The Bobby Lees: A Journey from Struggle to Stardom with a Little help from Friends
After wrapping up a prosperous European tour, the punk band The Bobby Lees returned home only to face a harsh reality.Despite enthusiastic crowds and merchandise sales, the financial outcome was disheartening. “We barely made any money,” reflects Sam Quartin, the band’s guitarist and vocalist.
Originating from Woodstock, this four-member group had financed their last three albums independently, grappling with the challenges of securing backing from major labels. However, the financial strain had become unsustainable, even for a band used to self-managing their career.
In a candid Instagram post later that year, Quartin, along with bandmates Kendall Wind (bass) and Macky Bowman (drums), announced an indefinite hiatus.They pointed to the meager payouts from streaming platforms as a meaningful factor contributing to the struggles of mid-sized bands.
“Artists are frequently enough hesitant to speak out for fear of being excluded from playlists,” Quartin explains. “We decided it was time to be honest!” After making the proclamation, she took a moment to disconnect, opting for a swim in her local river, unaware of the online reactions unfolding.
“I don’t have my own Instagram, but my friend dose. She told me,’You should check the post; the response is really positive!’”
Instead of receiving a message from a record label or manager,Quartin was surprised to find a video message from none other than Jason Momoa. In the clip, he saeid, “Hey, you need to call me. I want to help. I’m hosting SNL next week in new york. Let’s figure something out.”
Quartin promptly reached out to him. “He said, ‘we’ll get your record funded. How does that sound?’ He didn’t ask for anything in return. If only everyone in a position of power could extend a simple act of kindness to their favorite artists.”
The surreal experience continued as Momoa, while promoting Aquaman, also engaged in discussions about music gear. “Kendall even gave him Zoom bass lessons while he was on set!” quartin recalls.
However, the optimism was short-lived as The bobby Lees soon faced the same obstacles they had previously criticized.Their challenges were documented in Momoa’s HBO series, on The Roam.
“Jason took us to Atlantic Records, the label for Turnstile, and they turned us down,” Quartin chuckles. “I wish that moment hadn’t been filmed!”
The rejection highlighted the flawed revelation model of one of the industry’s largest streaming services and its impact on new artists. Momoa humorously questioned, “If a new Nirvana or Bob Dylan emerged today, would the industry even notice?” For a moment, it seemed the answer might be no.
Then came Epitaph Records, founded by Brett Gurewitz of Bad Religion. This legendary punk label connected with The Bobby Lees in a way that others had not. For Quartin,the relief was palpable.
After years of self-financing their music, struggling to cover tour expenses, and publicly questioning their future, The Bobby Lees finally found a supportive home.
Momoa wasn’t the only celebrity to step up during their hiatus. “When we played in san Diego, Keanu Reeves attended our show,” Quartin shares. “He said, ‘I’m a fan.’ I replied,’Me too!’ It’s incredible when people you admire recognize your work.”
Another unexpected supporter was Flea, who had a connection through Bowman’s mother, who once sang backup for the Red Hot Chili Peppers. “When we announced our hiatus, Flea helped us save money for our west Coast tour by offering us a place to stay – but I still haven’t met him!”
This emotional journey has undoubtedly influenced their latest album, New Self, notably in the rap-rock elements and punchy beats of the title track.Quartin admits to seeking a heavier sound while writing. “I was inspired by the Beastie Boys and Rage Against the Machine. The aim was to create an empowering anthem that demands attention.”
Even though longtime guitarist Nick Casa has amicably departed from the band (“I wholly understand his reasons for leaving”), the duo’s dual-Telecaster sound remains prominent on the album. Quartin was eager to break free from some old studio habits.
“Dave Sardy, our producer, brought over some guitars. I used to be superstitious about using mine. I bought it at the Chelsea Hotel,in Dan’s Guitar Shop,” she shares,referencing the iconic Manhattan location once frequented by legends like Patti Smith and Jimi Hendrix. “I thought, ‘Maybe it has some of their magic!’”
Wind and Bowman also honed their skills while playing with Jon Spencer’s Blues Explosion. ”Kendall and Macky are now telepathic,” Quartin boasts. “They’ve become a unified force!”
as they prepare to hit the road again this fall, Quartin acknowledges that while the economic challenges that nearly derailed The Bobby Lees remain, her outlook has shifted.For the first time, they are no longer starting from a place of desperation.
“This entire experience has helped me tune out the noise. I used to wonder, ‘Why is this happening?’ Now, it’s more about, ‘We’ve spoken up. We’ve done our part. Let’s seize this possibility to create the best work possible.’ We’re no longer distracted by the nonsense.”
- New Self is now available through epitaph Records.
