Three Armed Bandit is a Sacramento-based artist, crafting vintage sounding country tunes with a unique flavour. I really enjoyed his recent offering, Tandem, and wanted to find out a little more – read on below to see how we got on!
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a single titled Tandem, which we reviewed. What can you tell us about the song?
It’s about fighting within a close relationship. It happens, so we may as well get good at it, and maybe even find some enjoyment in it! Kind of like riding a tandem bicycle, it typically takes two and cooperation, or else someone can get hurt or left behind. This one is dedicated to my wife, with whom I will stay with to fight!
How has the reception been so far, and where can Tandem be purchased?
I liken it to a cottage industry, as in what little exposure it achieves is well received for the display of intrinsic creativity and honest effort. I’m personally glad that the standard of quality that I set for myself in this project is appreciated by my community and strangers alike. I’m only selling it on Bandcamp for now.
Tandem is your debut single! What was the composition process like?
It took years to develop this version of the song. The first half of a draft came quick in a night, but it has taken many revisions to fill it out and refine. My wife is always my test audience, and I trusted her reactions and feedback. Years ago, I entered a songwriting competition and performed an older version of it, but I didn’t even place! I did not find the judging panel’s feedback to be useful, but it did create some drive in me to prove them wrong!
Do you plan to release any singles in the near future?
Plan is a strong word for what I’m doing, but yes, I intend to release more singles throughout next year.
Do you plan to release an EP or an album anytime soon?
Absolutely. It was my New Year’s resolution to make an album of my songwriting, and I will release the entire collection exclusively on Bandcamp in December.
Did the pandemic hinder your work much?
Nope, it was definitely a boon for me in this regard. I coped with the early months of the pandemic by writing many of the songs on the upcoming album. I also studied music production and made a bunch of demos at home to fill the time. Coming out of the pandemic, I was equipped to make this release in ways that I wouldn’t have been otherwise.
Your music mixes together folk, country and Americana. What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?
Recently, lofi beats and impressionist composers are what I listen to. My influence comes from my local community of musicians. We get together regularly to play songs together acoustically. Of the acoustic genres that get played, the three you mention are the most prevalent.
Where are you based? What is the music scene like in your part of the world?
Sacramento, CA, ‘gold country’. The scene, as far as I can tell, is exceptionally diverse and thriving on a small scale, but within disparate circles. I am always learning for the first time about popular musicians here while I’m introducing people to others that I thought were popular, even when we are all in the same genre! I do my best to get out and socialise with musicians, but I have barely made a dent!
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
No, but I would love to tour the UK. I have a few friends living there and I want to visit This Museum Is (Not) Obsolete! If anyone cares to invite me and would help me with making the itinerary, let’s do it.
Any last words for the fans?
Oh, something profound and heartfelt would be great. But instead, I’ll share with you the best answer that I can think of when I start questioning myself and ask, “why am I even doing any of this?” My best reply so far is, “why not?”