East Coast Playas~

When we last spoke I had just undone my pants, shirt was already off (I never wear shirts), and what seemed to be a long night ahead...shit, wait, that's my other blog-------

The grass is tall, leaves all over the damn yard, the house is a mess, so that can only mean one thing, no, my yard help didn't quit, the Sammies have been from Florida to NYC playing shows. We played Atlanta and Birmingham twice, once in the same night, I had a birthday, Freedom had a birthday, saw lots of good shows, heard lots of good bands, saw lots of nasty bathrooms; it was a trip.

We played Joe College Day at Duke University.



That's us with the headliner Swayze And Cisco Adler. Cisco's Dad was the heat though!



Lots of other good bands too, here's White Rabbits.



We actually played another show at Duke a couple of weeks ago (the timeline is out of order here, but so am I, daylight savings screwed me up), it was Freedom's birthday, so dual purpose party you know?



Freedom's sister made him a cake, pic of cake is somewhere, don't know where, but here is Freedom's lil sis.



Never have played Atlantis in ATL but the kind people at SE Performer invited us to rock their showcase,



...and although we had a show in Birmingham that same night, you gain an hour driving so we played at Star Bar in ATL, packed up, and high-tailed it to B-Ham for a late night at the Nick (the staples in the wall hold the place up, but we love it)!



Got there about midnight, loaded in, cranked it up, and watched the sun come up.

Time to gather some energy...



A few weeks later we went back out. Back to ATL to play at Vinyl with our news friends Hightide Blues. The opener was really good too and surprised us all.



We left ATL that night b/c we had to be in B-Ham at 7:00am to be on Good Day Alabama. We played on the roof and the morning was gorgeous.



The station sits on the tallest hill in Birmingham and gave you a great view of the city.



It kinda made me want to make out.



On we go! OK, we happened upon this band called Casper & the Cookies. We met them originally at the SE Performer showcase, but come to find out were playing with them in B-Ham. It was a great bill, Dressy Bessy, us, and Casper! I only have one pic of that show, and it is Casper, probably b/c we were all drunk by the time Dressy Bessy went on, but they were super nice, and the guitarist was in Apples in Stereo, who we dig. Elephant 6 stand strong!!!



Our next stop was to play with an old friend and his band Deadly Fists of Kung-Fu in Pensacola.



We take the worst pics, we went by lots of cool shit, like the dolphin sign pointing to the beaches of Pensacola. Sorry for the lack of pics, but we're getting better. If the Foo Fighters would hurry up and put us on the road with them we could hone our craft a little more, we just need practice. Or, write your new Congressman and tell him to give the Sammies a grant! We're honest, upstanding, young gentlemen:)

One Step Ahead of the Law:

"The Sammies blog sucks, they never update it."

No, we've just been doing other things.  To be hanging around our home turf for a hot minute we sure are busy.  So, I will shove lots of things in this episode.  Plus, I was looking for all of these cool pics we don't have, I apologize in advance. 

Thursday (8/21) we did the Epicenter after 5 show.  It is the first time we have ever played two hours straight (approaching Springsteen territory)!  It went by like that, and we had more songs believe it or not.  It shocks the hell out me how many people show up there to drink $5 Bud Light!  Must have been the kick ass band playing:)  The Epicenter is cool though, because, when you are with a group of people, and debating what to do, where to go, the Epicenter has something for everyone.  If Whisky River sucks, go to Suite, hungry, go to Black Fin, it's all right there.

Friday (8/22) we trekked it to Raleigh and hung out with the guys from WKNC.  We played Billy Mitchell acoustic, also a first, and just shot the shit.  DJ Stevo has always been a friend, and did a terrific rendition of the Mario theme before one of our shows about a year ago.  Then Saturday (8/23) we had a show at The Pour House in Raleigh.  Raleigh had their own downtown festival going on so it was crazy!  We appreciate everyone coming out, and also appreciate Mad Tea Party for playing with us. 



They were fun as hell, and kept the music going way into the night.  I had no idea Raleigh had that many people, much less that many who could get "tore out the damn frame."  That means drunk as hell in case you were wondering.  No kidding, we sound checked, some drunk guy had wandered in the bar, he watched all of sound check, digging the tunes it seemed, we got done, and he came up to me and asked "who is playing tonight?"  I said, "Well, we are, the Sammies," and he was floored.  How dare we send ourselves to sound check, where were our minions, why can't the instruments play themselves?    This guy was just one of thousands of snookered Ra-layians that day, who came out in full force to see…Puddle of Mudd?

Speaking of, we needed some stuff for the show, so we swung by Harry's Guitar shop in Raleigh.  I grabbed some really dumb stuff you hate buying; strings, a strap, Conrad got a new speaker cord, nothing fun at all.  When I approached the counter a guy sitting behind it asks," You playing tonight?"  I said, "Yes!," feeling pretty good that I was recognized in a decent environment, he said, "Puddle of Mudd right?"  What a damn let down:(  Not only am I now confused b/c I have no idea how I resemble any of those dudes, but do we look like a shitty, redneck band when we walk around town?  Do I need new threads?  Please send me some clothes to:

3006 Swan Quarter Dr. 
Charlotte, NC 28262

Shit, I haven't even mentioned our CD release party the other night!

That was awesome, and our hometown of Wadesboro really represented well.  Our former guitarist Murphy Upshaw and his new band Souldozer opened up, along with our former neighbors in college The Broken Strings.  Both bands started the night off on the right foot!  We were so pumped to be playing in Charlotte again, and to finally have our new CD available we could barely contain ourselves. 



We grew moustaches on the spot,

decorated quite well, and had piñata's hung for in between sets.  Little did everyone know, but should have thought, we stuffed those piñata's ourselves.  When the first one bust, people went diving all over the floor.  Sure, there was real money, a fair amount I might add, there were glow sticks, other knick-knacks, but there were also coupons for $1 off merch, coupons in the form of male playing cards; nude male playing cards.  A bit of shock fell over the crowd, that quickly turned to laughter.  You've gotta keep people on their feet, do the exact opposite of what you should do, it keeps it interesting.  The rest of the night went well, and we had a blast, and again, we really appreciate those who came out and grabbed a CD!  Next Charlotte show is Nov. 13th with The Spinto Band (see previous blog regarding Spinto!).

The Sammies made their yearly trip to Macon, GA on 9/6.  We went back to Dwayne and Berry's gravesite, which had been redone and made up quite nice.  The added fence will keep idiots from tearing up their resting place, but also is done so well it really adds to the experience.  It rains every time we go there, a little creepy, but also inspiring since we have taken so much from the Allmans.  If you haven't watched the DVD on Tom Dowd (producer, helped find the Brothers) you are missing out.  I wish Tom Dowd was still in his prime, b/c I'd love a chance to work with such a musical man.  Anyway, we had a good show at The Hummingbird and hope to be back sooner than later.  Thanks Vic and Adam.

Last Saturday, 9/13, we made the trip to the coast, and port city of Wilmington.  We have played the Soapbox ever since we were a baby band, and they have always been kind.  North Elementary opened, we appreciate those guys, and the night went well, dancing and all to boot!  We met some cool people we hadn't had the pleasure of meeting before, so we thank you all for coming out.  The foosball games got a little intense, and my skills have wavered a bit since college, but we pulled through.  Always nice to finish the night off with a Clearly Canadian, and the breeze off of the Cape Fear River…ahhhhhhh.

Davidson College, see your ass on Friday night, Stephan Curry is awesome!  Double duty Saturday; ATL and Atlantis you're up to bat first, then we pack up and head to Birmingham for the late night slot.  Sunday, the Panther's will kick the Viking's butt 23-10, and I will go 3-0 in fantasy football, due in part to former NC State QB Phillip Rivers.

Don't forget to grab our album on Sept 23rd!  Available for download at your favorite music download site, I like iTunes.  Email me (frank@the-sammies.com)
if you prefer the physical album.  Take care, and do something nice for yourself today, OK?

"Ville's"

It was the first show of many around the Southeast and we were pumped! Also, we hadn't played Knoxville in a while, although not yet SEC football season, it's still a great town. The show was sponsored by The Fun House 90.7, we had a nice little write up in the Knoxville News-Sentinel, things seemed in place; until one exit from the venue (Barley's). All of the sudden, our truck began to shake, it was ill, horns were honking, due to construction the interstate was down to one lane, we were going 20 mph, and struggling to do that. Finally we found a spot to get over somewhat safely and inspect the truck.



We all happen to be pretty handy around cars, but we couldn't find anything wrong! We called Barley's and Robbie and Rodney managed to come get the trailer and equipment, and save the day basically. We let things cool down, no longer did we have to pull the trailer, so we started the truck and tried to make it to our destination. Big Red made it, slowly, but surely! Here is proof by our gleefulness in the parking lot:



We had a great time and appreciate Barley's having us back and helping us through, we also appreciate The Leningrad's for opening up and being so hospitable. The truck was fixed by 11am, it was a knock sensor gone bad (Knoxville/knock sensor), so we were glad it was not a fatal injury.

We also played in another "ville" in the Appalachian area, Asheville. We love the Grey Eagle and were excited about being back. The food is great, good beer selection, sounds awesome, and it's in Asheville. Everyone there was nice as could be, and The Broomstars and The Steves started the night out on the right foot. So tired and with a benefit show for The Victory Junction Gang the next day we headed back down the mountain to eventually find our beds. Here are some sleepy pics:








Washington DC (Black Cat) and Charlotte (Visulite), see you next week!!!

We'll have new CD's at both shows!!!

Sandwich Party Aug. 9th!

The album is going full steam ahead, several reviews to mention:

Pitchfork

Three Imaginary Girls

Prefix

Side One/Track One:

As for today's ramble, it's all about the Sammies. I was pretty bummed out
when I didn't get a chance to see one of their supposedly incredible live
performances at SXSW, but hopefully with a new album ready to go they'll be
touring all over soon. Keep an eye out for the sure to be good Sandwich on
September 23 via MoRisen. Enjoy.

The Sammies - Glisten: If you caught my post on these guys the last time
around then I think you'll be happy to know that their sound is still raw,
full of energy and as catchy as can be. I mean, it's literally everything
you could want from a driving rock tune that's a perfect fit for car rides
and summer excursions. Fully expect this to be the kind of gem that you
instantly have a good time with.

I probably should have went with the live video of Falling Out so that you
can see why I wanted to catch them at SXSW so badly, but this one for Coming
Out Wild sounds so much better. Plus, I find it hilariously weird that the
performance was done on some show for Fox News.

Blurt:

N.C.’s The Sammies Fix a “Sandwich”

July 8, 2008

By Fred Mills

Whattaya get when you combine such dubiously-phrased monikers as Frank
Backgammon, Donnie Yale, Conrad Vacation and Bobby Freedom? Why, Charlotte’s
Sammies, of course! Sandwich, their sophomore effort, will drop Sept. 23 on
MoRisen, the same label that issued their well-received 2006 self-titled
debut.

Recorded in Kernersville, NC at Mitch Easter’s Fidelitorium, it was produced
by Ben Holst (Drive-By Truckers), Billy Bennett (Drive-By Truckers, The
Whigs) and The Sammies. The label describes it as a “fusion of classic rock,
early punk and indie rock” featuring 13 new songs including “Golden Sun,”
“In the Basement,” “Treat Her Like a Queen,” and “Old Grey.” The band has
already lined up some pre-album release gigs in and around the South (dates
listed below) — their live shows are pure firestorms — and you can expect
the full-court push when the album hits stores.

Meanwhile, over at the band’s MySpace site you can check out some samples of
the new material, notably the Who-meets-Plimsouls anthemism of “Sleep In My
Clothes” and the glam-slam sonic KISS that is “Treat Her Like A Queen.”
Goddam, this is a good band. Way back when BLURT was still known as Harp, we
advised you thusly:

“North Carolina’s the Sammies are a quartet of self-proclaimed country boys
whose idea of roots music is more Echo and Iggy than Johnny and Willie. The
music is supercharged beer-and-babes rock, but the Sammies draw inspiration
from so much of the rock ’n’ roll canon they’re impossible to pin down.
Their party-perfect debut romps through double-time Ramones tempos, spiky
post-punk, Stooges ’tude, AC/DC power riffs, DEVO robot rock, Byrds jangle
and early Roxy Music textures.”

We still stand behind that description. Sam on!

Sammies Tour Dates:

Jul 25 2008 9:00P Barley’s Taproom
Knoxville, Tennessee

Aug 1 2008 9:00P Grey Eagle
Asheville, North Carolina

Aug 9 2008 9:00P Visulite Theater
Charlotte, North Carolina

Aug 23 2008 9:00P Raleigh Downtown Live | The Pour
House Raleigh, North Carolina

Sep 6 2008 9:00P The Hummingbird Macon,
Georgia

Sep 9 2008 9:00P The Pour House Music Hall
Raleigh, North Carolina

Sep 13 2008 9:00P The Soapbox Lounge Wilmington,
North Carolina

Sep 19 2008 9:00P Tasty World! Athens, Georgia

Sep 20 2008 9:00P The Nick Birmingham,
Alabama

Oct 17 2008 8:00P Duke - Campus Concert Series
Durham, North Carolina


Also, first chance to buy the album is August 9th @ The Visulite Theatre in Charlotte. The show will be full of little twists and turns so be preparred for much more than a great night of music. Former guitarist Murphy Upshaw will be opening with his new band Souldozer, and former Sammie neighbors, The Broken Strings will also open. Bringing it all back home!

Sandwich - Sophmore

Coming soon to a record store and town near you!!!

704-510-0676

There baaackkk...

The CD's I mean, there finally here! Picking them up today actually. These are only promo CD's, but it's a start. Also, I know this blog has been pretty damn boring, especially for all you bon vivant's, no pictures recently, a crappy link to some hippies smoking pot, but that will change soon. I may post some of the album artwork just so you can ponder it before purchase. Keep checking back.

Thanks to everyone who came out to Snug Harbor last Wednesday, it was great to play, and great to see familiar faces. Thanks to Gringo Star for stopping by too, keep your ears out for their new stuff. The next Charlotte show is July 5th at the Penguin, big party, streets are blocked off, beverages being consumed, cool t-shirts, and obviously killer food.

On a side note, which I will tie into music eventually, the new Mario Kart on the Nintendo Wii is too much fun! You can connect to WiFi and challenge people all over the world, so freaking cool. If you want your butt whooped just sign on when Backgammon (yes, that is my Mii name) is logged on. I'll use Peach and still wipe my ass with your cart! When I don't have the TV muted enjoying some tunes, I do actually enjoy the Mario Kart music. Very old school video game music, very Japanese, but awesome, random kazoo's, poot noises, wood blocks, etc. It would be fun to write game music, one day...

The Art of the CD

Making a CD:

A wee bit tired from last night’s show @ Snug Harbor with Gringo Star, but I’ll pull through. It was a good time, very nice to get out and play again, and also nice to be allowed to play for as long as we want. Over the past couple years our catalog has expanded to say the least, expanded at such a pace not all of it is recorded yet, so, rarely do we get to play some deep tracks, and last night was the exception. I think the set was 20 songs long. One day, maybe, we’ll be able to Springsteen it, but right now, we’ll be happy with our 45 minutes, or whatever we get.

CD update; I have been informed the duplication is almost complete. If you’re a blogger, or music writer, you should get a CD soon; if you’re a fan, those CD’s should be ready August 9th @ The Visulite Theater, at least I sure hope so, b/c it’s the damn CD release party! No theme yet, but I will keep you in the loop. Any good ideas for a theme, or any other thing that comes to mind that feels so good you must share, shoot me an email, frank@the-sammies.com.

I just realized an explanation may be in order for what takes so dang long to get CD’s out. I mean shit, if you have the CD’s, why can’t you just go ahead and sell them? I have had this whole process spelled out to me before, this will be the second time going through it, and still, I don’t get it all sometimes. Alright, so you have recorded something, and it is complete as far as you are concerned, not so fast. You have a diamond in the rough; the next step is mixing your recording. Mixing is important b/c it establishes levels, it can make an album. Once mixing is done you can now master. Mastering is glorified mixing as far as I’m concerned. Mixing gets levels, left and right, loud and soft, mastering mixes the whole spectrum. It can puts sounds at about 10 o’clock, as opposed to 9. Mastering also gets the quality of the sounds at max, and makes the levels standard with other CD’s, so when you pop in the Sammies CD the volume should be close to the new Carrie Underwood you just took out. Now, you have a quality product that can be duplicated, but wait, since digital music is now wildly popular there’s a new step, embedding digital codes. This helps track songs, and also labels songs so when they come on your XM Radio, for instance, the correct band name and song name appear. I’ve heard bad stories about this going wrong. Say the company that is duplicating your CD also is doing a Disney DVD. Your little indie band is only pressing several thousand CD’s, Disney is doing tens of thousands, so are very low on the priority list. John Doe forgets to change the codes before he switches to your project, and now when you pop in the Sammies CD it says Artist/Sammies, CD/The Little Mermaid, ooops! Hell, I almost forgot the artwork step. You have a cool concept, or picture you like, now you have to put it into the proper format for the company to duplicate. They have their own template they want you to use, and other nuances. That cool CD design you had in mind, oh, that adds about $5 to each CD, so now your record company tells you to do something else, and you’re back to the drawing board, literally. Now, you have to call your friend, who did the whole thing as a favor, and beg them to do more work for peanuts; and you’ve delayed the CD even further. Finally, you get the damn CD’s back. Being a young band we need all the press we can get. You have to try and build a buzz. So, the next step is sending out CD’s to every Tom, Dick, and Harry that is in the industry. You have to send them out so much earlier than the actual release date b/c some publications write 3 months in advance. So, that means Rolling Stone is writing Augusts’ issue as we speak. You have now spent a fair amount on mailing, the free CD’s you sent cost money, time is money, and then some jackass will sell the promos online without even listening to it. Or maybe they listen to it, burn a copy, then sell it online. Either way they are jackasses! Hopefully, by that point Spin gave you a 10, pitchfork said it was the best thing since Animal Collective (they butt sniff those guys), Letterman can’t wait to have you on, and the official release date is next week, successful buzz is built!!! Now tour your asses off, don’t eat too much junk, don’t drink too much beer, do your best to stay healthy b/c you have fans you don’t want to let down.

Next shows, Memorial Day weekend:

May 25th
Local 506
Chapel Hill NC
w/ The Houstons and The Huguenots

May 26th
Soapbox
Wilmington NC
WE Fest