Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sammy Burke. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sammy, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
I had developed a successful routine as a bassist. Playing in one of Orange County’s most popular cover bands, we had residencies at nearly a dozen venues throughout the county. People would follow us from club to club, week after week. It was consistent work, as clubs would book out the twelve months in advance. But something was lacking.
It was what someone told me as a ‘closed shop’ – little interaction with other musicians, and zero chance of growth. Being ‘OC’s Favorite Cover Band’ (OC Register, `1995) was the pinnacle of our career.
So, I tested the waters… Looked at ads on Craigslist and Music Connection, and I found work playing in the tribute band scene. And then the real jump came when I started putting myself out into the LA ‘jam scene’. This was the opportunity to play with touring pros and work my way into even bigger bands. This meant coming home late on school nights, staying away from my wife and kids, all while trying to obtain some form of wider recognition.
Sammy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’ve been a working musician in and around Los Angeles for over 40 years. I began my career in the studios as a recording engineer, and playing in local cover bands. For the past 15 years, I’ve moved into more diverse ventures including playing in a number of bands that pay tribute to artists like Pat Benatar, Billy Idol, Pink Floyd, Foreigner, and many more, I also collaborate with John McCloy and Fred Shook in our original project, and I’ve been running a showcase jam in the Valley for the past 3 years.
I’ve also had the pleasure of performing with so many great artists including Stanley Jordan, Kenwood Dennard (Brand X, Jaco Pastorius), Walter Ino (Survivor), Mike Glendenning (Oingo Boingo Dance Party), Matt Laug (AC/DC, The Firm, Manfred Mann), Jim Wheeler (Kenny Loggins), Jimmy Keegan (Spock’s Beard, Asia), Jimmy Paxson (Stevie Nicks, Edgar Winter, Alanis Morrisett), Matt Fuller (Puddle of Mudd, Bow Wow Wow), and Glen Sobel (Alice Cooper).
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Covid was a major pivot in my life. Back in February of 2020 everything was firing on all cylinders for me. I was getting calls to record, perform, and tour. And then the entire world stopped. We couldn’t leave the house, and live music venues were closed (and some of them never reopened). All I ever wanted to do was play music for other people and that opportunity was taken away.
I looked around my house and all I saw were musical instruments, video cameras, and my computer… all just sitting there. That’s when it hit me – I had nothing but time, and the skills to record music, shoot and edit videos, and the platform to upload it all to social media. So, I began creating a series of ‘Quarantine Life’ videos – songs that I loved playing and singing over the years. The videos would include some humor and maybe just a touch of the reality of living in an isolated world.
These videos launched an entirely new career path for me. I now add video editing and music production as two more facets to my skillset.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, there is no greater reward than the appreciation from my peers. If you’re in this business to make money, get ready to be poor for a very long time. I love the videos I’ve made – each one is like a baby that I’ve sent out into the world to become it’s own living thing. And when the people who I’ve admired through the years come back to tell me how much they appreciate *my* work, well that’s the greatest reward anyone can ever have.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sj-bass.wixsite.com/sjbass
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sj_bass
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sjbass63/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-burke-59a7b6a
- Twitter: https://x.com/sjbass
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SammyBurke
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=sh0IQmmXOAbmZjSoqZYmgw
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/sammy-burke-3
Image Credits
Sal Gomez, Manny Dominguez, Lisa Simon, Don Adkins