“A LASTING LEGACY OF SINNERS”
By Anthony Ewart
“SUNSET SINNERS”
BLAKE BLACKIM – DRUMS
TONY BOWELL – LEAD VOCALS, RHYTHM GUITAR
NICK SCHYLER – LEAD GUITAR
SEAN HARRINGTON – BASS, VOCALS
BRITTANY BLACKIM – FLUTE, BACKGROUND VOCALS
SUNSET SINNERS are a great, hardcore Southern Rock band, and now they’ve become a “Family Legacy of Sinners,” but that’s a good thing. Everything about Sunset Sinners is not what you think. “For starters,” as Lauren Bacall would say, even though Sunset Sinners are performing at the famous Whiskey a Go Go on September 11th, which is located on the historic Sunset Blvd., their name is not derived from the cool locale. Instead, Sunset Sinners is about a mood. A feeling. The classic rock music of the 70’s.
That was a decade when you could ask someone what their favorite guitar or drum solo was and they had an answer ready. In fact, that drummer might be playing later that night at The Whiskey. A 7pm show…Sunset. What a great night that would be dancing with friends to “Live Music!” That’s what Sunset Sinners are about.
However, there are a few more discrepancies to clear up. Sunset Sinners’ Tony Bowell is their rhythm guitarist and a powerful, hard-rocking vocalist, and though their performances can get wild and crazy, don’t get it twisted, he’s the “Son of a Preacher Man,” so come correct at the shows. Next up, drummer extraordinaire and Sunset Sinners founder Blake Blackim. If you’re thinking the name Blake came from the same origin as say, Blake Shelton, you’re wrong, but that’s a great thing.
The name Blake was lovingly borrowed from legendary jazz drummer and band leader Art Blakey, because Blake’s father is a great jazz drummer. Blake grew up in a home where vinyl records were playing amazing drummers like Buddy Rich, Max Roach, Philly Jo Jones and Elvin Jones through fuzzy vintage Hi-Fi speakers. More than Good Vibrations, Blake grew up with Warm Vibrations – the future sound of Sunset Sinners.
This is the backstory of Blake Blackim, but he discovered his own music as a teen. Led Zeppelin, The Doors (former House Band of The Whiskey), The Beatles, The Rollling Stones, Clapton and Hendrix. Blake was developing his own style. The Star we see in Blake now was being born.
Now, to circle back to my original statement about a “Family Legacy of Sinners,” I mean that the musical mantle of magic has now been passed on to Blake’s daughter, Brittany Blackim. She has received the remarkable musical talents from her Father and Grandpa Chuck. Like Blake, Brittany grew up in a home steeped in music, and she developed a deep love and respect for this powerful medium. With her golden flute Brittany plays Rock, Country Rock and any other genre of music she chooses, and she improvises on flute like Herbie Mann or the great Eric Dolphy. She’s made her own musical journey, and when Blake watches her perform in his band he sees “Drops of Jupiter” in Brittany’s hair, as “Train” would sing.
Sunset Sinners are a band who write their own music, and truly enjoy the process. Their third studio album, CHAOS, was recorded at all analog Yellow Dog Studios, San Marcos, Texas. The album was produced by Casey Johns, with Phil Hook acting as co-producer.
Prior to Sunset Sinners performing at the Whiskey a Go Go this September 11th, they’ll be playing The Abate Festival at Lake Perry, just outside Lawrence, KS, if you’re in the area. I can guarantee a fun night of great Souther Rock. The Show is September 6th.
In a review for their new album CHAOS, Fireworks Music Magazine UK gave them a raving review. CHAOS was only released this summer and out of 300 artists ranked with the American Country Radio Charts they’re #68. Their hit single from CHAOS is “Two Beers,” which is currently in rotation on Sirius /XM – Outlaw Country Radio. The original Sunset Sinners YouTube video for “Two Beers” has over 140,000 views.
Sunset Sinners won the JMA Nashville Award for “Best Southern Country Rock Band” in 2021. Touring and Live Shows is in their blood. Due to their strong presence in the UK and Germany, the next step for Sunset Sinners is a European Tour. Until then, Blake and his Band are happy writing original songs to record and perform for their loyal fans. It’s a Happy Ending and Bright Future for Sunset Sinners.
A Special Thank You to my Mother for talking me out of “Sinning Is A Family Business” for my article title.
To purchase tickets for Sunset Sinner’s performance at the Whisky A Go Go click here. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sunset-sinners-at-whisky-a-go-go-west-hollywood-ca-tickets-1980699946860