Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Holt.
Hi Sam, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My musical career really started when I got the job as the guitar technician for the band Widespread Panic. In 2002 lead guitarist, songwriter and founding member, Michael Houser, passed away from pancreatic cancer. After his death I played with Panic many times and started my own band called Outformation based out of Atlanta. Michael encouraged me to play music. He told me several times I should quit being a guitar tech and play my music. His passing was a huge loss for many, many people.
In Summer of 2006 I took over the lead guitar duties for Widespread Panic. In the Fall of 2006 I helped to transition their new permanent guitar player, Jimmy Herring, into playing with the band.
My band, Outformation, released our first album called “Tennessee Before Daylight” in 2005. The record was produced by JoJo Hermann who is the keyboard player for Widespread Panic, JoJo also played all the keyboards on the album.
In 2005 and 2006 Outformation toured whenever I was not out with Panic. I was on the road non stop for a few years, I hardly ever unpacked my suitcase.
I left Widespread in 2007 and concentrated solely on Outformation for the next 3 years. We recorded and released the album Traveler’s Rest in 2007. The title track was co-written by JoJo Hermann and Outformation. JoJo lent his keyboards to that song as well.
After Outformation decided to call it quits, I moved to Boulder, CO in 2010 and formed the Sam Holt Band. We released the record, “Southern Angels” in 2012. The song Southern Angels features John Bell from Widespread Panic on vocals. Danny Hutchens from Bloodkin and I co-wrote the song Fix It Up Man. Danny sings on that track and adds harmony vocals to several other songs on that record.
In September of 2014 the current line up of the Sam Holt Band came together with Ross Parker on bass, Adam Grace on keys and vocals, and Jeremy Ward on drums and vocals. We began our Remembering Mikey shows which are a mix of Widespread Panic songs Michael Houser wrote, songs from Michael’s posthumous solo album “Sandbox” and some of my original material that was written for and inspired by Houser. We continue to play these shows as a way to honor Michael and give fans a glimpse of his spirit and music that touched so many people.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have been challenges all along. My former band, Outformation, had many late nights and long drives. A lot of times those ended up being the best shows. We would be dead tired, worn out, playing to a half full room and we’d catch some spark that would ignite us. We went broke and eventually moved on to other things. I was lucky enough to keep playing music anywhere I could. Those difficult times are some of my favorite memories of being on the road. We still are in contact with each other. We text each other about some crazy thing that happened 20 years ago and laugh. I really wouldn’t trade those times for anything.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a guitarist, singer and songwriter. One thing I am proud of is my part in working with the band Widespread Panic during their most difficult period. After Mike Houser passed away, I was in the rehearsal room with the new guitar player going over the songs and set list with him almost every night.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice for a musician jst starting out would be, don’t stop and keep going. I read an interview with Franl Zappa and he pretty much said that.
It will be hard and draining, but keep going, keep showing up. Also, play with as many people as you can. You will usually learn something different from different people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://samholtband.com
- Instagram: @samholtband
- Facebook: @samholtband
- Twitter: @samholtband
- Youtube: @samholtband
Image Credits
1st pic – Christion Stewart
the other 3 are watermarked
the poster image is by JT Lucchesi
