Sam Varga’s latest EP, “The Fallout,” brings together his recent run of singles alongside two brand-new songs, “What If I’m Okay?” and “Sticking With It.” Varga spoke to NYOTA about his song choices for the EP, how living in Nashville has influenced his music, and the absurdity of 2025.

The songs on your new EP, The Fallout, are very personal to you. You called the EP your “emotional diary of 2025.” What was the process of working on this project, especially the two new songs?

It was all extremely fast. I basically got to create this record and release it throughout the year. “Queen of the Ashes” was written and tracked in fall 2024, and I continued to work on it throughout this summer. I just loved everything I was creating, and we quickly got into a flow.

How do “What If I’m Okay” and “Sticking With It” tie the EP together?

“What If I’m Okay” was originally supposed to come out this summer, but we ended up pushing it to release with the EP. “Sticking With It” is probably the most fun song. I was aiming to add one more song, but not necessarily thinking about what the EP was missing or what would do well on socials. I just wanted to swing hard and do something fun. The whole song was finished in about 3 hours!

Which song from the EP best captures the feeling of 2025 for you?

I think the obvious answer is “Minute Man.” 2025 has been a hellscape. At this point, I think the only thing that’s been getting us through is having a sense of humor. “Minute Man” points out the absurdity of the whole thing.

You’ve blended so many sounds and textures in the songs. During the process of making it, were you ever apprehensive about whether they would fit together?

Truthfully, no. It’s just what I like. I love country instruments doing punk shit, haha.

You moved from Louisville to Nashville, and a place can change a person a lot. How has the move shaped you, and do the two worlds collide in your music?

Absolutely. Living in Nashville has definitely made me fall for country sonics and making the lyrics the center point of the song. I love the process and the craft.

Your parents have had a great influence on you. Is there a particular album or artist that reminds you of your childhood and sneaks into your work today?

Jackson Browne. My dad was the one who first showed me his music. I also think the early female country/singer-songwriters my mom used to play in the car really set me up well for cowriting, too. 

You have been making music for a long time now. Do you still get nervous before a release?

I think I feel a lot less pressure now. If I think about the tunes as my creative kids, I’m kind of over whether they get into college or not… I just hope they’re happy, haha. 

What’s one thing fans might be surprised to learn about you?

I’m a big Lord of the Rings fan!