ABOUT

Staytus

Musician. Artist. Producer. Visionary. Few artists embody all of these roles with the emotional intensity and cinematic depth of Staytus, the musical alter ego of Sam Grundemann. Blending industrial, electronic and alternative metal influences with haunting visual storytelling, Staytus has emerged as one of the genre’s most compelling new voices — dark, visceral and unapologetically authentic.

Following her signing with Cleopatra Records, Staytus released her newest single and video, “S + M,” a gothic industrial thriller exploring obsession, emotional distortion and unresolved connection. Directed by Vicente Cordero of Industrialism Films, the cinematic video unfolds through seductive imagery and psychological tension before culminating in a shocking twist ending that reframes the entire emotional experience. The release further solidifies Staytus’ reputation for combining emotionally charged songwriting with immersive visual worlds and genre-defying production.

Prior to “S + M,” Staytus released “The God, The Artist & The Creator,” produced by Grammy Award-winner Mikal Blue (OneRepublic, Colbie Caillat, Jason Mraz) and featuring Jeff Friedl (A Perfect Circle, Puscifer, DEVO). The track explored creation, faith and surrender through layered cinematic production and vulnerable lyrical expression. Its visually striking video, shot by Jessica Christian (Lovesquish), further highlighted Staytus’ ability to merge emotional storytelling with artistic imagery.

Her earlier releases, including “Kiss N Tell,” “Heart Attack” and “Headache,” established the foundation of her sound — a collision of industrial precision, grunge aggression and dark electronic atmosphere. “Heart Attack” and “Headache,” both produced by Sean Beavan (Nine Inch Nails, 8mm), explored betrayal, burnout and catharsis with raw emotional honesty and sonic intensity.

Staytus also gained recognition through her Twisted Frames collection — featuring “68 Kill,” “Suburban Gothic,” “King Knight” and “How To Be A Serial Killer” — inspired by the films of Matthew Gray Gubler. Translating cinematic tension into immersive soundscapes, the series showcased Staytus’ fascination with horror, psychological storytelling and emotional vulnerability. “68 Kill,” produced by Matt McJunkins (A Perfect Circle, Puscifer), marked a defining moment of artistic reclamation and creative control.

Building on the foundation of her debut Disease of the Mind and sophomore album Wasteland of Broken Hearts, Staytus continues to transform trauma, rebellion, grief and self-discovery into cinematic sonic experiences. Influenced by industrial music, gaming culture, horror films and alternative metal, her work exists at the intersection of emotional honesty and theatrical intensity — creating a world that feels as immersive visually as it does sonically.

With each release, Staytus continues to push the boundaries of industrial and alternative music, crafting emotionally fearless art that resonates long after the final note fades.

Certification/Education

  • Avid Certified Pro Tools Operator of Music, Postproduction
    Certificate of Sound Design, Paradise Valley Community College
  • Associate of Applied Sciences Degree in Audio Production Technologies with distinction, Paradise Valley Community College (Summa Cum Laude)
  • Associates of Arts Degree, Scottsdale Community College (Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society)
    Two-Year Internship Scottsdale Music Company
  • Arizona State University School of Music Student Pursuing Bachelor of Arts in Popular Music