Music Life Now
Interview
- Thanks for taking the time to talk with us today. Let’s start with the latest single “Breathe”. Where did this song come from? This song was written on a mountain top in Nicaragua. I was helping the community with donations such as clothing, guitars, and music lessons. I was also surfing and songwriting.
- Will it be included on an upcoming album? The Breathe album has been in the works and should be forthcoming in 2021. It will include 10 tracks and I also have a bundle of additional singles to release over the coming year.
- We hear some very strong pop sensibility in your songs but at the same time the instrumentation is rooted in acoustic instruments. How did you come up with that unique sound? I like to hear organic tones and my family played a variety of instruments so I was always around unique natural sounds. I’ve always liked beach music you can feel rhythmically combined with raw instrumentation.
- You are known for playing the ukulele, where did that start for you? Do you have any ukulele influences? I started playing ukulele after learned in guitar and traveling to Hawaii for an extended time. I was really into folk music and was searching for a sound that was authentic, healing, and not completely stuck in a single genre.
- When did you realize that you were a musician? How did you get started? I learned piano when I was younger from my mom which gave me some basic skills. I started to learn the guitar in my early teens and had a lot of influences thanks to my family. I learned the harmonica and the ukulele not too long after the guitar. Being able to play guitar and harmonica at the same time and take the ukulele anywhere you wanted was the best thing ever. Growing up in the south, I was around many types of music and cultures. Initially, I took guitar lessons and was fortunate to have a few great teachers. During my time in Oahu, learned ukulele tips and played traditional songs daily with the locals.
- Where can people find out about your upcoming shows and releases? Everything is on the website www.samsimsmusic.com and the events page gives details on upcoming shows www.samsimsmusic.com/events . There is also a mailing list signup on the website homepage. You can sign up to get news on new music, shows, and special events.
- What’s next for you as an artist? I am planning to release the Breathe album (10 tracks) and also rollout some singles over the next year. There’s a lot of new music so it’s really an exciting time! There are a few acoustic shows this spring, and the band plans to resume performances (conditions permitting) in the 2021 timeframe. As the pandemic subsides, I’m glad to have more time to be creative and finish recording new material.
- What do you do when you’re NOT working on music? I fit a lot into everyday overall. Yoga, meditation, hang out with my family and my wife, go surfing, swimming, or paddle boarding, occasionally sell real estate, and work in IT.
- What sort of non-musical influences do you have? Nature, love, life experiences, stories, friends, family, travel, and culture.
- Before we go, what do you want to say to fans of the music? Thank you so much for listening and continuing to support the music!
INDIEARTST MUSIC TV & Radio - New Music Spotlight - www.indieartst.com/news/sam-sims-band-340
Surfing Santas Hang Ten For The Holidays On Florida’s Space Coast - Forbes Magazine
“Surfing Santas hangs 10 this year, marking decade of Cocoa Beach Christmas Eve tradition” - Emilee Speck
“NAMM @ Night Events Events happening on the NAMM Show campus after trade show hours https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/2018/events/namm-at-night Sam Sims Band 10:00 pm to 10:40 pm Artist Event Anaheim Stages, NAMM Hilton Stage ”
“Local Favorites The Sam Sims Band Plays at the Global NAMM Anaheim Convention Center Trade Show! The trade show included 115,000 people from 140 Countries February 18, 2018 Recently local favorites The Sam Sims Band had the opportunity to perform at NAMM on January 26, 2018! They were selected amongst many other Global bands to perform at this amazing trade show which included 140 countries, with over 115,000 attendees. The big surprise for all attendees was the performance by global powerhouse band U2. Wow! The Sam Sims Band says "Big thanks to NAMM, the Anaheim Convention Center Hilton, and the amazing Stage Director for creating a spectacular sound mix of their original music. Check out the Sam Sims Band http://samsimsmusic.com for upcoming shows around our area! A big thank you to Estelle with CouCou Photography for taking these great pics of the band at NAMM Red Hot Magazine is the best local entertainment magazine in Red Bank and the surrounding shore towns. We are musicians, but make no mistake, RedHotMagazine rocks our community and highlights well "what to do in our amazing neighboring shore towns". Thanks for being there for the communities, and for us"-Dimitris Kulaga, The Sam Sims Band ”
“The Light of Day festival has been announcing new details about the lineups of its shows slowly, over the last several weeks, and most of the lineups are now known. LaBamba’s Big Band and Friends will headline the main concert, Jan. 13 at the Paramount Theatre. The festival will begin with a show at Montclair’s Outpost in the Burbs, Jan. 5, featuring Jeffrey Gaines, James Maddock, Joe D’Urso and others. Willie Nile will be on that bill, too, and will perform at at least three other shows, as well. The Verve Pipe — known for ’90s hits such as “The Freshmen,” “Villains,” “Photograph” and “Hero” — will be part of the “Asbury Angels Induction” concert at the Stone Pony, Jan. 12. And Quincy Mumford & the Reason Why will present a Prince tribute at House of Independents, Jan. 13. Here are the shows and the lineups that are currently known. All events are in Asbury Park unless otherwise noted. I will update this page as more lineups are announced. JAN. 58 p.m.: “Light of Day North Jersey” at Outpost in the Burbs, Montclair. With Willie Nile, Jeffrey Gaines, James Maddock, Joe D’Urso, Emily Grove, Isabella Rose, Jon Caspi, Adam Falcon. JAN. 67 p.m.: “Light of Day Philadelphia” at The World Cafe, Upstairs, Philadelphia. With Willie Nile & Band, Joe Gruschecky & the Houserockers, Remember Jones, Ben Arnold Band, Joe D’Urso & Stone Caravan; Jim Boggia, Graham Alexander, John Byrne, Nalani & Sarina, Vini Lopez, Isabella Rose, Lisa Bouchelle. JAN. 71 p.m.: “Cover Me: Best of the Jersey Bar Bands” at Stone Pony. With Marc Ribler and Friends (The Best of George Harrison – The Beatles, Bangladesh & Beyond), Eddie Testa, Light My Fire, Soul Cruisers, Guilty Pleasure, Rockinon, Pat Guadagno & Tired Horses. JAN. 8Time TBA: “Happy Mondays” at Wonder Bar. JAN. 107 p.m.: “Light of Day NYC” at The Cutting Room, New York. With Gary U.S. Bonds, Dramarama, Jonny Pi’s Punk Rock Pizzeria, Joe D’Urso & Stone Caravan, The King Sings The Boss. JAN. 117 p.m.: “Winterfest 2018 Kick-Off” at House of Independents. With Bobby Bandiera’s Tribute to Tom Petty, Dramarama, Joe D’Urso & Stone Caravan, The King Sings the Boss.7 p.m.: “First Note” at The Saint. With Dentist, The Lemats, Zaritza, JAHK.7 p.m.: “Sandy Mack’s Wonder Jam Deluxe” at Wonder Bar. With Karmic Juggernaut, Waiting on Mongo, Secret Sound, Predator Dub Assassins, Keith Kenny, Joe Miller, Strumberry Pie, Juggling Suns (acoustic), Stu Coogan.8 p.m.: “Monmouth University’s Blue Hawk Records Presents” at Langosta Lounge. With Vini (Mad Dog) Lopez, Bobby Mahoney and Zack Sandler, Dan Amato & the Sentimental Gentlemen, Ernest, Nicole Govel, Antonio Gonzalez, Olivia Rohlfs. JAN. 126 p.m.: “Open Mic” at Wonder Bar.6:30 p.m.: “Asbury Angels Induction” at Stone Pony. With The Verve Pipe, Willie Nile, Boccigalupe & the Bad Boys, Bobby Mahoney, Laura Crisci, Pat Toner, Bob Polding, Miss Emily, Mad Kings, Peter Hogklint, Mike Rocket.7 p.m.: “Rock Heavy” at The Saint. With Uncrafted, Everything Falls, Lower the Veil, Dead Fish Handshake, Ropetree, The Walk Arounds.7:30 p.m.: “Cover Band Night” at Silverball Museum Arcade. With Moroccan Sheepherders, Billy’s Fault, Joe D’Urso & Stone Caravan, Tim O’Donohue & TMU Band.8 p.m.: Kashmir (Led Zeppelin tribute), Colossal Street Jam, Bitter Crush at House of Independents.8 p.m.: Albert Lee Band, Bobby Bandiera and Band at Tim McLoone’s Supper Club.8:30 p.m.: “Acoustic Carousel” at Langosta Lounge. With Williams Honor, Peter Scherer, Ray Andersen, Colton Kayser, Renee Maskin, Eryn and Matt O’Ree, Paul Whistler, Helen O’Shea, The May Darlings, Sofia Khorosh (SØF), Rick Winowski, George Wirth, Caisy Falzone, Dana Rae, Ashley DeLima, Lauren Patti & Kyle Ward.9 p.m.: Dark City Strings, Sam Sims Band, Ashley McKinley and an acoustic jam hosted by Bobby Mahoney at Asbury Hotel Soundbooth.9 p.m.: Cranston Dean Band, Jessie Lee Herdman and American Trappist (featuring Joe Michelini) at Asbury Park Yacht Club. JAN. 13Noon: “Asbury Blues” at Wonder Bar. Billy Walton Band, Karen Phillips, Tony Tedesco & Full Fathom 5, James Dalton, Chuck Lambert, Pam McCoy, Norman Seldin (Fats Domino tribute), Joe Whyte, RB3, String Bean, Papa John Bug & The Jam Band.Noon: “Women of Song” at The Saint. With Layonne Holmes, Tara Elliott, Maureen McCrink, Rosemary Conte, Jo Wymer, Pam McCoy, Debbie Gangemi.Noon to 7 p.m.: “Asbury Underground” at various venues.6 p.m.: “Bob’s Birthday Bash” at Paramount Theatre. LaBamba’s Big Band and Friends (with special guest Gary U.S. Bonds), Willie Nile Band, Joe Grushecky & the Houserockers, James Maddock & Band, Garland Jeffreys, Remember Jones, Joe D’Urso & Stone Caravan, Jeffrey Gaines, Ben Arnold, Greg Kihn, Luke Elliot, Isabella Rose, Rob Dye.6:20 p.m.: “Full Tilt Boogie Bash” at Wonder Bar. With Billy Hector, Laura Crisci, Christine Martucci, Colton Kayser, Mike Miz, Slyders, Sharon Lasher, Dawg Whistle, Strumberry Pie.7 p.m.: Guitar Army with John Jorgenson, Lee Roy Parnell and Joe Robinson at The Saint.7 p.m.: Quincy Mumford & the Reason Why (Prince tribute) at House of Independents.7:30 p.m.: Greg Kihn, Ben Arnold Band at Tim McLoone’s Supper Club.8 p.m.: “Women Who Rock” at Asbury Park Yacht Club. With Renee Maskin, Tara Dente, Mack, Pamela Flores, Lauren Patti.9 p.m.: “Late Night Live” at Langosta Lounge. With The Doughboys. JAN. 14Noon: “Songwriters by the Sea Boardwalk Crawl” at Watermark. With Luke Elliot, Rachel Dobson, Arlon Bennett, Hans Ludviggson, David Vargo, Taylor Tote, John Sonntag.Noon: “Kids Rock” at Stone Pony. With Rockit Music (Count Basie Theatre), Rock’N Music Academy (Middletown), Lakehouse Music (Asbury Park), School of Rock (Red Bank), Sonic Blume, Marel Hidalgo, RadioActive, Radioactive duo, Amanda Conti, Indigo Mane, Calling Avery.Noon: “Musicians on a Mission” at The Saint. With Ty Mares & the Running Dog Band, Nick Ryan Band, Downstream, The Cucumbers, The Wag.3 p.m.: “Songwriters by the Sea Boardwalk Crawl” at Langosta Lounge. Bruce Tunkel, Karen Mansfield, Pat Guadagno, Sam Sims, Kyle Ward, Frank Lombardi,Joshua, Scott Elk.6 p.m.: “Songwriters by the Sea Boardwalk Crawl” at Tim McLoone’s Supper Club. With James Maddock, Joe Grushecky, Joe D’Urso, John Easdale, Peter Elkas, Emily Grove, Joe Rapolla, Williams Honor, Ben Arnold.7:30 p.m.: “Last Note” at The Saint. With Random Test, Funktion. JAN. 1510:30 a.m.: “Goodbye Brunch” at Robinson Ale House.” - JAY LUSTIG
“10/05/17, Red Bank Was Abuzz With 8th Annual Guinness Oysterfest, White Street Parking Lot, Red Bank, NJ, Dimitris Kulaga, John O’Neill, Sam Sims, Kyle Ward, Aaron Manzo”
“SAM SIMS BAND – EAST STAGE – 3PM – 4:30 Sam Sims Band has organically grown into a vibrant, yet laid-back melodic sound. The music has island feel and is rooted mostly in folk-rock, reggae and blues. Sam has been writing songs for over twenty years. The band plays both originals & covers and features first class musicians including: Kyle Ward, a guitar genius and soon to be graduate of Berklee College of Music; Dimitris Kulaga, life-long percussionist in Latin, rock, and folk music styles; Aaron Manzo, an outstanding bass player, guitar player and songwriter with a natural sense of rhythm. Sam’s songs have been featured on prime-time television shows (CBS’ Hawaii 5-0 aired Sam’s Hawaiian Christmas Song in 2013 and 2014). With four full-length albums and a single to date, Sam’s heartfelt music encompasses melodically-voiced acoustic guitar, ukulele, exquisite lyrics, and soulful vocals. Kyle Ward is looked at by many as one of the best guitarists around the Jersey Shore, having won many awards at the young age of only 21. Dimitris Kulaga is always an entertaining performer who plays many different percussion instruments from all over the world. Lastly, Aaron Manzo brings in nice sounding low-frequency with his graceful, extremely tasteful bass guitar style. The band has shared stages with well-respected acts such as the Legendary Wailers, Willie Nile, Steve Forbert and Rob Machado. The group has been recording, working with Bruce Springsteen’s producer; they plan to release a full-length album in 2017. SAMSIMSMUSIC.COM” - Red Bank Guinness Oysterfest
“CFC Loud N Clear Foundation "Rock The Farm" Music and Food Festival Event Date: August 27, 2016 Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno joins CFC Loud N Clear Foundation's "Rock The Farm" Music and Food Festival at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft. The benefit raises funds in support of the Foundation's mission - Rebuilding Lives, Healing Families and Supporting Recovery. (NJ Office of Information Technology) ” - State of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie