Singer-songwriter will play gig at local coffeehouse
By Jennifer Eisenbart
Editor
Life in recent years has changed for Sam Llanas.
The co-founder of the BoDeans along with Kurt Neumann, Llanas and the band saw great success – including playing to packed stadiums and seeing the song “Closer to Free” used as the theme for the TV show “Party of Five.”
But in 2011, Llanas left the BoDeans due to differences with Neumann and has since embarked on a solo career. Llanas said he wants to make one point very clear.
“There’s a misconception that I left that band so I could have a solo career,” he said. “That’s not the truth. Kurt Neumannn broke up The BoDeans. I said, if that’s how you really feel about it, fine.”
Now, Llanas takes on smaller venues, trying a different route than what he has known in the past.
“The music has always been the important thing,” Llanas explained. “As long as I can play music in front of people, I can be happy.
“If it’s the right 50 people, it can be fantastic.”
Llanas will be at The Coffee House at Chestnut and Pine, 492 North Pine Street, Burlington, Friday, for one of his solo concerts. He will be promoting his recent solo release, “The Whole Night Through,” and also offering visitors a glimpse at his music from the past.
Tickets are $15 for limited seating, and $5 for standing room.
Llanas, who grew up in Waukesha, has somehow never been to Burlington.
“I’m coming to Burlington because there’s a great little radio station there,” Llanas said. “They’ve been playing my music, and I’ve never been to Burlington.
“The least I can do is go there and play a show.”
Llanas admitted that life has changed since the “breakup of the band.” That said, he’s also older – and perhaps a little wiser – in his approach to music.
“I’m just trying to make honest music,” Llanas said.
Judging by the tracks on Llanas’ newest release, his voice still sounds as clear and distinctive as it did during his work with the BoDeans.
The first track on the album, “Déjà Vu,” talks about haunted rooms, memories and the constant reminders of having been in a place before.
The album moves along the theme of haunting in many senses. “Everywhere But Here” talks of hints of a past relationship and of chasing ghosts, with a strong bass guitar in the background. “I’m Still Alive” has a lighter, airier feel, but strikes a chord about looking for the light in the future.
Llanas’ music remains true to the BoDeans sound, though, with the trademark voice of Llanas – distinctive and soulful but not overwhelming – and a refined rock sound backing him up.
The music, to Llanas, is a trip on truth – something that he wants front and center in the sound he is now promoting. He said he is still the same musician he was when he was with the BoDeans.
“I’m the same guy,” Llanas said. “I just make the music that’s in my heart. You just have to be true to yourself.
“You’ve got to be yourself,” he added. “You can’t go chasing trends. You just have to be yourself because you have to be honest.”
He’s also excited about playing in the small, intimate environment.
“It’s been my experience that whenever you play a smaller town, it’s a lot more exciting,” he said. “Not everybody goes to the smaller town. When it does happen, it’s kind of a big deal. They appreciate it more, I think. That’s been my experience.”
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