Interview with Sam Marder of Keywest

Interview with Sam Marder of Keywest

I have to be honest and say, it's been a while since I was this excited for an interview. With an album that went straight to number one here in Ireland, a tour on the way, and a growing fanbase, Keywest are certainly a force to be reckoned with.

I chatted to bass guitarist Sam Marder to talk about the bands success with the new album, the up and coming gigs and the busking on the world famous Grafton Street in Dublin. But.. let's start with the album, 'Joyland'!

"We were delighted to get the number one spot! We felt very honoured and proud of ourselves and our fans who have supported us through thick and thin. The first number one album for our band was certainly a big part of our career so far. 

A lot of people around us have reacted with a kind of "You've made it now!" type of attitude, the funny thing is as much of an accomplishment it is, it only encouraged us to get back on the street and further promote Joyland and keep it up their at the top for another week! We had no chance to celebrate. It was a kick in our arses showing us what we were capable of and how we could push this further and compete with the likes of major label artists in our own way!"

It's important to note that this success hasn't just been recognised in Ireland, the band actually had to add another date to play in London in November due to the phenomenal demand, something Sam is understandably delighted with!

"2 dates in London is very cool, we were really excited adding the UK dates onto our tour this year, especially seeing as the London dates are a homecoming gig for the three of us English lads in the band! 
I suppose we are probably the last people to realise and come to terms with how its truly coming together, but every now and again I get a clue and kind of stand back and think, "wow, there is actually a crowd here and they know all of our songs?". Its a really great feeling. Much like playing guitar hero, but in real life! But to be honest, a lot of daily life feels like a lot of hard work, like it's always been!"

Keywest will travel around Ireland and the UK on a tour in the months of November and December (I'll stick the dates and venues down on the bottom of the page) and the bass player admits that live performances hold a particular soft spot in the band's heart.

"We love performing live, its the raw energy that we have gotten hooked to! We have great interaction and banter with our fans too over all our social media, so sometimes our shows feel like just a giant party with a lot of mates!"

And when the guys aren't playing packed out shows, you can find them on the streets, busking! Which, again, is something that Sam says is very special to the band!

"Busking is an experience! You never know whats gonna happen or who's gonna turn up, good or bad! 
However, while pulling those crowds on the street, I always feel amazed we've managed to capture the attention of people going about their daily business, while they are in the stress of shopping or commuting on the grey street. 
We've managed to capture the attention of a person and do something great together for the 15 minutes we've had them stand still and just listen and enjoy music. Its cool, its like you might have made a really positive impression on their day! Well we hope positive!!! Hopefully we are doing a good service for the community!"

So far, whether it be busking, in the studio recording, or doing gigs, it seems to be paying off for the band, so much so that they were awarded the 2015 Hot Press Most Promising Act!

"It was quite the achievement, to be honest, its our fans we have to thank for winning that one! I suppose winning that was a part of us getting the cover for Hotpress later on too! So we have our fans to thank for that also!"

Something tells me that won't be the last award this band scoops, especially with the drive and determination Sam portrays when it comes to talking about Keywest's future plans.

"What we've done so far has been off the efforts from our own back! We are an independent band! We want this to keep going and growing, so the plan for 2016 will to be travel and start branching out the same we have done here. Take to news streets in different lands and take to the internet and try and cause a stir!! Potentially we might introduce someone else to our entourage in the way of a licensing deal or something for abroad, but we'll see what 2016 has in store for us! Either way, we are happy to go it alone as usual too!"

If you haven't already checked these guys out, take my word for it, you are missing out. Here is how you can do so... Actually, I'll let Sam explain!

"Set me up for the plug, I love it! Joyland is available for order from HMV Ireland or in any of their stores, also it's available from iTunes, Google Play, Spotify and all the other usual suspects!
However, if you want to hear Joyland live, you will have to get a ticket to our UK and Ireland Winter Tour from www.ticketmaster.ie or www.ticketmaster.co.uk
The songs from Joyland were crafted on the street and inspired by the busking. We use a lot of that inherent acoustic driven rhythm that we felt drew people to us most effectively! And the songs are a collection of experiences. If you've ever heard us on the street and enjoyed it, I'm sure you will love Joyland. If not, I recommend you try it anyway!"

KEYWEST UK AND IRELAND WINTER TOUR DATES

Nov 13 - Belfast

Nov 18 - Liverpool

Nov 19 - Birmingham

Nov 20 - London (sold out)

Nov 21 - London (sold out)

Nov 27 - Killarney

Dec 04 - Cork

Dec 05 - Limerick

Dec 10 - Waterford

Dec 12 - Galway

Dec 15 - Dublin (sold out)

Dec 16 - Dublin

P.S You'll catch me at the Waterford gig! Be sure to say hi!

EOIN!