Sasser

CASSIDI HANKINS
POSTED ON JANUARY 7, 2015

A group of friends who met through music years ago decided to join forces and have just released an album. Sasser is comprised of Glenn Sasser, 35, of Collins; Paul English, 30, of Laurel; Drew Parker, 29, of Laurel; and Joseph "Fluff" Kinkead, 31, of Smith County. "I started working on recording this album in March, and I had played with Fluff before, "Sasser said. "He brought in Paul and Drew." The group's sound began as singer/songwriter and went in more of a rock direction, members said. It is similar stylistically to 1990s rock bands such as Lifehouse and Tonic, Sasser said. "It's not really Indie, but it's not real hard," Sasser said. "It evolves." They plan to start on a new album this month. Sasser wrote all the songs on the last album, so he said he's looking forward to more of a collaboration with the next one. "When you write songs in a band, you need to answer other opinions," Sasser said. Songwriting is what Sasser said he loves most about music. "It's a challenge finding the happy medium that people can relate to," he said. "It's almost like you have to look through someone else's eyes." English, an Army veteran, struggles with chronic pain except for when he's playing music. The adrenaline rush is like an escape, he said. Parker, who lost his vision several years ago, said music is the only thing he has. "It's amazing to me that I'm a part of something that people like," he said. English said they have a mix of musical backgrounds that they have blended together. He and Parker, who went to school together at West Jones, were members of Who is Tyler Durden, and Sasser was in Small Room 9. Kinkead drummed for both bands at different times. Though they each come from different backgrounds, their humor helped them to bond. Parker said the first time they played together "it just fit." We've all been doing this for a while now, so we understand the business aspect and the friendship aspect and we work well together on both," Parker said. Their families are also an important part of the band's make-up. English said he couldn't do it without his wife, Johnna. "She's the band-mother, chef, bartender, and merchandise peddler," English said. The band's goal right now is to play as many local shows as possible and get to work on their next album. Long term, they're hoping for an European tour. Their album, "On My Way" is available at Jitter's in Laurel, T-bone Records in Hattiesburg, and online at iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Amazon, and other music sites. - Laurel Leader-Call

by Mik DAVIS

Singer/songwriter Glenn Sasser has been through the paces of being in a local band here in Hattiesburg. The one-time Small Room 9 guitarist changed his sound and writing dramatically for his latest group, Sasser. On their new EP “On My Way,” Sasser, the band, offers seven songs that ask a lot of questions - but honestly find uplift in the answers.
SIGNATURE: From the sound of the new music, "On My Way" is not just the title - but your credo now. I feel a lot of hard work went into this recording, where did it all begin?
Sasser: I wrote most of this album while I was in North Dakota working in the Bakken, in the winter of 2013. I had a lot of down time in the afternoons which provided me the opportunity to write.
SIGNATURE: Is it safe to say that you emerged from the other band and found your identity?
Sasser: Yes. I was the lead guitarist in my former band, Small Room 9. I co-wrote a few of the songs on our last album and I fell in love with song writing. Sasser gives me the opportunity to write freely as an artist. I think Sasser was all about finding my own identity.
SIGNATURE: How exactly does Sasser the man fit into Sasser the band?
Sasser: Everyone normally identifies the front man as the heart of the band. However, without my fellow band mates, Fluff, Drew, and Paul, this would not be possible. Sasser is a band, not a solo project.
SIGNATURE: When you began playing with your new band, was the chemistry immediately there? How long have you guys known each other?
Sasser: I’ve know Fluff for about 5 years. I met Paul and Drew through Fluff, and have gotten to know them better over the last year, 2014-2015. They were all former members of Who is Tyler Durden?, a progressive rock band. I was skeptical at first, but things have worked out better than I could have ever imagined.
SIGNATURE: "On My Way" asks a lot of questions, do you feel like while you are writing songs, you are actually answering your questions?
Sasser: When asking a question in my songs, I am usually looking through someone else’s eyes. I ask questions everyone can relate to, because everyone’s questions vary. Sometimes, my songs do not even take on meanings until after they are written. It’s like drawing the bull’s eye around the dart.
SIGNATURE: Where did you record "On My Way", you clearly put in a lot of work on the bright production and crisp harmonies
Sasser: I recorded “On My Way” at Black Magic Studios with Mark Black. The drums were recorded at C and M Music in Hattiesburg, MS. The room there has an incredible sound for recording drums. Everything else was recorded in Mark’s kids’ bedrooms.
SIGNATURE: Who are some of your influences? I hear someone with a hard rock background who really wants to layer a lot of guitars and harmonies.
Sasser: My influences include Noel Gallagher, Tonic, Tom Petty, and Greg Kihn. What can I say? I like thick guitars and tight harmonies.
SIGNATURE: The way you string a phrase together ("Maybe I'm on my way" and "Pretty Little Rich Girl" as examples) is reminiscent of Everclear and a lot of 90s commercial alternative rock. Is that the music you grew up on, is a large part of this band reclaiming those influences?
Sasser: I would say this record is a love-child of a lot of ‘90s alternative rock.
SIGNATURE: How have the video for "Rich Girl" and its release as a single helped the album?
Sasser: The video reaches people that just the song wouldn’t. For example, the other day I emailed a lady about booking a show and her response was, “Didn’t you do “Pretty Little Rich Girl”? I love that video!”. There are a lot of people today who only find new music using YouTube. A video definitely gives you another avenue to help people find you.
SIGNATURE: "What's Up G" has some sophisticated changes and high soaring guitar part hidden in the crunchy mix. What were you trying to capture with that particular track?
Sasser: With “What’s Up G”, the main goal was “Simplicity”. The whole song is actually based around the G chord, hence the name. Local guitar guru, Alcus Hudson, actually played all of the guitar parts you hear within this song. It was literally just a G chord. Haha!
SIGNATURE: A lot of your songs are written from a critical distance, are you writing about past events? "Tomorrow Never Knew" seems to reflect that you learned from the hurt and you somehow came out better.
Sasser: Coping is probably the most relatable aspect in a song. We all go through trials and tribulations throughout life. Telling a story through a song is how I look to help people relate to real life.
SIGNATURE: A lot of the songs on "On My Way" end on unsettled chords, like you are confident in your new place of learning from the past -- things have been forgiven but not forgotten. Is that safe to say, have you felt some things in hindsight at least?
Sasser: Yes. I’ve always learned from my mistakes. Usually hindsight is 20/20. The only problem I’ve been having lately is overeating before a show. I just keep trying to convince myself it’s going to be different this time.
SIGNATURE: "Carry On" is your anthemic statement to someone, but as you ask "It's what you wanna say"--is being alone and afraid a part of life? Don't we learn from that?
Sasser: Being alone and afraid is somewhere I think everyone has been. I think being there and picking yourself up builds character.
SIGNATURE: You have been playing a lot of shows lately. How have those gone?
Sasser: Every show has been awesome and had a great turn out, so far. I think the coolest thing about playing shows is meeting new fans and hanging out with other people who share a passion for live music. We have 16 dates in June alone and are adding more. It’s a very accomplished feeling sending someone your music and them being excited to have you play at their venue. We are most looking forward to living the life of a touring band.
SIGNATURE: How have all of the digital avenues helped you with "On My Way" - it is readily available to anyone in the world right now.
Sasser: Having it available all over the world is pretty amazing! The trick is getting everyone to buy it. I still believe that beating the pavement with touring, fliers, and the grass roots approach is the best way to get your music heard. That’s where you find true fans.

The CD “On My Way” by Sasser is available now at T-BoNE’s Records & Cafe. Like them on Facebook and see them on tour soon. - Signature Magazine

-Musician Monday-

Ladies and Gentleman... Glenn Sasser!

Name: Glenn Sasser

What bands do you perform with?
I am the lead singer/songwriter for the Rock Band Sasser.

When and why did you start playing?
I started playing guitar when I was 18. I went to a party one night in Bassfield MS. The band Day of the Sun was playing. There was something about all of those people there listening to them. Plus they were fantastic! I got the bug that night and haven't looked back.

Which instruments do you play?
I play the guitar and sing in Sasser but also play the piano, banjo, eBow, and bass. None of them very well. Haha.

What was the first tune(s) you learned?
The first song I remember learning was Supersonic by Oasis. I remember thinking if I can learn the solo to this song I can play anything. I think the solo was 4 notes..... LOL!

Which famous musicians do you admire? Why?
By far my favorite artist is Noel Gallagher. He is very simple with his playing. He can literally take one chord and make it a song. I've seen him live several times. He's not flashy or all over the stage. He just walks up to the mic starts playing and lets the song do the work. That's where it's at to me.

Which famous musicians have you learned from?
Other artists I have learned from and admire are Richard Ashcroft, Eddie Money, and Charlie Mars.

Describe your first instrument.
Originally I started playing the drums. One night a good drummer friend of mine (Harvey Lott) came out to jam and I quickly realized I would never be good enough on the drums. My current drummer and homie Joseph "Fluff" Kinkead is even better. One thing is for sure I have always been fortunate with the opportunity to play with great musicians.

What are your fondest musical memories?
Oh have I made memories. I've been so blessed with so many things in music I really wouldn't know where to start. A lot them were at random Waffle Houses though. I have my music on video games and movies. I've shared the stage with numerous signed artists and played festivals from the Gulf Coast to Maine. However, this summer while on tour we stopped by and played a show for the Veterans at the VA in Collins MS. They were so grateful. That show will always be on top of my list.

Who are your favorite musicians?
My favorite musicians are Paul English (guitar), Drew Parker (bass) and Joseph Fluff Kinkead (drums). I say this because we collectively make up the band Sasser. They are very good at what they do. I think it is special when you find people who share the same passion as you do.

Do you get nervous before a performance?
I never get nervous. I get anxious. I want everything to be perfect from the first note.

What advice would you give to beginners who are nervous?
If I could give any advice to someone just starting it would be to play as often as you can. Also, work, work, work! If you are going to do it go all in. People who are not in the business don't realize how hard musicians work. They only see the shows and videos or whatever. It is a daily grind just like any other job.

How often and for how long do you practice?
I practice and write daily. It's just something I do. I have higher priorities but not many. The band usually rehearses at least once a week. Usually 3-4 hours at a time.

What do you practice-exercises, new tunes, hard tunes, etc.?
My routine varies on my mood. Sometimes I get up in the morning with tune in my head. I keep guitars in various spots throughout my house so I can pick one up if I get an idea.

How do you balance your music with other obligations?
I am a Dad first. My 6 year old daughter "Noel" is a big inspiration to me. She helps me a lot in the writing process. She has come up with some clever lyrics. Balancing everything is tough. I just don't sleep a lot. Haha. It all goes back to hard work.

If someone wanted to book you or your band how could they get in contact with you?
I will play pretty much anywhere with the exception that I can play my music. Believe it or not there are venues that frown upon original artists. I call them haters. LOL! I don't mind playing cover songs but if I can't play my music.... What's the point?

Do you have a website?
My website is www.sonicbids.com/band/sasser - Downtown Music Media