ABOUT
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 industrial and electronic music. Her latest singles—“68 Kill,” “Suburban Gothic,” “King Knight,” and “How To Be A Serial Killer”—comprise the Twisted Frames series, a cinematic and sonically daring collection inspired by the films of Matthew Gray Gubler.
The final track, “How To Be A Serial Killer,” is a raw, unflinching portrayal of emotional chaos, repression, and rage. Produced by Matt McJunkins (A Perfect Circle) at Secret Hand Studios, the song fuses industrial grit with nu-metal force, closing the Twisted Frames series with a powerful exorcism of inner turmoil.
Previously, “King Knight” explored identity and transformation through a lens of dark humor and occult symbolism. “Suburban Gothic” channeled fear and self-awareness into a haunting sonic landscape, while “68 Kill” served as an unapologetically intense reclamation of personal power. Each chapter in the series showcases Staytus’ ability to translate cinematic influence and lived experience into bold, emotionally charged music.
Her earlier single, “Can You Hear Me?”—produced by Sean Beavan (Nine Inch Nails, Slayer)—delved into themes of isolation and the search for connection, further highlighting her capacity for blending evocative lyricism with layered sound design.
Building on the momentum of her 2022 debut Disease of the Mind and her sophomore album Wasteland of Broken Hearts, Staytus continues to transform trauma, grief, and defiance into groundbreaking sound.
At the intersection of cutting-edge recording technology and uncompromising artistry, Staytus speaks to contemporary issues with fearless authenticity. With her boundary-pushing production and cinematic vision, she is solidifying her place as one of the most vital voices in modern industrial music.
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