Two Man Cover Band

Keith S | September 9, 2011 | 0 Comments

Sammy T and Brent Joyce

By Jennifer Cohen

A year ago, Denverlocal musician, Sammy T, and newly transplanted Brent Joyce, fromNorth Carolina, met at an open-mic night at Mead Street Station. Within a few days, they were playing together at Brother’s BBQ.

A typical set list includes a mix of covers spanning many eras, as well as originals. “The originals, we kinda prepare, and throw in subtly,” says Joyce.

Adds Sammy, “I think when people know the covers, they sing along. Then you throw an original in, and they’re like ‘Oh, I love that song, what is that song called?’ So it works out well. It’s always been a magic formula for up and coming musicians; especially now, with the advent of the viral You Tube. If you can do covers well, it’s a great way to introduce yourself to people, and that’s how I built a majority of my networking for my music. It shows you where people are listening, how they’re listening, their ages, and it’s so specific. If you’re not using that tool to get out there, then you’re totally missing the boat. [Producer] Michael Binder, that’s who I produce a lot of my music with, and he found me on You Tube as well.”

Sammy and Joyce found immediately that there styles were a natural fit. They each have strengths and weaknesses that balance each other out.

When Sammy first heard Joyce play, he realized that Joyce was somebody who needed to be heard. “Brent, I think, has one of the most beautiful—the voice that he carries is one of the most addicting ones that people have listened to in this city, [from the] acoustic side. I’ve heard so many musicians and it’s my favorite thing whenever I get to see him go play for other people.”

According to Joyce, “We’re able to play off each other and have that same parallel sound at some points, to where it sounds like a unit, but at the same time we both have very opposite things that compliment each other. Sammy’s the perfect partner. I usually sit behind the microphone and get into my comfort zone and play. It’s nice to have Sammy there because he engages the crowd; he’s good at getting people involved and making an interactive environment.”

Sammy agrees, “There’s an emcee side to me that I’ve been very fortunate to cultivate. I did a lot of emcee work for promoters where my main job was to keep the crowd into it.”

“We work really hard, and that’s all it is. If you can work hard and stay as humble as possible, I think it really shows. This town is small enough that the word of mouth will go,” says Sammy.

Sammy and Joyce also play solo and private gigs. For a list of Sammy’s upcoming performances, you can check out sammyt.us and catch Brent at Mead Street Station on Sept. 21.