www.facebook.com/sourmashrocks1
From: Pennsylvania
Sounds like: Rock
1. How did you get started with music and how did you develop your sound? How did the name "SourMash" come about and is there any meaning to it?
I think each of us in this band began our musical journeys in different ways, but we all were influenced by others in a way that instilled a strong passion for creating and performing. The sound of Sourmash came from a combination of each of our early influences of classic rock, southern rock, hard rock, and blues. The chemistry of the band kind of dictates what sounds right for each song, while the wide range of influences does not limit how we write and perform.
The name Sourmash kind of symbolizes that blend of ingredients that helps to produce something powerful and smooth. It also speaks to our lifestyle of having a good time and enjoying the good things in life – music, motorcycles, and good whiskey.
2. What do you want people to take away from your music?
Our music is usually about real-life experiences. We hope that our listeners can connect in some way that speaks to some part of them – either by a similar experience, an emotional connection, an escape from their day-to-day, or even just a rhythm that makes them move. We want our audience to walk away with a smile on their faces and always wanting more.
3. How would you describe your sound to the average listener?
Our music is very much a guitar-driven style with a strong rhythm section. It is similar to classic rock of the 70s, but with a bit of a harder edge.
4. Who are three bands you’d like to tour with?
This is a tough, tough question. From our influences and where our music would be most suitable – I imagine we would fit very well with bands like Blue Oyster Cult, Blackberry Smoke, and Blackstone Cherry. Not a bad selection of bands beginning with B.
5. How has Covid affected what you do?
The Covid crisis was actually good for our business in some ways. We reacted quickly during the shutdown and changed the way we operated. We added live-streaming tech and did some full concerts online during that time. It improved our stage presence and overall show. We marketed better with online sales as well. We used the downtime to write and record some new material. And quite honestly, we performed a lot of live shows during that time – just not always the normal indoor venue stuff.
6. What’s your take on the current state of Rock?
Just like anything that becomes a talking point in the news, the whole ‘Rock is dead’ thing came from a sound bite taken out of context of the whole statement. When Gene Simmons was talking about rock being dead, he was speaking to the role of record companies today being much different than they were in the heyday and how streaming is hurting the artists. Rock is very much alive and well. It is a musical style and an attitude that will never go away. Right now, there is a ton of great rock music in the independent scene. Just go listen to so many incredible artists with FTD. Support original, independent artists. Because that is where the creativity lives and new music is born.
7. What’s the current music scene like there in Pennsylvania?
There are so many amazing musicians in our little corner of Western PA. The scene is thriving, and we get tons of support from the communities and venues. However, I feel the many (not all) promoters, media, and radio stations are really missing the mark. Whether it is a lack of understanding, corporate influence or indifference, I am not sure. This place could really explode if more support came from those folks though.
8. What’s your take on the royalties that streaming services pay out to artists?
To coincide with what we discussed about the state of rock - I truly think that audiences today have changed more than the business. Accessibility to music is so widespread that they often expect music to be free or cheap. Capitalism is a complex entity. The market demand determines price. While streaming services offer very low royalty rates, the reason is partially about audience access and demand. Because access to free music is so easy, the demand gets watered down and the royalty rates fall. For us, while we play the game and post our music on the streaming services, we try to promote our downloads from our website as well as physical sales.
9. What’s next for SourMash?
We have so much on our plate. A new album is in the works along with more performances, events, videos… whatever it takes to grow the brand and get our music heard.
10. Any shoutouts?
Huge shout to our families for the love and always having our backs. Scott our roadie. He is a big part of this band and makes our lives much easier. And to all our friends and followers for the tremendous support.
