What made you decide to become an artist?
Think I was doing homework when I was 17 or something, and I had a bit of a meltdown and realised I’d rather be making music than doing whatever assignment I had to do. This is my solo project I write all the songs and live I have a brill band that plays them with me, Red Shakes is my alias but my name is Sam Da Silva.
Whats one question you’re sick of being asked when interviewed?
How I came up with the name, it’s not a good story and I feel like I’m disappointing the interviewer
Which one is the biggest pain in the arse? (Lateness, forgets stuff etc.)
In terms of the live band we all have our bad habits and mess around a fair bit, I think we’re all bad and and one of us is good, my drummer Sami, always punctual.
What is the unsigned scene in Bradford like at the minute?
Pretty small, there aren’t many bands around it’s mostly all happening around Leeds.
What good bands are coming out of Bradford at the minute?
More Leeds bands and surrounding areas I would say, askies, Skylights, The Simones, Full colour (they are brill)
How easy or difficult do you find picking up new fans to come to your gigs?
I think it’s about advertising yourself or offering something different at your gigs to get people to come.
If your fans could remember one thing about you what would it be?
Maybe stage antics? I’ve done the odd daft thing like crowdsurf and moshing instead of actually singing the songs.
What useless talent do you have/ party trick?
Oddly close stitch impression (lilo and stitch)
What was the most fun you have had on stage?
I once went to an open mic after a couple of drinks and we had people from the bar on stage singing songs it was hilarious
What was the worst experience on stage?
Probably the first proper gig I was playing and my guitar straight up stopped working but we somehow made it work
Tell us something about you that you think people would be surprised about?
I am Trilingual , Im Less depressed than I look in music videos , My Immense love of Rizzle kicks
Best drink to have on stage?
I want to say a pint but let’s say water
Who is the biggest named band you have played with?
Couple years ago now I played a gig with Red Rum Club, they played glasto and are gonna be supporting circa waves.
What goes into your favourite sandwich?
Meatball marinara with melted cheese, nothing else.
What advice would you give someone going into the music industry?
Do your research and trust your gut with the information
What advise would you give your younger self?
Try to do stuff more professionally
What makes you stand out as an artist?
I’m a solo artist with a bit of an image thing that runs alongside my music, all the red art and themes and all that
Right now, whats pissing you of the most? (Cant say the virus)
Forgetting my bloody mask every time I leave the house
Tell us about a time when you had a proper reyt laugh while you were all together?
Once went on a night out after a gig and I ended up seeing a massive rat casually strolling about like bloody ratatouille, we should have been scared but we couldn’t help but laugh.
Whats your favourite song to play live?
Probably a song called nothing in the morning, it’s coming out early next year
I hear you have a new single brewing, what can you tell us about it?
It’s called around the world, it’s about wanting to be out and being tired of your surroundings, there’s a little video that was shot kind of alongside the themes of the song.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
Let’s do some crazy gigs once the virus blows over and enjoy the tunes x