By Jeb Wright

Sammy Lee is the drummer of Red Reign, a band that is hell bent on keeping real rock alive and well. This band really is dedicated to all things hard rock. They are playing their asses off across the nation making a name. They have shared the bill with bands like Tesla, Jackyl and more.

The band has just released a new video and has a killer album for sale. 

Look at the end of this interview for links.  And… enjoy the tunes…and the interview.

Jeb: Let’s talk about the new video…but before that fill me up to the minute with what Red Reign is up to?

Sam: Hey Jeb, good to talk to you again. Things are going great. As you mentioned, we just released the video for the title track “Red Reign” and working on more shows and writing new material as well.

Jeb: The song “Red Reign” is a modern meets classic metal major riffage type of tune…and it is the name of the band.

Sam: The song is all about attitude. When a person just can’t take anymore and is so pissed and overwhelmed that his fury is unleashed. We recorded the Video at Riverside Cemetery overlooking the river/city.

Jeb: Is there any connection between your band name and the Peter Gabriel song “Red Rain?”  I imagine not…but ya never know till you ask!

Sam: [Laughing] No, none at all…..but I do like his song.

Jeb: Summerbash is a nice gig for you isn’t it?

Sam: It is. We always enjoy being on the road and playing with great acts on this bill like Billy Morris, TUFF and Every Mother’s Nightmare. We love playing and meeting new people who enjoy our music.

Jeb: The dates with Jackyl will be fun. I know  Jesse…there will be free alcohol backstage! Well… he may try to sell you his own label…but drop my name…and maybe you can sample for free.

Sam: I will definitely do that to get a drink…and be able to have a shot with Jesse.

Jeb: How is the EP doing? 

Sam: EP is doing great…So far, we have be very fortunate that people seem to love the band and the sound.

Jeb: I absolutely love “White is Love For.”  Talk about that.

Sam: Well, you know every hard rock band has to have a ballad. This is our version of a relationship with a lot of feeling, but know that it will not last

Jeb: “Toxic” is awesome too.

Sam: Thanks. “Toxic” is just a great rock song……

Jeb: The dude who produced this EP is kinda famous… David Ivory.  How did that happen and what’s he like to work with?

Sam: Working with David was just awesome. We were really comfortable with David because instead of telling us what we needed to do, he allowed us to keep the integrity of the song with his spin on it. He made the songs flow better and made us better songwriters.

Jeb: For those not in the know…tell me about each band member…what they play…and who is the bad guy of the band.

Sam: Carlton “Bubba” McMichael is lead singer and guitar. Stevie Shred is on back up vocals and lead guitar. Larry Moore sings backup vocals and plays bass. Then there is…me….Sammy Lee on drums. We are lucky because we are all go from all good to bad.

Jeb: You’re been getting some good gigs. Tesla….Quiet Riot… I thought rock ‘n’ roll was dead?

Sam: I know, right? But it is not dead! There are so many great rock bands out there and people have to start going to see them. Unfortunately our hero rock bands are starting to fade out. We need to keep rock n roll alive…we are trying to do our part.

Jeb: Will there be a new album soon?

Sam: There will be a new album, but probably not soon. We are concentrating on live show so we can get more people to know our music and the band.

Jeb: If you had to name five bands the influenced Red Reign….who would they be?

Sam: Van Halen, Aerosmith, Queensryche, Dokken and…The Jackson 5. Just kidding on the last one but you get the idea of what type of bands influenced us.

Jeb:  I hear Queensryche for sure.

Sam: Yep, I love that band.

Jeb: I take it Van Halen with Dave…not Sam. 

Sam: Okay…so Van Halen is my favorite band. These guys changed my life and outlook as a kid. I am a huge fan…but there is only ONE Van Halen and hat is the Diamond Dave Van Halen! I like Sammy…but not in Van Halen.

Jeb: What’s the best part about being a band like Red Reign?

Sam: Freedom. We love what we do. We all get along and we all enjoy being on stage with each other…and we can perform original songs and not have someone tell us something different!

Jeb:  What’s the most frustrating thing?

Sam: It’s frustrating to know that we have toured and played with some major acts and yet it is still a struggle to get more shows…that needs to change.

Jeb:  Last one: What is your top honor so far in this band…and what is your end game goal?

Sam:  My top Honor is playing a show and hearing one person tell me they love our songs. It is one of the best feelings I’ve ever felt because it is hard to write original songs. You put your heart and soul into it and then play live to be judged. Our end game is to be playing shows and making a worldwide name for Red Reign….and to play big festivals too.

Jeb:  Okay…really last one…Did David Ivory introduce you to Lizzy Hale?  Dude…

Sam:  No…and I am still mad at him about that!

http://redreignband.com/
https://www.facebook.com/RedReignBand/