Get to know Sam Louis
Toronto-based alt-pop artist Sam Louis (@samlouismusic) is doubling down on emotion, grit, and vulnerability with the deluxe edition of his breakout debut album, 8 Ball. The expanded release brings new depth to a project already rich with introspection, adrenaline, and raw feeling. Remixd Magazine had the opportunity to speak with Sam Louis about creation of the deluxe version ‘8 Ball,’ how he’s grown as an artist, his Toronto influences, and more. In addition, Sam Louis speaks on what’s next for him.
“8 Ball was always meant to be a mirror of life’s chaos,” Louis shares in an interview with Remixd Magazine. In addition, he shares a sentiment: “One moment you’re on top of the world, the next everything comes crashing down. The deluxe version just adds more pages to that story.”
Described by the artist as “an adrenaline rush of dopamine,” 8 Ball (Deluxe) explores emotional extremes through bold production, rhythmic falsettos, and moments of aching softness. Thus, this project serves as a stepping stone to what’s next.
Moreover, Louis calls himself an “emotional curator.” A title that feels even more fitting on the deluxe edition, which broadens the album’s sonic palette without losing its emotional intensity. “I wanted this album to showcase a variety of sounds. From nostalgic hooks to modern production. The alt-pop space gives room for all of that.”
Keep reading to learn more about Sam Louis through his interview with Remixd Magazine below.
Interview with Sam Louis
Remixd Magazine: You describe yourself as an “emotional curator.” What does that mean to you, and how does it come through in your music?
Sam Louis: I think we’re all a little emotional these days. Everyone’s working so hard, sometimes things are up and sometimes we burn out. I want to create music that mirrors this dynamic. A record you can listen to to help you through the lows alongside meaningful melodies that can make you feel something more…
Your debut studio album 8 Ball has been described as an emotional odyssey. What was the core inspiration behind the project?
8 Ball was about two years in the making, some songs like “Burnout” and “Chemical” even longer. The album is a collection of emotions, it’s meant to be an adrenaline rush of dopamine. It rotates around this idea of opposites, reflection points. Like an 8 Ball in pool or a magic 8 ball from the 90s. One moment you could feel on top of the world when the next everything comes crashing down. Is this the shot you take or do you wait it out. Too soon could be too late. But what if you never took the chance? These are the questions floating around 8 Ball.
The alt-pop scene is constantly evolving. What do you feel sets your sound apart from others in the genre right now?
I think the alt-pop scene is so unique because of its fluidity. I wanted this album to showcase a variety of sounds from nostalgic hooks to modern production. This genre allows artists to put a little more weight and ambition into their tracks. Songs can fight convention or lean right into it. I think what makes our sound so interesting is the involvement/balance of live guitar and drums with gritty synths. Focusing on falsetto and rhythmic verses while still allowing the chorus to be the main character.
Introspective meaning
Can you share a song from 8 Ball that holds a special meaning for you, and why?
“Legacy.” This song was written after a friend of mine passed away from an overdose. It took me to a place where I was questioning a lot and you can sense that in the lyrics. The song drifts in and out of being a ballad as I ask out loud what legacy really means if they’re not here to see it. The track also presents an empathetic view, where I ask “what if I’m next to go.” Yes, the song feels heavy at times but it also is one of my most honest and vulnerable records and I think people really feel/understand that when they listen.
As a Toronto-based artist, how has your environment and the local music scene influenced your style and approach?
Toronto and its underground music scene and culture leaks into every piece of art I make. The fact you can walk down Queen St. and listen to a live indie jazz fusion band in one bar and cross the street to hear a Korean hip hop artist in another is pretty special and very influential. It allows you to find your own lane amongst a sea of creatives.
Same with Los Angeles, I wrote this album down there and I think the mixture of these two cultures is at the core of 8 Ball.
What’s next?
What’s next for Sam Louis? Any upcoming visuals, tour plans, or directions you’re excited to explore?
I’m about to drop a deluxe version. This version is so much more than just some added remixes. It features a whole new song/single that was originally supposed to be on 8 Ball. As well as a beautiful string version of “Legacy.” The deluxe album is just the start of a waterfall of new music.
A live cover of Lana Del Ray’s beautiful song bluebird will be dropping in the fall as well as some other singles I’ve been waiting to release but have teased already in my live shows. This will all lead up to my next studio album called Low Impact which will drop in 2026. This album will be something very new for listeners and will be written/recorded and produced all in Toronto.
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Moreover, as Sam Louis gears up for his next chapter, including Low Impact, due in 2026, and an international tour—8 Ball (Deluxe) serves as a full-circle moment for an artist unafraid to ask life’s hardest questions and turn them into something listeners can feel.
Check out the project below.
