Sam Himself transforms homesickness into movement in “Backstreets,” a luminous track infused with nostalgia and yearning, yet buoyed by warmth, freedom, and a quiet resolve to carry on.
Stream: “Backstreets” – Sam Himself
“Backstreets” explores the feeling of belonging in two places simultaneously, yet never completely fitting into either. Homesickness is a constant for me, and I'm still working to accept it.
The challenge of having multiple homes is that you never truly feel anchored in any one place; part of you is always elsewhere. This is a sentiment that indie rock artist Sam Himself (real name Samuel Koechlin) resonates with deeply. Dividing his time between Switzerland, his home country, and New York City, he lives in a state of ongoing longing and impermanence. This sense of restlessness fuels the creation of “Backstreets,” a song rich in nostalgia and desire – yet it embodies a warmth and liberty reminiscent of an open road rather than a dead end.
On the corners of Final Avenue and First Street, the local boys used to give me a hard time, but I guess I'll get a break tonight. The sidewalks have transformed, with more greenery than concrete, while the rest has become steel and glass. To a stranger's eyes, it all seems quite odd.
Atwood Magazine is thrilled to debut the music video for “Backstreets,” directed by Stefan Tschumi. This marks Sam Himself’s first song release of the year, following last October's sultry single “Dance With Me.” In “Backstreets,” the Swiss musician reflects intimately on his identity, his viewpoint, and his place in the world.
If only we could genuinely exist in two places simultaneously, it might ease Koechlin’s restless yearning. His lyrics convey the underlying sorrow: familiar streets that have changed, childhood memories that flicker at the fringes of recollection, and all that he once knew moving forward without him.
As the rain drums on the roof of my cab, there's no parade for me on the backstreets of my past. Easy takes time, so take it easy; give it time.
However, instead of succumbing to despair, the song flows – expansive, rich, and deeply human. Its rhythm embodies a sort of acceptance in and of itself. Sam Himself’s baritone rides over swelling musical layers, balancing nostalgia with a sense of calm liberation.
For Koechlin, “Backstreets” was a pivotal moment in defining the sound and direction of his upcoming album. “This was the song where my producer, Daniel Schlett, and I both realized the direction of this album,” Koechlin shares with Atwood Magazine. Their pre-production work often happens remotely due to their travel schedules, with ideas evolving throughout this exchange. They recognized from the outset that they had something special with “Backstreets,” as the energy and tempo felt just right, and the final version of the song is quite similar to the original demo.
“The recording began at The Outlier Inn in upstate New York, which is perhaps the most stunning studio I’ve ever had the privilege to use. Surrounded by nature, the setting fosters a deep connection to reality after long hours of recording, realizing that life continues to move on.”
“Then, we completed the track at Daniel's Soundwork International Studios in Manhattan’s East Village, which offered a completely different, yet equally inspiring atmosphere. The contrast between these environments may be reflected in the song: ‘Backstreets’ captures the sensation of feeling at home in two places at once, yet never fully belonging to either.”
As I stroll down memory lane, a familiar voice resonates: by the gate stands my father, arms wide open, reminding me that all I know now entwines with what I knew then, just like the back of his right hand.
For Sam Himself, this duality is a constant in his daily life. “That’s often how I feel as I navigate my time between Switzerland and the United States,” he explains. “I carry a rich history and countless memories in both places, which is beautiful. Yet, I’m perpetually homesick, and I’m still learning to come to terms with that. If I’m not careful, I can become intensely sentimental about it all. Thankfully, that isn’t the case with ‘Backstreets.’ The song feels personal, yet it rises without becoming overwhelmed by emotion.”
“The production and engineering by Daniel were key in achieving that balance. He intuitively understands my vision and where I want to go musically, often before I do. After recording, he said he would make it sound majestic, and I believe he succeeded.”
Reflecting both the solitude of upstate New York and the vibrancy of Manhattan, “Backstreets” encapsulates a life divided between worlds – Switzerland and the United States, past and present, belonging and searching. The song gently reminds listeners, “easy, takes time.”
Sam Himself transforms homesickness into a journey in “Backstreets,” a luminous track infused with nostalgia and yearning, yet buoyed by warmth, freedom, and the subtle resilience to persevere.
