Another band we chatted to in the runup to the Wildfire-That-Never-Was, we got back in touch with Samarkind again to find out how things were going as the year draws to a close…
How did you meet?
We met after myself and an old friend had been auditioning guitar players for a different project. Myself and Michal hit it off straight away – we knew our writing was strong, and I have known Mark and Darragh through the Irish music scene.
How long have you been playing as a band?
We started recording the album around 2 years ago before we had played live, and Darragh is with us 9 months.
Before you get sick of being asked… where does the band name come from?
Upon a little light reading I came across Samarkand in Uzbekistan, an ancient place which, in medieval times, was a meeting place for artists, musicians and poets. We liked the vibe of that so with a little conjecture it became Samarkind.
What are your influences?
Officially Led Zep, Purple, etc. Unofficially (for me) Massive Attack, Portishead, and newish bands like Rival Sons, Royal Blood.
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
Being unique is in the eye of the beholder! However we try to live up to the old fashioned maxim of being very accomplished musicians with great songs and depth.
Do you have any particular lyrical themes?
I try not to be one dimensional regarding lyrics and I write from the heart regarding relationships, life, and the political and human things that make this crazy world.
What’s your live show like? How many shows have you played?
We are only playing live less than a year. The show is a rollercoaster of highs and lows, we like to play different interpretations of the songs so that no two shows are the same.
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?
Apart from the usual Spinal Tap moments one of the highlights has been opening for Def Leppard in Dublin when Rick Allen played his first show with one arm – very inspiring!!
What, if anything, are you plugging/promoting at the moment?
Still plugging the album and just released another single from it, “Thru That Door”, and the live shows.
What are your plans for 2018/2019?
We have just started writing/demoing the new album so probably a new single in Spring 2019 then we hit the festival circuit in the UK and Europe for the summer.
If you were second on a three-band bill, which band would you love to be supporting and which band would you choose to open for you? A chance to plug someone you’ve toured with, or a mate’s band we’ve not heard of before!
Would love to do something with Rival Sons headlining and sure it would be rude not to bring our mates Baleful Creed or No Hot Ashes!
Samarkind: official | facebook | twitter | instagram | youtube
