New hard rock blues band SAMARKIND‘s lead single Sun Stroke Heart doesn’t miss a beat. Wasting no time introducing itself with locked down grooves, layers of quality soundscapes and stunning, memorable melody hooks weaving a tapestry throughout the track. Classic yet undeniably modern in its delivery, this is a true musical treat for rock fans.
The multi-national group, which features charismatic Irish frontman David Paul Byrne (formally singer for successful hard rock band Assassin and featured vocalist on 80’s cult movie ‘Trick Or Treat’ starring Ozzy Osbourne and Gene Simmons), showcase sublime vocals which are accompanied by the talents of sensational Polish guitarist Michal Kulbaka, Ireland’s Mark Dempsey on bass guitar, and South African born drummer Marius Appelgryn.
Recorded at Westland Studio in Dublin with producer Alwyn Walker: Samarkind are currently putting the final touches to their debut album, with a release date set to be announced for later this year. You check out the video for their debut single below!
We caught up with the band as they talked about the single and more!
How has the launch of Samarkind gone down with fans so far?
Although only just released the response has been amazing, the amount of messages and likes etc. has been fantastic and so looking forward to the public hearing the rest of the album.
Tell us a little bit about the first single and video ‘Sun Stroke Heart’
Myself and Michal always wanted the first single from the album to have impact, I had a basic idea for a tempo and key and Michal came up with the riff, lyrically its not aimed at anyone directly, however am sure everyone has felt a bit let down by someone in their past.The video was shot in Westland studios in Dublin by the fantastic Hyland brothers Christopher and Mark, we had always loved their work with Black Star Riders and Europe we had been friends socially for a while so to work with them was a no brainer.
Any particular highlights in the studio while recording this song? What was the funniest moment?
As am sure most music people will agree its those hair on the back of the neck moments when the song comes together and you know its a winner and think we have had a few of those on this record. The studio had a few interns working on the record, youngsters getting their first studio experience it was like being on a building site relentlessly winding them up with false tales of satanic orgies criminal acts and general piss taking.
Will Samarkind be on tour at all soon?
We had plans to hit the festival scene this summer, however the recording over ran a bit so we have missed out this year but hopefully you shall see us hitting the road in the Uk and Ireland later in the year.
If you could work with any band on a new song, who would it be and why?
I’ve always been a riff guy and always loved the dynamic between a virtuoso guitarist and singer so it would have to be a Jimmy Page or Richie Blackmore thing however if Rival Sons are doing nothing next week!!
What was your first gig that you ever went to?
Status Quo. The night that changed my life, I was only a child when I went to see the Quo in Ireland, I was blown away by the power and volume Quo were still a hard rockin blues band then, after that it was all I ever wanted to do.
What do you like to get up to in your spare time?
Whats spare time?……..lol am quite a social animal so a couple of beers with the boys is always fun, me and the Mrs are big into our rugby too so we try to get out to see Leinster and Ireland when we can and of course Dublin at Gaelic football and hurling.
David, how was it touring with the likes of Def Leppard and Status Quo to name a few during your time in the band Assasin?
I’ve been lucky enough to have been around quite a few names in my time and can honestly say have been treated fantastically well by most, bizzare moments such as chatting to Manowar bassist Joey DeMaio in a corridor with him in leather underwear sticks in the mind and opening for Def Leppard when its Rick Allens first show on his own with one arm was a highlight. I think most bands and tour managers live by the rule of “treat others as you would treat yourself”.