Sam West

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Interview

Sam is the drummer for Stavesacre and one of my arch enemies on the golf course. During the course of these questions I also learned that he is a closet Indie Rock fan…who knew!?!? – Interview by Clint

stavesacre sam CM: Do you think bands are better when they have substance abuse issues?
SW: Yes, until their singers OD. Or their drummers (more tragic). Once a band starts dying off, it’s more difficult to maintain their professionalism. Artists like AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Guns & Roses and Mitch Hedberg learned this…there is a fine line between wasted and dead. If you manage not to die, your sober band mates will appreciate your abilities more, and forgive you missing shows/sessions/flights/in stores, etc. Because you can handle your vices.

CM: Were you half as excited as I was when “Use Your Illusions” came out?
SW: To be honest, “Waking the Fallen” is my favorite Guns N Roses record. After that one, I felt GNR lost touch with the fans.

CM: Did you ever want or have Bon Jovi hair?
SW: Is that feathered hair? Extensions? I’m not sure that I DON’T have Bon Jovi Hair. I’m gonna google search that. I’m sure that I could rock it, though.

sam west CM: Do you think that a band can succeed with two drummers in a genre other that southern rock?
SW: I think an entire BAND of drummers is what’s needed. It would be a successful, genre bending format that would guarantee huge sales, although Southern Rock has proved itself a pioneer. Drummers are superior musicians; not to mention the most capable, grounded and successful people in any band. And popular with the ladies. If all bands had multiple drummers, wars would cease, due to the amount of asses being kicked by all the drummers. I’m surprised that more bands haven’t figured this out. We should have hired another drummer or two.

CM: I cried when I first heard “Future History Of The Broken Hearted”, it was so awesome. Do most people you meet do this?
SW: Most people haven’t heard that song. Or that record, to be honest. That’s what makes me cry.

CM: What obscure or under appreciated bands would you recommend people check out?
Helio Sequence
Fleet Foxes
The Stills
Tokyo Police Club
White Rabbits