Sam Goodwill Plays Across the Pond

 

By Billy Ludt

The Youngstown alternative rock group Sam Goodwill is heading to Europe in late April for their first international tour.

Front man Sam Buonavolonta answered some questions about the tour, his experience with music and the history of Sam Goodwill.

How long have you been playing/performing music as Sam Goodwill?

I think that the first Sam Goodwill show was in 2004 at an open mic night at the Nyabinghi.

Who all performs within Sam Goodwill?

We range from a core four piece to a six piece: Bob Young, Richie Bernaki, Seth Basista, Dave Knowlden and Dean Anshutz

When did you begin playing music?

I started playing drums when I was a kid, 4 years old or so. I started playing in my first band when I was in my early teens as a drummer.

What kind of music did you listen to growing up?

Growing up, we were kind of a top 40’s household. No one in my family had their ear to the ground, but everyone loved music in their own way. My dad actually listened to Polka music and would have Polka jam sessions in the basement with his friends. I think that things changed for me when I heard Nirvana for the first time, I was around 12 years old. Prior to that moment, I didn’t realize that music could cut so deeply or be that exciting.

How long has the European tour been in the works?

We’ve been sending out proposals for this particular tour since the end of last year. The first attempt to book a tour overseas was about three years ago.

Who will be joining you on the Euro Tour?

Bob will be joining me on percussion for about a week, and the rest will be solo shows. The entire tour I’ll be opening for Viking Moses.

How many dates are you guys playing?

Dates are still being confirmed, but I think 22 dates are currently booked.

Do you guys play a lot of shows outside of Ohio?

We’ve done a few small tours on the East Coast and throughout the Midwest.

Tell me about Historian Recording Co.

It’s my studio. I primarily work in sound design and dialog mixing for films. I occasionally record bands, and sometimes we throw in-studio shows for touring artists passing through.

Do you have any upcoming releases?

Right now I’m finishing up recording two new songs as a tour EP. There are plans for other releases that will be happening this year as well.

Sam Goodwill will also perform Saturday in Penguin Productions’ second Federal Frenzy in downtown Youngstown, with Reel Big Fish and Vinyl Theatre, an indie rock group.