Doors open from 8pm ( First act 9pm )
New Zealand rock-country singer/songwriter Sam Bartells is ready to hit the road for three dates this October, taking in Whangarei on Friday 2nd October, before heading to Hamilton on Saturday 3rd October and finishing in Auckland on the following Friday 9th October.
LET’S GO is Sam Bartells debut EP, recorded in Nashville at Sound Kitchen Studios after a trip there last September set the wheels in motion for this talented rock-country artist. ”It was an amazing experience recording in Nashville with such talented musicians, like Billy Ray Cyrus’ guitarist Chris Condon, and (producer) Dr Ford”, says Bartells. Fueled by fight, passion and purpose, his unique blend of alt-rock and country music is filled with grit and raw emotion, an authenticity captured by Dr Ford and now ready to be shared with arms open wide to a live audience.
For these shows, Bartells will perform with his talented four-piece band, playing all the tracks off the EP and more. Special guests include alt-folk duo Velvet Arrow, country-pop sensation Grace Kelly and musician Jason Slade, who will round off the bill to deliver a night of solid musicianship and great songs.
Earlier this year, the first single from Let’s Go, ‘Blessed + Broken’, was released. A dark, moody rock song that is ultimately uplifting, it was penned during a low point in Bartells life. Struggling through his addictions and fears, in the hope of being renewed and starting afresh, ‘Blessed + Broken’ marks the end of a tumultuous time in his life to an openness of now travelling the road to redemption and sobriety.
So Bartells is now at a point of renewal and change, and his remarkable journey will be further explored with the release of more new tracks in the next months, leading up to the EP launch on 2nd October, so watch this space for new music.
For now though, it’s all about finishing off LET’S GO and preparing for the shows. As Bartells says “I have hand-picked my session band for their unique skills and qualities to complement every song, and I’m looking forward to sharing my songs with a live audience. I can't wait for this all to explode on stage!” Let the story begin!
“NZ singer songwriter Sam Bartells captures the heartfelt spirit of determination… clarity and forgiveness in the gripping single ‘Blessed + Broken’. Stirring vocals like Chris Cornell, with the sincerity of Bob Seger, Bartells’ voice pierces the listener’s hearts.” – SKOPE MAGAZINE, USA
