SAM CHAMPION
The SiS Interview by Dany Sloan

Brooklyn garage pop-rockers Sam Champion have just dropped their sophomore release Heavenly Bender, their debut for North Street Records. While NYC may be filled with indie bands clamouring for attention, this four piece simply demands it with their memorable tunes, which sound even better live -- the true mark of a great band. Recently band frontman Noah Chernin sat down with us to answer a few questions about the new album and lazy journalists.

SIS: How did the band get together? What were your initial goals? How has that changed?

Noah Chernin: The band formed in 2002 out of boredom basically. I had written songs in high school and enjoyed it. But then I moved to the city and was on the business side of things, working at clubs, labels, etc. I decided I'd rather write songs. Sean and Jack and I went to college together, and Ryan I knew from my time at the clubs. I was always a huge fan of his drumming skills and his general attitude on life. I think our goals are the same as they have always been -- make great music, get rid of day jobs. We're almost closing in on the no day job thing. Almost.

SIS:  What are you guys up to in 2008?

NC:  Touring, writing, touring, writing, touring.

SIS: Who do you often find yourselves compared to, and do you like or dislike that comparison?

NC: We get compared a lot to whatever bands are namechecked in our bio. If we said we sounded like Bach, we'd probably get compared to Bach. People are lazy.

SIS: Who are some of your favorite bands to play with? Do you think any of them will take over the world?

NC: Yes. We loved touring with Apollo Sunshine. They might take over the world. Luke Rathborne, Five O'Clock Heroes, Jealous Girlfriends..... check all of them out.

SIS: What is your favorite and least favorite thing about being on the road?

NC: There are no bad things about touring. I love it all. It would be nice to have a tour bus, though

SIS: If any member of Sam Champion were on the cover of a tabloid, who would it be and why?

NC: Sean would probably make page six for hanging out with Gossip Girl cast.

SIS: When family ask you what your band sounds like, what do you tell them?

NC: I tell them we sound like Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Everyone likes Tom Petty.

SIS: What's something about your hometown that most people don't know?

NC: Walt Weiss, 1988 Rookie of the Year went to Suffern High School. They also filmed that movie The Manhattan Project at my high school -- the '80s movie about the kid who makes an A-bomb. I think Elisabeth Shue is in that movie.

SIS: In 15 words or less, why should people buy your records?

NC: How about three words? It is awesome.