INTERVIEW BY JOE FITZPATRICK
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CHAD BAILEY
Some people may argue that it is sinful to drink beer and rock out to heavy metal; however, the members of S.I.N.N., which is short for STRANDED IN NEWPORT NEWS, are proponents of doing just that. Since forming in 1998, the band has undergone a couple lineup changes, but now they are stronger than ever. The band consists of lead guitarist and vocalist Chad Bailey, bassist and vocalist Chris Smith, and Nate Ridenhour. The metal/thrash trio recently claimed victory in the battle of the bands to open for FM99’s Lunatic Luau in Virginia Beach. If you are attending the festival, they are scheduled to play today at 2:45 p.m. We spoke with Bailey to learn more about S.I.N.N., their love for IPA beers, and their thoughts on the local music scene.
Congratulations on winning the FM99 Battle of the Bands for Lunatic Luau 14. What were the keys to your success in the competition?
All of our friends and family showing up. We didn’t play until 11:00 p.m., and we were so grateful for everyone that hung out and cheered for us. We couldn’t have done it without them.
How does it feel to be representing the local metal scene for this festival?
It’s awesome! We have been together for 16 years grinding on our own and booking our own tours, so it’s nice to be recognized like this.
I saw on your Twitter page photos of different beers you guys like to drink, but I’m curious as to which is your personal favorite?
That’s a tough one (laughs). We like all kinds, but we are IPA guys. Some of the beers we like you can’t even get in bars around here. We’re really into Green Flash, which is a west coast beer, and they recently opened a brewery in Virginia Beach. We also really like Caldera, which is one of the most potent beers we have ever tried. It’s like getting sprayed by a skunk, but in a good way (laughs).
For those people that aren’t familiar with your band, can you tell me how your band got started and why you chose to name your band S.I.N.N.?
We originally started as a four-piece with myself and our original drummer. Then we met Chris, who is our current bassist, and we have been playing together for 14 years. We started as a garage band, and then started playing local shows around town, and eventually started doing national tours. As for our name, we really liked how S.I.N.N. sounded, and we all lived in Newport News at the time. We thought in a joking manner it would be cool way to rep our hometown. Now 16 years later, we are releasing our first full-length next Friday, and it is currently available for preorder on iTunes.
What can your fans expect from your new album Amongst Tempest Clouds?
After we parted ways with our original drummer four years ago, Chris and I went on a musical journey jamming together and writing music, and when we found Nate, we realized what we had been missing. The first time we jammed with him, he brought a 12-pack of beer, and it felt like we had known each other for years. The album represents a chapter of our lives and our desire to move on from it to get to better things.
What are your thoughts on the local music scene in Virginia?
I think that there is so much talent and so many different artists in the local scene. From rock to blues, to metal and hardcore, Virginia has so much to offer, and I hope that someone soon comes to recognize the full potential of the music scenes in this area. It would be great to see someone get exposed.
CLICK HERE TO PREORDER AMONGST TEMPEST CLOUDS
In addition to the Lunatic Luau, your band will be performing at Shakarawka at the Oceanfront on May 10th. What can your fans expect from that performance?
We have a shorter set for the Luau, but at Shakarawka people will get to see a much broader scope of our band. We are scheduled for a 45 minute set, which will include more diversity in our song selection. We will be playing pretty much all of our new record, except one or two songs. It will really give people a taste of what we are all about.
Are there any other local bands you would like to give a shout out to?
There are so many, and I don’t want to leave anyone out. I’m a big believer in unity in the scene, and I mainly want to recognize the other bands that made it to the finals with us—MINDVENT and LOSS OF REASON. They are great guys, and they show a great display of the talent Virginia has to offer.
For more updates on S.I.N.N., be sure to visit their website, “like” their Facebook page, follow them on Twitter, “become a fan” on their Reverbnation page and be sure to pick up their full-length album Amongst Tempest Clouds on iTunes.
