Soapbox Notes: Interview with Sam Shinazzi November 2004
7 Jul 2011
Interview with Sam Shinazzi 19/11/2004
1. What is your favourite thing about playing live?
Connecting with people is pretty important for me. As much as someone plays their music for their own reasons (and they do), it is really special when people connect to the music…whether that means just seeing someone from the stage getting into it or speaking to someone afterwards. Playing a great show also, for me, feels like an accomplishment. It’s something in the short term that gives you a buzz, and in the long term it becomes a pleasant memory. I also love playing with other acts that I admire. I feel like I am giving back something to selected artists that I get to play with and have listened to for ages.
2. Compare the first gig you ever played to the most recent gig you played.
Hmmm, my first musical performance was playing drums in the school band at an assembly in front of 500 students. I couldn’t stop shaking. I guess my first solo show singing and playing guitar was at the Lansdowne on a Wednesday. I think the pub had started to briefly have bands again but it didn’t last. I know that Liz and Brad from Little Sky organised it and played, and I think…I think I am correct in saying Jamie Hutchings (BBK) played solo too. I remember playing a bunch of new tunes that ended up on ‘Less Than Perfect Day’ and maybe a Gram Parsons song? I sat down and played which I rarely ever do. I remember an old man sitting at the bar and someone telling me afterwards that I made him cry…which made me feel kinda good and kinda bad. This sort of response has followed me since (“That song is so sad” “You made me want bawl” to which I never know how to reply!). My last show was just the other night at the Sandringham. I sing a squillion times better than I did then…but that wouldn’t be hard.
3. What is the dodgiest place you’ve ever stayed at while on the road? Explain.
I’ve got to say I have had it pretty good whenever I have travelled to play. I mean I have had floors and cars for beds…but that’s as bad as I have had it I think? Usually I get looked after pretty well and that’s part of why I love to go play elsewhere. The last time I was in Melbourne I stayed with my friends that I always stay with, and they had just moved. So I was out of sorts somewhat in their spare room, which was like…well, not a granny flat but the nicest shed you have ever seen perhaps? But it was late May in Melbourne and quite chilly out in the backyard! When I toured with Jenny Queen to Melbourne, we had a three star hotel which was fine and all. We did get cigarette smoke come into our room though through the vents at all hours. That was kinda yucko. But yeah, no complaints to be honest. I am sure it won’t stay that way!
4. What is your favourite Sydney venue to play at? Why?
I guess the Metro. It is so professional and you don’t get the chance often (twice for me). I love the Hopetoun, and I seem to play the Sando a lot too which is nice and intimate. The Annandale is great because it tends to bring out big performances from musicians. I hate sitting on the fence but for me, aside from some sound issues or whatever, they all are special because I grew up watching bands in these places and the history is quite thorough. I never ever forget that aspect.
5. What is your favourite Sydney venue as a punter? Why?
I seem to be at the smaller venues mostly, but I’d have to say The Metro. You can see from anywhere, the sound is incredible, and usually if you are at The Metro you are seeing someone of a great quality. I have issues with venues having too many punters in the one place just to make some extra money, but the Metro even when sold out seems bearable. Air conditoning too I believe, which is vital.
6. Describe the best gig you’ve ever been to.
How do I get it down to one show? I’ve probably got like twenty I could mention but the first time I saw Lemonheads at Sydney Uni on the ‘Shame About Ray’ tour was life-changing. Every single Buffalo Tom show. The weekend when Screamfeeder did two nights at the Annandale for ‘Burn Out Your Name’, I was so young and they were so heavy. Smudge at the Newtown RSL. Ride at the Phoenician Club under age and all! Juliana Hatfield solo at the picture theatre in Glebe…gosh, how much am I allowed to answer? Some definite ones would be Ron Sexsmith at The Basement on his ‘Whereabouts’ tour. He played solo for two hours and we had a table for two right in front of him. I have been blessed to see Bruce Springsteen both solo and with the E Street Band, they were highlights of my musical life. Grandaddy at the Metro this year was AMAZING. My Morning Jacket too. Both Yo La Tengo shows I have seen. All Teenage Fanclub shows. Ryan Adams at the Metro. Elliott Smith at the Annandale. I also just get off on watching local bands when they absolutely fire! For me, it’s probably not as often as when I see an o/s act fire but I do I have that extra nationalistic pride thing going on.
7. Why do you think people should go and see more live music?
From a silly and selfish point of view, myself and my mates like Purplene, Peabody, Holly Throsby, Little Sky, Starky, Grand Salvo, Ides of Space etc all need the support of the punters! But equally, and more importantly, I believe that when someone actually gets to see a live musical act and that musical act is really amazing, it makes the punter feel. It moves them. Whether that means they smile or laugh or cry or remember or dance or stagedive or whatever, it is a pretty unique experience. You can listen to an album and get the same thing, but imagine being there in person to hear and witness such a thing? It is beautiful. I also think that quite often, the best performances are those which are different to the recording. I saw My Morning Jacket this year and they were so heavy and rockin’, yet they kept the melody and tone from their recordings. I’ve made some amazing friends of both sexes from being at shows. I think the Government is finally going to do something right by banning smoking in the future, but typically, they are taking their time about it. I actually believe more people will come out once that has kicked in, which is the opposite to what many others believe. Above all, seeing a band or solo artist can change your life.
