Sophomore Band Steals Limelight
NEIRAD enilno edition
Stealing Free Samples has established itself as a band everybody knows on campus. They’ve proven they know how to play and they know how to rock. Being in a band may have good times, and it often brings bad times. Stealing Free Samples has weathered its share of those rough patches to play for fun and for fans.
Stealing Free Samples started in 2008 when the members were in eighth grade. It began with two skilled guitarists, Joe Berkowitz, and Andrew Eddie. They believed they had the talent to start a successful band. They added Will Trautmann on drums and Connor Nackley on vocals.They performed in a Panama-themed ceremony at Middlesex arranged by their eighth grade Spanish teacher Jonathan Smith. The event is a fundraiser for Mr. Smith’s native homeland. The band felt its musical performance was not successful and opted to move won without Connor Nackley, and added Stratton Powers on bass and Kyle Blummer on vocals.
“A lack of musical consistency as well as musical ability and musical tastes lead to me ultimately quitting the band after being first being kicked out and later coming back.” Nackley said. “We are all friends now, but it was a big deal back in the eighth grade.”
The relationship between Blummer and Stealing Free Samples has proven to be quite an interesting arrangement as well. He was kicked out for vocal inconsistency after his voice kept cracking.
“I left because I got a C in Spanish. Then one time they kicked me out and the next day they asked me back and I quit again later,” Blummer said.
But if it wasn’t for Kyle they maybe wouldn’t have the title Stealing Free Samples. “Andrew and Kyle went to Costco and there were free samples. They had took all of them, so that’s when Joe decided to call to band Stealing Free Samples,” Stratton said.
Somebody needed to step into the singer spot and Joe took responsibility. He has not disappointed. But they felt even Joe’s stellar vocal talents were not enough. They added singer Katlyn Buckley and Joe stepped aside to perform back-up vocals and guitar. Andrew Eddie also play guitar; Trautmann remains on drums and, finally, Stratton Powers on bass. By kicking out Connor Nackley, Kyle Blummer, Sean Lee, and Liam Nautman (before Will), it shows that Stealing Free Samples is quite serious about making it as a band.
In a band musicians can go through difficulties. They may be together a long time or get really sick of each other. The latter is not the case Stealing Free Samples. “Being in a band is fun, especially with friends,” Buckley said.
Indeed they are friends. Even though they are in a band they are still teenagers. They know when it’s serious time and when to have fun when it comes to time to demonstrate commitment. In a band, there should be a leader around to take charge. Most people would consider Joe Berkowitz the front man. Joe started the band, and usually arranges the shows. But Joe insists this is a team. “No we are all in a group. We work collaboratively. Everybody is considered equal,” Berkowitz said.
They have shown DHS they can play. Ever since they started they have written 30 songs. Of which, they consistently practice and play 20 songs. Their first song was “Unheard Prayers.” They haven’t played it in awhile, but they claim they have played better songs since that fledgling effort.
“There pretty good, they have a lot of talent,” sophomore Matt Morr said.
Just a few years ago, nobody knew who or what Stealing Free Samples was on the Darien music scene. They have come a long way from that Panama charity fundraising event. Here’s their message to kids who want to start a band. “They should go for it, don’t rush, have fun, be with friends. It’s better.”
