Interview with Sammi Garett of Turkuaz

by Christopher Snyder

 

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Turkuaz has been on a lengthy tour with the New Mastersounds.  Christopher Snyder caught up with them in Pennsylvania and used that opportunity to interview Sammi Garett, one of the talented singers from the funk group that is Turkuaz.

 

LMNR: You guys have been on the road with The New Mastersounds since October. Are there any shows or collaborations that were extra special for you?
Sammi:

The New York City show at Terminal 5 was really special. There were a lot of family and friends in the audience. We could really feel the love from the NYC crowd.

LMNR: What are some albums over the years do you listen to on a daily basis?

Sammi:

I really like Sly & The Family Stone. The album “Fresh” (1973) is a staple. Betty Davis has always been a favorite of mine. Her album “Nasty Gal” is great! Girl power! Of course, there is Fleetwood Mac. I always dig listening to them.

LMNR: You went to Berklee College of Music to study vocal performance. One of the most prestigious schools for music. Were there any professors that made a huge impact on you?

Sammi:

Lisa Thorson was my private vocal instructor and mentor when I was at Berklee. I still e-mail her to catch up. I studied closely with her all four years and she truly made a positive impact on me. My harmony professor, John Stein, also guided me when I was at Berklee, along with conductor/composer, Tibor Pusztai, who has passed on sadly.

All three made a huge impact on me and I am very grateful that they were there to guide me.

LMNR:  Growing up were your parents supportive of your music endeavors? When did you know you wanted to be a touring musician?

Sammi:

My parents are awesome. I love them so much. My whole family’s very artistic and I got a lot of support from them to follow my passion and dreams in life.

In high school I was in a ska band and I played drums. That’s my first instrument, the drums. I played in the school band and I was also in the choir and did all of the school musicals.

LMNR:  Are there any bands that people should know about that are under the radar right now?

Sammi:

Everyone is so great. I had a chance to see Vulfpeck for the first time at LOCKN’ Festival this summer. Breastfist is a group that everyone should take a listen to.

LMNR:  What musicians would you like to share the stage with that you haven’t had the opportunity yet?

Sammi:

Lake Street Dive. Rachael Price (Vocals) & Bridget Kearney (Upright Bass/Vocals) are awesome! I love them. I caught their set at High Sierra Music Festival last summer and was really impressed by their live performance. Grace Potter, also. She is definitely someone who I would love to share the stage with in the future.

LMNR:  What was your first concert?

Sammi:

The first show I bought tickets to was They Might Be Giants in New York. My parents took me to shows like “Sharon, Lois & Bram” and “Raffi” as a kid.

LMNR:  You performed with your friends Dopapod at Catskill Chill Festival as “Dopakuaz” for a ’70’s set. Were there any songs that had special meaning to you?

Sammi:

All of them are my jams! My anthem is definitely Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain”.

 

Many thanks to Sammi Garett of Turkuaz.  Their tour completed with the New Mastersounds the band will do a two night stand for NYE on DEC 30 and 31 in Providence RI at Fete.  An extensive national tour is slated for March from coast to to coast.

 

 

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