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SAM SMITH & COMPANY
FEATURED ARTIST


Introduce yourselves and tell us what you've been up to recently?
We are Sam Smith and Company. We have been gigging extensively in Manchester and beyond. In addition, we have been putting finishing touches to our ever expanding repertoire in preparation for our first EP release in Spring 2012

And how did you get together?
After gigging and receiving airplay as a solo artist, I assembled a band of session musicians, including my sister Katie on bass guitar. Our drummer, Pete is from the north east, he found my ad on gumtree and we've been on the up ever since!

The name?
Being a huge fan of solo artists such as Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers and Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, it was essential to have Sam Smith & something. & Company was thought up as a form of standardisation, contrary to our music. The name doesn't reflect the music but it reflects our band logo and our image

Who are your biggest influences?
Biggest songwriting influence has to be Greg Dulli (Of Twilight Singers and Afghan Wigs fame). Others are Bruce Springsteen, The Smiths, Mark Lanegan, Tom Petty, Noel Gallagher and The Clash

Here at Designer Magazine we're all about supporting the scene.. which are your fave local bands and why should we check them out?
The Madding Crowd. They are intriguing beyond anything I have ever experienced on a personal level. They turn up and play and even if you were watching them on mute, you would be dying to hear what they sound like. A mesmerising band to watch do their thing.

Jeramiah Ferrari are by far the best ska/reggae band we have had in a very long time

And, our good friends, The Lottery Winners are on the cusp of greatness with their unique brand of power pop. They are one good meeting away from greatness so check them out now whilst you can still claim them to be "your band"

What's your biggest promo tips you can give to other local bands? How do you push your band forward?
Never stop plugging. Whenever anyone asks you what you have been up to generally, mention the band first and tell them about upcoming shows. Be enthusiastic about your music at all times. If its what drives you then this should be a given

Where do you go for pre gig food and where do you go post gig clubs in Manchester?
Food has to be Barburrito, although it has gone down hill recently. As for clubs, I wouldn't know. I would much prefer to watch bands until 11pm and be in bed for 12! That way I can get up early, write music and plug the band online. Rock and roll!

What do you like most about Manchester?
Everything. The architecture, the people, the rebellious nature and individualism of said people. Mainly, the fact that the phrase "what Manchester does today, the world does tomorrow" is as valid as ever. I truly believe that Manchester is the greatest city in the world.

Best gig you've been to of all time (and why?)
Too hard to choose. Paul McCartney was great due to the setlist, as was Prince but, gun to my head, New Order at the apollo in 2005 has to be the best. Simply because they have always been my favourite band. Although, maybe we should revisit this question in the summer after Bruce Springsteen destroys Manchester with the greatest backing band the world has ever seen

Fave movie or TV show of all time?
TV Show is again, a tough one. The Wire, The Sopranos and Rescue Me as a top 3. Being a corrie fanatic though, would be hard to leave that out. As for films, any musician who can watch the film Anvil without bursting into tears should just burn their instruments and become a welder. Best film ever made

Which football team do you support?
Manchester United Football Club. Had a season ticket for many years now but nothing will ever replace that feeling that I got when Scholes scored arguably his greatest goal against Barca in the champions league semi final back in 2008, sending us to Moscow. I broke my seat because I couldn't stop jumping. It was early in the game but we just knew

And finally we're all about the live sweaty gigs - final chance to say why we should check you out live?
Because we pull no punches what so ever with our live shows. From aggression and stage invasions to slow intimate moments and emotion, we have it all in our set. If you don't believe us, chance one of our gigs, I promise you will not be disappointed

And if we want to know more whats your facebook / twitter addresses?
Twitter @samfjsmith
www.facebook.com/samsmithandcompany
www.Soundcloud.com/samfjsmith

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AT THE TIME OF GOING TO PRESS...

Sam Smith & Company's next gig is at Dry Bar Manchester on Feb 3rd 2012
Tickets available here

http://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Manchester/Dry-Live/Sam-Smith-38-Company/11582080/

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