Today we’d like to introduce you to Joe Sambataro.
Joe, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in a musical family! My father is a bass player and kind of raised me and my brothers on Funk and Soul music. My mom is a great singer (even though she’ll never admit that) but I like to think I got my voice from my mom! I started singing at a young age but had a terrible fear of crowds. It wouldn’t be until I was around 9 where I finally found the courage to sing in front of people. I sang I Feel Good from James Brown!
When I was 16 to about 22 I was in a Metal band called Spies Like Us, where I got a taste of the road life. Thant band gave me lots of great memories but also valuable lessons about how tough it is out there. During that time I found a love for reggae music.
Through that, I rediscovered the sublime. Which quickly became my main inspiration. Mixing the rhythm and the soul, with hints of punk and rock and roll. With my background in the metal scene, Sublime just spoke to me. Which led to my next band with my brother Tony, my cousin Chris, and our brother from another mother Greg.
We formed my first reggae endeavor Joe Sambo and The Goonz. We played for a couple of years and played some pivotal shows that helped me get where I am today. All the members being a few years older than me, they all were married and started families!
Which is amazing because that brought me my niece Olivia and my titan of a nephew JD. Family is a big part of my life obviously! With the support from them, I now identify as a solo artist “Joe Sambo”, playing reggae/rock music all over New England. Solo or you can see me live with my friends The Quins. Who are a killer rock band from Boston, but also play with me when they’re not being rock stars on their own!
I’m currently working on my first full-length record entitled “The Wrong Impression” projected to be out this fall. Recorded at Revelry Studios in Manchester, NH. Featuring members of Reel Big Fish, Roots Of Creation, and Big D and The Kids Table.
I’m extremely lucky to have the support system I’ve had through my music career thus far, and I’ll continue to work hard and make everybody proud. I love my mom!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Being on the road with Spies Like Us was a hard time. A broke metal band that signed a really bad deal to a terrible record label. But out of it I have lifelong friendships and got a whole lot of hands-on experience at a young age.
Please tell us about Joe Sambo.
I’m a singer, I perform Reggae/Rock music. I love to sing and I think what sets me apart from others in my voice.
Being inspired by a variety of different artist. From Metallica to Tower Of Power. I find inspiration from any style or genre. That versatility has got me lots of work in the jingle industry, singing on commercials for companies like Subaru and Autofair.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
My path is my path. Each decision I’ve made in my life, right or wrong made me the person and musician I am today
Contact Info:
- Email: joesambomusic@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/joesambomusic
- Facebook: Facebook.com/joesambomusic
Image Credit:
Gateful Owl Photography, B. Marchulaitis Photography, Erik Fralick Photography, Hannah B Photography
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