Recently, BSCkids got a chance to interview country/pop stars Nik and Sam as they release their debut single, “BooHoo”. We spoke to the duo about where they began and how they handle stardom.
The girls began at the age of 10 performing traditional country and bluegrass music with Nik playing guitar and Sam playing the banjo. They started playing shows in their home state of Arkansas and wowed audiences. Nik and Sam, now 19, have secured a spot as one of the worlds most promising up and coming country stars. Playing with artists like, Randy Travis, Kelli Pickler, and Little Big Town. The girls are currently playing shows across the US as they work on their debut album – for more info on their music and where you can see their dynamic live show, visit NikandSam.com and find them on Facebook and Twitter.
BSCKIDS: Nik and Sam
BSCkids: Sam, what made you pick the banjo to play when you were ten?
Sam: Growing up I was always around bluegrass music especially when we were at get-togethers with family and friends. I immediately gravitated toward the banjo because I didn’t see many girls playing it and I just wanted to be different. Being the tomboy that I am I liked doing things that not everyone else did. I wanted to make the banjo cool and I think it’s an awesome instrument.
Nik, you played your first gig at age 11, where did you perform and kind of show did you play?
Our first gig was at a country get together. We probably played in front of 20 people. Sam’s banjo teacher suggested we get up and play with his band so we got up on stage and jammed with everyone!
When did you two begin playing together?
We started playing together at the age of 10.
You opened for music stars such as Randy Travis and Kellie Pickler, how did that feel to perform with such great artists?
Performing on the same stage with them was such a thrill definitely because it was in our home state Arkansas and it’s where we grew up!
Sam and Nik: What are your favorite things to do when you are not touring or playing gigs?
Nik: Things I love to do involve going to the movies, watching live concerts, experimenting with Art & Fashion, baking (which can be bad since I have sweet tooth) and anything that has to do with being creative…and we both enjoy outdoor activities like riding horses.
Sam: Favorite things to do or obsessed with? Haha I am a shopaholic and a movie fanatic! I make it a habit to fit in exercising everyday. For down time I love cooking and I like to expand my knowledge by watching other live artists.
Do you take turns writing your songs or does one of you write the majority of your songs?
Sometimes one of us will have the lyrics and the other one will have the melody and then we’ll just come together or vise versa but most of the time we collaborate together.
Because your songs are often about love and life, are they based on real life experiences or more about what everyone goes though?
Both. It’s about experiences that we go through as well as experiences that our friends and family have.
Sam: Who has been your biggest musical influence?
My influence ranges from Bela Fleck to Sheryl Crow. As far as on my instruments, my banjo teacher Paul Rentfro, has always had a big influence on me and I am also greatly influenced by Bela Fleck and Emily Robinson from The Dixie Chicks!
Nik: If you could perform with any musical act who would it be?
I would have to say Keith Urban because he continually puts out great music and puts a lot of energy into his songs and his live shows. On the other end of the spectrum in our wildest dreams Sam and I would love to work with the Foo Fighters!
How hard it is being away from your families when you are on tour or do they come with you?
It can be hard because they’re the ones that have been so supportive along this whole way….but thank god for Skype! HA Right now we have been fortunate to have one or the other with us.
You played in my hometown of Nashville, TN on July 13th, how did like our city and the venue you played in?
We’ve been to Nashville multiple times and we think it’s the best city ever! 12th&Porter was by far the coolest place to play and we can’t to get down there again.
Your tour is almost over, are you excited to get back home and relax?
Yeah, we are excited to get back home to see our friends and family but being on the road is a great experience we can’t get enough of.
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