How did the band get started? Well the band actually got started around three years ago, Dave, Tommy, Jeremy and I were all in the same class in high school. Me and Dave were recently out of two different projects that had run their course, so we decided to get together and start band. At first all we had were two members, me and Dave, Bass and guitar. It stayed that way for about five months with no shows during that whole time but five recordings. Soon we had the opportunity of our first show our, Jr. Prom, so we called Paul, who was the drummer for Fire Engine Red at the time, and Jeremy who was lead the worship band in our high school youth group in which all four of us were a part. After our first show we decided we needed to expand our group so about six months later we got Tommy and Kevin. About two months later we got Chris and Danny. And the band had it's first performance as the sampo we are today in January of '97. So the band has been in the works for three years but we've only been playing together for two.
What is your goal as a band? Our goal is to do sampo as a full time ministry not only here but for and across other cultures around the world. We hope that we can minister through not only our music but through personal interaction.
What style do you play? Well Sampo has not yet been classified into one specific genre. We have called Ska, Swing, alternative, Rock and calypso. I usually say that in order to understand what type of music we play you need to hear it for yourself.
Where are you guys from? We are generally based out of Pasadena, CA but we live all over. From Echo Park, to Arcadia, to Fullerton.
What is the music scene like in your area? The music scene in LA is very busy there are thousands of bands and there are always shows going on. You could say the scene is oversaturated but it's still alot of fun.
What bands influence your band? There are so many different bands but I will try and list a few: Five Iron Frenzy, MxPx, Small Town Poets, Barenaked Ladies, Ben Harper, Spinal Tap, The Aquabats, Poor Old Lu, Violent Femmes, Reel Big Fish, Less than Jake, Blink 182, Bob Dylan, Boston. There are many more but I can't think of them right now.
What kind of ministry does your band have? Our ministry involves playing secular club shows in Hollywood and other places and let everyone know that we have the secret to life and that they can know it too. We don't preach because we've found that once we start talking people stop listening so we make our message short and to the point and then try and reach them one on one. We also do play as a worship band for camps and such. Basically our main message is one of love, we tend not to argue so much instead we try and empathize with them.
If you had the choice, which band would you tour with? Man that's a hard choice I think it would be cool to tour with just about anybody, but I think it would be awesome to tour with the guys and gal of Five Iron Frenzy.
Any interesting concert experiences or funny/weird stories? Well every concert has its own funny twist but there was a time at the beginning of our career when we all dressed up as a different super hero tights and everything. Dave was Mr. Fantastic, Jer was Superman, I was Captain America, Tommy was Gambit and Paul was Space Ghost.
What's the wackiest thing you've ever done in concert? I think the wackiest thing we've ever done is dressed up as Snow white and the seven Dwarves. Dave was Snow White (make up, dress and all). I must say that Dave is a handsome man but he is mighty good looking Woman.
What would you say the best part of the show is? I think the best part of the show is when we slow things down and do some acoustic stuff.
Do you ever play cover songs? We don't do cover songs anymore but we used to play Someone to Love (old blues song covered by the Blues Brothers).
Best and worst things about the band? The best thing about the band is hanging out with the kids after a show and talking to people, also hanging out with the guys in the band, since we live a little spread out it's hard to hang out and get together but we are all good friends and it's important to have that to time to hang out and be stupid for awhile. The worst thing about the band is that with 8 guys it's hard getting places and feeding this group it's like a large family. God is faithful though and always takes care of us.
Anything people should know about the band? Anymore you want to know you can find out at the website http://sampo.dpssoft.com
What 5 CD's do you think everybody needs to hear?
1. The Aquabats: The fury of the aquabats
2. Burlap to Cashmere: Anybody out there?
3. Spinal Tap: The original Motion picture soundtrack
4. Violent Femmes: Add it up
5. Every Five Iron album ever or ever will be!
Do you have any CD's, demos, etc. out? Yes we have an 8 song album out right now called "Lookout! Here comes Sampo! We are currently recording a brand new three song demo.
How can people contact you for merch and stuff? well you can Email us at [email protected] or check out the website at http://sampo.dpssoft.com if you would like to book us please call 760.598.8970.
Final Comments? If were a crocodile I'd thank the Lord for my big smile. Thank you.
(c) 1999 Skankin' Truth, please use only with permission.