With roots in rock, blues and country, it's hard to put a label on Sam Sliva and the Good. This Austin based band released its debut album, “See You Around”, in the summer of 2008. Being compared to the likes of the Killers, Steve Earle, and Robert Earl Keen, Sliva and his band lack nothing when it comes to style. The group continues to play shows almost nightly across Texas, and they play this Thursday, October 21, at Republic Live. Tickets are available here.

When it comes to the band and the upcoming show, Sam Sliva had a few things to tell the readers of The Downtown Deets.

What bands have been your inspirations through this journey?

I grew up riding around with my dad and listening to A LOT of classic rock.  I can remember getting really excited when a Led Zeppelin or Tom Petty song would come on but I loved (and still love) it all.

When hanging out with my mom, we would always listen to the oldies station.  The Beatles (of course) were always our favorite as well as countless other bands such as the Big Bopper and Fats Domino.  I can also remember when they would have parties at the house and I would lie in my room trying to sleep to the blasting sounds of SRV, Don Henley and Bonnie Raitt.  Bonnie was always my favorite out of the female artists!

Of course, today I continue to listen to all of these artists but have picked up a lot of favorites along the way. Some include Steve Earle, the Black Crowes, the Drive-By Truckers, Stone Temple Pilots, 311, Sublime, the Killers, Bob Marley and not to mention my country favorites from the 90's and late 80's. In my opinion, this is the best era of country music.

How would you best describe your band's style?

Our bands style has evolved from being more alternative/country to now what I like to call roots/reggae dirt rock. This is my term for a mixture of rock/blues/reggae and red dirt/Texas music.

Which band members do most of the song writing?

I write mostly all the lyrics and melodies for the songs, but it's a joint effort as far as the rest of the instrumentations go.

What inspired your band name “The Good”?

Now that is a long story… unfortunately it shall remain confidential.

You've played with some big stars, who was the most memorable?

One of the biggest shows was in KC, Missouri with Cross Canadian Ragweed, Randy Rogers and Stoney LaRue at the Red Dirt BBQ.  There were like 3,000-5,000 people there and the energy was just awesome!  One of those shows where you don't need any drugs or drinks to put on a great show.
 
We recently played a show with Jason Isbell (former Drive-By Trucker). We had him come down to record guitar and some vocals on our new record. That was very cool.  He's a monster.

What has been your favorite venue or show in your career?

Some of our favorite venues would have to be the House of Blues in Dallas, the Glass Cactus in Grapevine, Stubb's BBQ in Austin and now REPUBLIC LIVE in Austin.  We can't wait for the show on Thursday.

Where do you see your band in the next 5 years?

Wow, that’s a long time especially in the music industry!  Who knows, hopefully still doing what we love to do and making the music we love to make… but with a lot more fans and money on our side.

I know the music industry has changed drastically. What has been your secret to success?

Well just hard work and staying at it.  I am a firm believer that a great live show and good music will prevail also. 

Anything you would like to add for other bands out there? Your fans?

Hmm, I have gotten in trouble for speaking my mind too much so I will just let our new record do the talking.  As always, we would be nothing without our friends and fans. We would like to thank everyone who has stuck by us and supported us from the beginning.  Oh, and thanks for being patient with us on the new record...it won't be long now!