Check out an exclusive interview with local musician, Samir Moussa of SANDFLY and find out what it is like to record at a College with professional-grade studios. 

Q:  How did you hear about Expression College for Digital Arts?

A:  I was having coffee at one of my favorite coffee shops in the city (SF) talking music with a friend of mine in the industry. He told me about Expression College and how they are always looking to work with new musical talent.  He let me know how great the facilities were and told me if I was willing to work in a student-learning environment, that I may be able to record some of my original material there.  I have always lived for education so it seemed like a wonderful opportunity.  A chance not only to record my songs in a state-of-the-art facility, but it would immediately be useful in helping students learn.  A complete win-win situation.

Q:  What were the studios like?

A:  I have been able to record in almost every room over the past 3 years.  I think the very first room I recorded in was the Jimi Hendrix Audio Suite (Neve VR console).  We recorded ‘Shooting Star’, ‘Babylon Captivity’ and ‘Sweet Baby Blue’.  Three complete songs in 2 days; drums, Bass, Guitar, Trumpet, Trombone, Vocals, everything.  It was a nice mix of the SANDFLY Rock/Reggae vibration.  Expression then offered SANDFLY an opportunity to record a full-length record in the Studer with an advanced class.  I was aware that Expression offered this opportunity if they trusted the band to show up and work, and of course being in the music business, my team was ready to work.  The songs we recorded and mixed in the Studer can be found on SANDFLY’s ‘Ambassadors of Morning’ CD at cdbaby.com/sandfly2.

Q:  How was the experience recording at Expression College? 

A:  It was great to work and record in the school setting.  Again, I have always lived for education.  I love it, and I love to see people applying themselves to learning. The recording experience was great.  I expected students to make some mistakes and of course, mistakes were made, but it was great working in the state-of-the art facility.  Great, great gear!

Q:  So I hear that you just got signed to SF Indie Label, Solos Sound Records. 

A:  It was the record SANDFLY ‘Ambassadors of Morning’ that I recorded at Expression that GOT me the record deal.  I used the recording opportunity that Expression offered me to get the best musicians around me into the studio.  It was through that process and the ultimate product that I was offered a recording deal.

Q:  What can listeners expect next from SANDFLY?

A:  Listeners can expect 12 new SANDFLY songs to be digitally distributed all over the web within 6 months.  They can stay posted at www.myspace.com/sandfly77 for new releases and west coast tour dates. Also, they can expect to see us at the Monterey Love Festival on the same bill as five of the original acts from the 67 Monterey Pop Festival. (Jefferson Starship, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Big Brother and the Holding Company featuring Cathy Richardson of ‘Love Janis’ fame, and the Grateful Dead’s Tom Constanten).  We are extremely excited and we give SO much love to Expression College!  We love you!!  Giving thanks and praise.  ;)