SUNDOWN: Southern Rock in New York State

SUNDOWN is New York state's self proclaimed Southern Rock band, bringing a taste of the South up to the North.

I had a chance to interview Sundown's drummer, Keith "Bam Bam" Michaels, about his experiences with the band, as well as self proclaimed Sundown "super-fan", Josh White.

Keith “Bam Bam” Michaels

1.)  Q: When was Sundown first formed?

A: Sundown itself was first formed in 1976, but I’ve only been with them since late 2002.

2.)  Q: How long have you been playing the drums

A: Haha, too long to even remember. My father was a very musically influenced person, so I was always exposed to instruments and different genres of music.

3.)  Q: Would you say you’re a personal fan of southern rock?

A: It’s a great genre, but personally, I’m more into eighties style hard rock.

4.)  Q: Do you all get along, or do you ever argue about the direction the band is headed in?

A: We argue sometimes, of course, but we’re mostly in it for the fun, y’know?

5.)  Q: When did you first get into Southern Rock?

A: Honestly, I wasn’t ever too much of a fan until I joined up with Sundown.

6.)  Q: Are there any other genres you’d like to try out playing

A: Well, as I said, I’m more into eighties rock, but Ronnie has made it pretty clear that he wants Sundown to remain a Southern Rock band.

7.)  Q: Do you have any interesting stories relating to the band

A: Haha, yeah, but none are appropriate for you to share with your college class.

8.)  Q: What’s the largest venue you’ve ever played?

A: Well, I’m honestly not too sure what the largest venue is, but my favorite would definitely have to be the Crazy Horse.

9.)  Q: What do you want for the band’s future?

A: Though I’d like for us to gain a little more local popularity, that’s really all I’m after. As I said before, I’m really into this for the fun of all of it.

Josh White

1.)  Q: When did you first hear about Sundown?

A: I first heard of them in 2002 when Keith joined

2.)  Q: how well do you know them on a personal level?

A: Well, since I’m friends with Keith, I’ve gotten a chance to really get to know the guys well

3.)  Q: How many of their shows have you seen?

A: Haha, too many to even count, man!

4.)  Q: Are you a big Southern Rock fan?

A: Hell yeah, surely. Ever since I’m a kid, I’ve been a huuuuuge Skynyrd fan.

5.)  Q: Has Sundown opened for any big bands?

A: They opened for Molly Hatchet once, I remember, but I wasn’t able to make it to that show.

6.)  Q: Do you plan on seeing them with the same frequency in the future?

A: As long as I am able to go, I would never pass up seeing Sundown.

7.)  Q: What’s the best experience you’ve had with the band?

A: One time, Keith and the guys played for David and Anthony’s (his twin sons) birthday. Everyone loved it. It was the summer, it was hot, the adults were having a few beers outside. Even the kids loved it, it was friggin great!