INTERVIEW BY JOE FITZPATRICK
PHOTOS BY KLW PHOTO!
Though their origins begin with classical music, the trio known as OPUS 99 from the Hampton Roads area has united under the anthem of punk rock. Based out of Virginia Beach, guitarist and vocalist claims to have been walking down the street playing his acoustic one September evening when his future bassist Blue Rivers skateboarded up to him and became instant friends. Blue introduced Sammy to his mutual friend Genghis Twan, who is usually simply referred to as Twan, and he eventually became the band’s drummer. There was instant chemistry between the three, and they have since sought to play happy-go-lucky punk songs. The band has only been together since 2012, but they have big plans ahead. I spoke with them about what the future holds for them.
I read your bio on your Facebook page. How much of that is true?
Sammy: I think 5% of it is real. It’s a random story that I came up with.
Blue: I think all of it is true (laughs).
What is the meaning behind your album title Nice Coat, Nice Sheen?
Blue: I am an avid cat lover. One day this guy came up to us with his cat, and I started getting real friendly with it, then I said to the cat (in a surfer dude tone), “Nice coat, nice sheen brah.” (laughs). After that, it kinda stuck, so we kept it for the album title.
Why did you choose to name your band OPUS 99?
Blue: Basically an opus is a musical work, and the 99 refers to the last, greatest piece of work. I studied classical music at Montgomery College in Rockville, MD the same time that TORI AMOS was going there.
You guys seem to be really close friends with the guys in HOLLY WOULD… Are there any other local bands in particular you have a strong relationship with?
Blue: We are close with a few bands—SNIFFING GLUE, THE PORNADOS, and THE AFTERTHOUGHT STRANGER. We go to shows to support each other and support the local scene.
How was your last show with HOLLY WOULD… at Shakas on February 26th?
Blue: It was a bit rough for us. The last show we played before that was in October when we opened for AARON CARTER, so we were a bit rusty.
Sammy: It was definitely a good crowd though, and HOLLY WOULD… was amazing.
Do you have any shows coming up soon?
Blue: This Friday (February 28th) we are playing with THE CEMETARY BOYS at Belmont House of Smoke in Norfolk. We will be playing in our brightest day glow to bring some happiness to the crowd before they play their spooky, horror rock.
Sammy: On March 9th we will be back at Shakas for another local music show.
When you guys aren’t making music, do you have any day jobs?
Sammy: I am an assistant manager of a pet store, Blue works as the CFO of a car dealership, and Twan does flooring and tiling.
Twan: All day, every day (laughs).
Please explain the story behind your song “Worthless”.
Sammy: I wrote it when I was down in the dumps at a time when I felt worthless and nothing was going right for me. I hope someone can relate to it and understand what I was going through.
What is next for OPUS 99?
Sammy: We will be making a video for our other song “You go, Glen Coco”, and we plan on getting out of the local area.
Where do you plan to tour?
Sammy: We want to go up and down the east coast, and see what other opportunities are out there.
Great Article Great Band Great Sound fun in concert