastation of staying too long in the wrong relationship. Anchored by Varga’s emo-rooted vulnerability and framed in stark Americana tones, the track pairs stripped-down acoustic textures with subtle mandolin lines, adding emotional gravity without losing its raw edge. It’s the kind of song that feels lived-in and unvarnished—a late-night confession set to music, where heartbreak lingers in every note and hindsight becomes both a weight and a weapon.
At its core, “Long Way Back” is a reckoning—a moment of clarity after months or years spent convincing yourself to stay. “I was with someone special for a long time, but deep down, I always knew it wasn’t right,” Varga explains. The lyrics unfold like a slow burn, charting the inner spiral of knowing you’ve lost yourself, and the painful realization that freedom often comes at the cost of comfort. His metaphor of missing the exit on a highway captures the song’s aching momentum: watching the life you should have lived fade in the rearview as you speed further into something unrecognizable. It’s about regret, yes—but also about the courage it takes to finally turn the wheel.
Make sure you check out “Long Way Back” on Spotify below and on your favorite streaming platform!
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Who am I? Just some guy who decided to start writing on the Internet years ago and now operates his own brand and site. Owner/Operator of Modern Neon Media, I make all kinds of niche content to suit my interests at the time. DIY Enthusiast, Brewmaster extraordinaire, and avid freak for geek culture. Follow on my socials for a more “on” version of me.
