SAM OUTLAW 2015
Sam Outlaw is a southern Californian singer-songwriter steeped in the music and mythos of west coast country, absorbing the classic vibes of everything from ’60s Bakersfield honky-tonk to ’70s Laurel Canyon troubadour pop and refashioning them into a sound that’s pleasurably past, present and future tense. Born in South Dakota as Sam Morgan, he is now based in Los Angeles. Outlaw is his mother’s maiden name.
While still relatively new to the scene, 2014 was a pivotal year for Sam. CMT premiered his first-ever music video, after which his second music video “Friends Don’t Let Friends Drink (And Fall In Love)” became a viral hit (who doesn’t love seeing kids sing about whiskey and women?!).
Word spread about Sam’s self-released EP and live shows throughout Southern California and this buzz earned him a slot at The Stagecoach Festival in the Coachella Valley. He followed up this appearance with his Nashville debut at the world-renowned live music showcase, Music City Roots. He spent the summer writing new songs and returned to Nashville in the Fall as a featured artist at AmericanaFest. He recently opened for Justin Townes Earle during his last Australian tour.
Sam’s debut full-length album, “Angeleno” was produced by roots music legend Ry Cooder, and features some of LA’s finest musicians including Bo Koster (My Morning Jacket), Taylor Goldsmith (Dawes), Gabe Witcher (Punch Brothers), Danny Garcia (Reverend Baron) as well as Jeremy Long (pedal steel), and Joachim Cooder (drums and co-producer).
Joining Sam Outlaw will be Jonny Fritz and Shelly Colvin (both also appearing at Out on the Weekend).
No stranger to Out on the Weekend, the charismatic Jonny Fritz is back this October after his much celebrated performances at last year’s inaugural Melbourne event and side shows with good buddy Robert Ellis.
Tours with Alabama Shakes, Dawes, Deer Tick and Australia’s own Wagons, means this is one guy who knows how to put on a live show. His third studio album ‘Dad Country’ was co-produced by Dawes’ Taylor Goldsmith, which means this Nashville songwriter will again have a load of pals with him on the road this Out on the Weekend.
Some artists make a choice to pursue music, and some are just born into it. As the daughter of a music minister, talented singer-songwriter Shelly Colvin absolutely falls into the latter category.
Mixing a relaxed, seventies country rock vibe with sweeping, breathy vocals that fall somewhere between Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt and Hope Sandoval (Mazzy Star), Shelly creates an inviting sound that is both reminding and refreshing.
Joining Sam Outlaw, Jonny Fritz and Shelly Colvin as their backing band, will be the Out on the Weekend House Band. Leading the band on guitar, mandolin and vocals is the incredible Robert Ellis who was nominated three times at the 2014 Americana Honors & Awards. The King of Lower Broad in Nashville, Josh Hedley, will dazzle on the fiddle accompanied by his sweet vocals. Slippin’ and slidin’ between pedal steel and banjo comes Will Van Horn. Kelly Doyle will manage electric guitar duties tailoring licks and tones for all musical needs. On the skins, Michael “Tank” Lisenbe will be the master tubwacker, keeping time and doing it fine. On the electric bass, Geoffrey Muller completes the rhythm section stylishly. We’re lucky enough to be connected to some of the best players in the Americana world, so why not flaunt it!
TOUR DATES
16/10/15
Meeniyan, VIC
Meeniyan Town Hall
Supported by Shelly Colvin & Jonny Fritz
18/10/15
Melbourne, VIC
Northcote Social Club
Supported by Shelly Colvin & Jonny Fritz
21/10/15
Adelaide, SA
Grace Emily Hotel
Supported by Hana and Jessie (The Sloe Ruin)
25/10/15
Sydney, NSW
Newtown Social Club
Supported by Jonny Fritz & Shelly Colvin