Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Interview with The Sammus Theory

Who: The Sammus Theory
What: Hard rock band in concert
When: Friday, June 26, 2009
Where: The Tropics, Idaho Falls, ID - map
Why: CD release party
How Much: $13 advance / $15 at the gate


Sam Hughes, vocalist for The Sammus Theory, was raised in Idaho Falls. Many people in this area point to Sam as "the local boy who made good,"with his successful hard rock band now based in Phoenix, AZ. Their returns to the area are always a big event, this time even more so with new band members, new music and a new CD to share with friends, family and local fans. I caught up with Sam recently about what's new and what remains the same.


SLG: For those who haven't heard your music, describe your genre in as much detail as you like. Maybe list your three best crowd-pleasing songs? Can you explain in what way do you most appeal to your fans?

SH: We're a straight up hard rock band with hair raising energy - that's probably the best I can describe our sound.

SLG: Who's in the current line-up? Tell us about your newest band members and when they joined? Any comments from your newest members about their input to the project?


Sam Hughes - Vocals

Kyle Welnel - Rhythm Guitar
Jeremy Tabor - Lead Guitar
Nick St. Onge - Bass "Badass"
- joined August '08
Paul Wandtke - Drums
- joined April '09

"I love how it's in your face ROCK. What you see is what you get; there's no smoke and mirrors in this band."
- Wandtke

SLG: Any changes lately in your artistic direction? Marketing direction?

SH: We're sticking to what we do best; HEAVY, driving music and intense stage performance. We're doing a few things different marketing the new album "See It Through," but you'll just have to watch and see what happens.

SLG: What's on the immediate horizon for the band? CD's, tours?

SJ: Right now we're just starting a full US/Canada tour, which puts us out until the end of September; for now, we're all very excited about it. It's all in support of our newly re-released album "See It Through." It's got new artwork, new band members, new music, and everything in between.

The Sammus Theory has been getting a lot of press lately, and some endorsements for band members.
Sick Drummer Magazing and Hollywood Music TV (view more)
Evans Drumheads and Humes and Berg hard cases (view more)
Schecter Guitars (view more)
Krank Amps (view more)
All Access Magazine (view more)

SLG: Past shows or venues you'd like to brag about? Anecdotes or stories from past in SE Idaho?

SH: LOVED playing the Civic Auditorium in Idaho Falls. Big stage and sound and a great crowd.

*Describe this particular show. What can people expect if they come to this show? Ticket prices or cover charge?

SH: June 26th at The Tropics, www.myspace.com/the_tropics, in Idaho Falls. It's an all ages event. We're headlining along with supporting acts Denots, The Unread, and 2am Logic. Tickets are $13 presale at CD World in Idaho Falls or $15 at the door if they wait until the day of the show.

We're doing a CD Signing at CD World, www.myspace.com/cdworldidaho, the day of the show from 3:00 - 3:30pm and giving away the chance to go to lunch with us right after. All I can say is that if you don't come to this show, you're missing one HELL of a night.

The Sammus Theory will also play a follow-up engagement at The First National Bar, www.myspace.com/firstnash, in Pocatello on Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 9:30pm, with The Reptilians and The Unread. $5 at the door.

SLG: Any comments about the live music scene, frustrations or joys? the music industry in general? What do you think is the best way to get your music out there?

SH: The music industry is a shark tank, but things are changing. Major labels are struggling while independent artists and labels are rising up, all thanks to new marketing avenues like MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter. It's always frustrating having people out for your money, but in the long run we're thankful for what we learn from it all. Hard lessons that make this band a machine in the end.



SLG: Will you have CD's or more for sale at the show?

SH: We'll have a LOT of stuff: stickers, posters, NEW shirts, NEW hoodies, NEW tanks, hats, NEW CDs, and more.

SLG: Great! I'll bright some extra cash. How can fans contact you? Myspace? or another website?

SH: www.myspace.com/thesammustheory - we love emails and comments!

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