RNRF Magazine Issue #26 – Sam Quartin and The Bobby Lees: Breaking the Sound Barrier in Woodstock
Nestled in tree country of historic Woodstock, New York, The Bobby Lees exploded onto the music scene with an electrifying garage punk sensibility that’s as raw as it is infectious.
At the heart of this frenzy is lead singer Sam Quartin, a force of nature whose raw, edgy charisma and fierce spirit infuse the band’s sound with the finest shredding vocals in rock n roll today.
Their music is a jubilant noise, merging speed and youthful exuberance into a blistering sonic boom that inspires repeated plays. From their incendiary debut, Beauty Pageant, released in 2018, to the latest offering, Bellevue, each album marks a pivotal moment in their journey, one marked not just by the highs of success but by Quartin’s own personal demons.
In a 2020 online article in Tinnitist, Quartin remarked,
“When I was younger, I had really bad mental issues going on. I had alcohol-induced schizophrenia that lasted about nine months. I went to hospital. It was intense; definitely the most intense thing I have experienced. During that period, I thought many times that I had died times and was reborn, and I thought I was possessed by different people. A lot of really weird stuff went on, auditory hallucinations, visual ones, all of it. I still have no idea what was going on.”
“I stopped drinking and taking drugs. Since then, I’ve been OK. Like everyone, I have stuff. But I don’t need to be hospitalized.”
Formed in 2017, The Bobby Lees came to life when 23 year old Quartin found herself in the serene but vibrant surroundings of Woodstock, New York, a stark contrast to the bustling pulse of New York City where she had struggled to establish a band.
While on the hunt for like minded souls, an acquaintance brought the local Rock Academy to Quartin’s attention, a Woodstock based music school for kids 8 to 18.
It was at this School Of Rock type music academy where Quartin first discovered guitarist Nick Casa, bassist Kendall Wind, and drummer Macky Bowman whose ages at the time topped out at 17.
After feeling the space kicking out the jams, it soon became apparent to all they had found the right fit and named themselves the Bobby Lees.
The band name came from a hallucinatory experience of Quartin’s where she met a ghost whose name was Bobby Lee. The song she went on to compose, “Bobby Lee”, was based on this meeting and included on their first album Beauty Pageant from 2018.
The band’s rapid ascension in the music world is a testament to their raw talent and relentless work ethic. With the release of Skin Suit in 2020, produced by the enigmatic Jon Spencer, their sound evolved into a leaner, more frenzied attack.
Quartin’s life trajectory keenly affected the creation of Skin Suit. In discussing the album with Tinnitist, she remarked:
“It’s just about that feeling when you don’t want to be stuck inside a human body when it feels off. I actually wanted to just call the record Guttermilk, which was a song I liked. But two of the bandmembers would not let me call it that. And (producer) Jon Spencer said, ‘You have to call the record something that has to do with the actual songs.’ And when I listened to the songs I felt like I was listening to someone who was trapped and trying to get out of their body.”
Tracks like “Guttermilk” became staples of their live set, as the quartet amassed a following that would soon see them sharing stages with notable acts like Black Lips and Future Islands. Yet beneath the surface of their growing popularity, Quartin faced personal challenges that many creators recognize but rarely address in the media.
Quartin has publicly acknowledged her battles with anxiety and depression. Her mental health journey parallels the band’s rise, informing their music with a sense of urgency and authenticity. For Quartin, the stage has become a sanctuary, each note underscoring her resilience, an inspirational battle cry for those experienced with the struggle.
When Bellevue dropped in 2022, the band’s most recent album, the title carried heavy significance. Named after the infamous New York mental hospital where Quartin once found herself in, the album encapsulates her experiences with its haunting melodies and dynamic instrumentation.
The record, the band’s first release under the enigmatic Ipecac Records, founded by Faith No More lead singer Mike Patton (their slogan “Ipecac Recordings—Making People Sick Since 1999″) embodies a more polished approach while preserving the raw energy that first captivated fans. Tracks blend influences from jazz to blues, showcasing a maturity and depth that reflects both the band’s evolution and Quartin’s ongoing journey.
Not to be pigeonholed as a one trick rock n roll pony, Quartin is also a working actor, amassing quite an impressive filmography of acting credits over the years that include indie film co-starring roles alongside the likes of Ron Perlman, Brian Warner (aka Marilyn Manson) and Crispin Glover.
For all her success though, the music industry’s landscape can be unforgiving. In November 2023, the Bobby Lees announced an unexpected hiatus, citing frustrations with streaming platforms like Spotify for devaluing music, ultimately jeopardizing the sustainability of mid-sized bands. A bittersweet moment in their trajectory, the announcement sparked a wave of support and solidarity from fans and fellow artists alike.
In a surprising and uplifting twist, actor Jason Momoa of Game Of Thrones, Dune and the DC Extended Universe including Aquaman, reached out, expressing his admiration for the band while offering financial backing for a new album. At the time Momoa said,
“I wanted to use my voice and platform to help in any way possible. Bands like this should be all over the world. They are amazing artists, and they deserve our support.”
Throughout both highs and lows, Sam Quartin and The Bobby Lees have carved out a distinctive space in the music world, a space that encourages authenticity, raw emotion, and relentless passion. As they navigate their hiatus, fans remain hopeful, knowing that Quartin’s drive and the band’s spirit will undoubtedly lead them to new heights.
Whether through the roar of a live show or the whispers of a ballad, their music will continue to resonate, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the vibrant landscape of rock and roll.