Rising Music Star Staytus On The Five Things You Need To Shine In The Music Industry
An Interview With Eden Gold
Never Stop Learning: My academic background gave me the tools to turn my ideas into reality. Embracing both the art and science of music has empowered me to experiment and be bold in my creative choices.
As a part of our interview series with leaders, stars, and rising stars in the music industry, we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Staytus.
Musician. Artist. Producer. These terms are often overused, but occasionally an artist emerges who redefines their meaning. Staytus, the musical alter-ego of recording prodigy Sam Grundemann, is one such force, constantly pushing the boundaries of music-making. With her upcoming single “Can You Hear Me?,” Staytus is set to once again raise the bar in the world of industrial nu-metal.
Grundemann, who earned multiple recording degrees and certifications by age 17, has crafted Staytus as a digital dark-angel avatar, confronting the myriad challenges facing today’s young adults. Her sound fuses writing, playing, and recording with a comprehensive sound-design awareness that blurs the line between self-production and true auteurship.
“Can You Hear Me?” delves deep into themes of isolation, inner turmoil, and the desperate search for connection. Produced by Sean Beavan, known for his work on Nine Inch Nails’ The Downward Spiral, the track showcases Staytus’ ability to blend evocative imagery with raw emotion. The song explores the contrast between outward appearances and inner struggles, touching on concepts of faith, personal demons, and the overwhelming desire to be heard and understood.
This new single builds on the foundation laid by Staytus’ 2022 debut Disease of the Mind and her sophomore album Wasteland of Broken Hearts. It further cements her reputation for crafting thought-provoking, emotionally charged music that pulls listeners into its own sonic dimension. Staytus continues to stamp her music with a singular approach: Gen X-inspired angst meets animé and modern gaming culture, all set to an electro-industrial nu-metal soundtrack.
At the cutting edge where new recording technology and artistry converge, Grundemann is leading the charge for a new generation of musician-producer-songwriters. Her ability to translate trauma, betrayal, heartbreak, and grief into sound from a non-neurotypical perspective is nothing short of remarkable. While her sound may evoke comparisons to groups like KoRn, Orgy, Black Dresses, Kittie, and How To Destroy Angels, Staytus is far from a retro act. Instead, she speaks to contemporary issues and social polarization — in a language that resonates with today’s listeners.
With “Can You Hear Me?,” Staytus promises to deliver a haunting, powerful addition to her discography. The recurring question in the chorus emphasizes her plea for acknowledgment and understanding, creating a deeply personal yet universally relatable piece. As Staytus continues to evolve and push boundaries, she cements her place as one of the most vibrant and innovative voices in modern industrial music.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive in, our readers would love to learn a bit about your “origin story”. Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
I was born and raised in Scottsdale, Arizona. My earliest memories of music involve tinkering with the keys of my grandmother’s antique piano in her basement. From a young age, I felt a strong pull toward creating sound. I pursued private lessons in guitar, keyboards, and singing, laying the foundation for my future in music. Along the way, I earned associate degrees in art, audio production, and sound design, and achieved the highest certification in Pro Tools. These qualifications, combined with my experience as a multi-instrumentalist, have shaped me into a full-fledged music producer.
Currently, I’m pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Popular Music from Arizona State University’s School of Music. This allows me to hone my instrumental, composition, and songwriting skills. I’ve always considered myself a lifelong learner of music. Growing up, I was deeply immersed in gaming and anime culture and profoundly affected by the raw emotional music of the Gen X era. Incorporating these elements into my music felt natural — they are integral to my identity and tell a powerful story about my experiences and the challenges my generation has faced.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music, and how did your journey begin?
At 15, I began experimenting with entry-level digital audio workstations like FL Studio and Mixcraft. Initially, I was drawn to EDM and dubstep, but over time, I found my passion in producing industrial rock. This transition led me to explore more advanced tools like Ableton Live and Pro Tools, immersing myself in writing and recording my own material. Throughout this journey, I’ve drawn inspiration from a wide range of musicians, including Nine Inch Nails, Depeche Mode, The Cure, and Slipknot, among others. Their music has significantly influenced my style and helped shape the sound of Staytus.
Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
When creating my first album, Disease of the Mind, I wanted to make a bold statement in the industrial and goth scenes. The album blends serrated guitars and electronic beats with contemporary themes like relationship trauma and mental health. My passion for video games like Portal, Left 4 Dead, and Half-Life also influenced the album, as I’ve always been keenly aware of how music sets the tone in these experiences. In fact, my professional moniker, Staytus, is inspired by the game Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.
It has been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can None of us are ableyou tell us what lesson you learned from that?
Early in my career, I made the mistake of panning everything wide in my mixes, which resulted in a cluttered and crowded sound. I quickly learned that certain elements, like the bass, kick drum, and snare drum, need to be centered to create a balanced mix.
to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
I’m incredibly grateful to my mentor, Jeff King, from Scottsdale Music Company. During my first music internship, he provided invaluable advice about becoming an artist and encouraged me to step into the vocal booth for the first time. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of my singing career.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now? Tell us a bit more about your new single “Can You Hear Me?”
My new single, “Can You Hear Me?,” is a deeply personal and powerful track. The lyrics poured out of me in one intense session, tapping into raw emotions related to inner demons and the struggle for connection in a world that can feel isolating. Collaborating with Sean Beavan, known for his work on Nine Inch Nails’ The Downward Spiral, was an incredible experience. He pushed me to explore new creative territories, especially with the vocals. The result is a track that blends my industrial rock roots with experimental elements, marking a significant evolution in my sound.
We are very interested in diversity in the entertainment industry. Can you share three reasons with our readers about why you think it’s important to have diversity represented in music, film, and television? How can that potentially affect our culture?
Representation Matters: Diversity in music, film, and television ensures that people from different backgrounds see themselves reflected in media. This representation fosters a sense of belonging and validates experiences that may otherwise be marginalized.
Cultural Enrichment: Diverse perspectives bring fresh ideas and unique storytelling to the forefront, enriching our culture. It allows for a broader understanding of the world and promotes empathy and connection among audiences.
Innovation and Creativity: When diverse voices are included, it leads to innovation and creativity. Different cultural influences can inspire new genres, styles, and narratives, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in entertainment.
As a successful music star, you’ve likely faced challenges along the way. How do you stay motivated? How do you overcome obstacles in your career?
Staying motivated in the music industry can be challenging, but for me, it’s about staying true to my passion and purpose. Music is more than just a career; it’s a form of expression that allows me to process my emotions and connect with others. When obstacles arise, I remind myself of why I started and focus on the impact I want to make through my music. Surrounding myself with supportive people and staying committed to my growth as an artist helps me push through tough times.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
1 . Never Stop Learning: My academic background gave me the tools to turn my ideas into reality. Embracing both the art and science of music has empowered me to experiment and be bold in my creative choices.
2. Music as Therapy: Creating music has been incredibly fulfilling, improving my mood and mental health. It fosters a sense of belonging and communication with others, making the challenges worth it.
3. Genre Influence: Aspiring to create genre-defining albums like The Downward Spiral has driven me to hone my craft. These influences are a testament to the ten years I’ve spent developing my distinctive style in both production and songcraft.
4. Emotional Impact: Music has the power to evoke a fascinating range of emotions in listeners. My goal is to create music that envelops your senses and pulls you into my sonic universe.
5. Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity: In the beginning, I often feared making mistakes, but I’ve come to realize that failure is an essential part of growth. Each misstep has taught me valuable lessons and has made me a better artist. Embracing failure as part of the journey has helped me push boundaries and take creative risks that I might have avoided otherwise.
Can you share some insights into your creative process? How do you approach songwriting? How do you approach musical collaborations?
When writing a song, I usually start with a rough idea or some lyrics. From there, I choose the tempo and add drums and percussion to establish the rhythm. I then record a melody, adding layers of instruments like guitar, bass, and synthesizers. Recently, I’ve been collaborating with other artists and producers, which has added new dimensions to my creative process.
Your music has resonated with so many fans worldwide. What do you believe sets your music apart?
What sets my music apart is its authenticity and emotional depth. I don’t just create soundscapes; I tell stories that are deeply personal yet universally relatable. My music draws from a wide spectrum of genres, blending industrial rock with electronic elements, but it’s my unique perspective that ties everything together. Each song is a journey, reflecting my experiences, struggles, and triumphs, which allows listeners to connect with the raw emotions I express. I believe it’s this honesty and vulnerability that resonates with people, making my music feel both familiar and refreshingly original..
How do you connect with your audience?
I connect with my audience by being unapologetically true to myself in my music and my interactions. I believe that authenticity is key — whether it’s through the themes I explore in my songs, my presence on social media, or my live performances. My music is deeply influenced by the gaming and anime culture I grew up with and the emotional intensity of Gen X music, which helps me resonate with like-minded individuals. I engage with my fans by sharing not just my music, but also the stories and inspirations behind it, creating a genuine connection that goes beyond the music itself.
With your busy schedule and demanding performances, how do you prioritize self-care and maintain a balance between your personal life and career in the music industry?
Balancing personal life with a demanding music career requires intentional self-care. I prioritize mental and physical health by setting boundaries and carving out time for activities that rejuvenate me. Whether it’s spending time with loved ones, engaging in hobbies, or simply taking a break, maintaining this balance is crucial for sustaining creativity and avoiding burnout.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)
I envision Staytus as a constantly evolving entity that challenges musical norms and breaks boundaries. My goal is to be a voice for those who feel unheard and to create spaces where raw emotion is celebrated. While my sound may evolve, the essence of Staytus — a storyteller and innovator — will always remain.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. :-)
If I could have a private lunch with anyone, it would be Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails. His pioneering work in industrial rock has profoundly influenced my music, and I would love to learn more about his creative process and the journey that shaped his iconic sound.
How can our readers continue to follow your work online?
You can follow my work by visiting staytusmusic.com or connecting with me on social media @staytusmusic.
This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!
About The Interviewer: Eden Gold, is a youth speaker, keynote speaker, founder of the online program Life After High School, and host of the Real Life Adulting Podcast. Being America’s rising force for positive change, Eden is a catalyst for change in shaping the future of education. With a lifelong mission of impacting the lives of 1 billion young adults, Eden serves as a practical guide, aiding young adults in honing their self-confidence, challenging societal conventions, and crafting a strategic roadmap towards the fulfilling lives they envision.
Do you need a dynamic speaker, or want to learn more about Eden’s programs? Click here: https://bit.ly/EdenGold.
