Meet the Members of BNI ~ Sam Boelter ~ Slappy Bass Sam

Every musician is an artist in their own right. Whether just starting out or a seasoned professional, musicians have a true passion for expressing themselves through the music that they play and write. For every musician, there is a deep connection to the instrument that they choose to play. Everyone’s reasons are different for playing the instrument that they do, but whatever the reason it is truly remarkable to watch a group of talented musicians get together and play with such passion.

As one of the band’s many supporters, I was able to sit down and discuss this topic with each of the members of Batteries Not Included, a local pop punk band based out of West Bend, WI.

Sam - Bass/Vocals

Let’s start with the most obvious question: Why did you choose the bass?

“I play bass because the band needed a bass player and Rich from [West Bend] Music Academy recommended me when they (Austin, Zach, and Jacob) asked if he knew anyone who could play bass. I was always a singer first and foremost. In every band up to that point I had played guitar and I sang most of the time. But now, after years of playing bass for BNI, I really feel like a true bassist and not just a guitarist who tries to play bass.”

That is really interesting - so, did you have any experience with playing bass prior to BNI?

“Not really. Honestly I’ve played a little bit here and there, but I never got a chance to really stick with it until I joined the local band that Rich told me about, which would later be called Batteries Not Included.”

Now that you are the bassist for BNI, is that something you enjoy and could see yourself doing in the long run?

“Most definitely. At first I was kind of concerned that I either wouldn’t be good enough or I wouldn’t enjoy it. I’ve always been a singer first and foremost - and, of course, accompanied by guitar - so, I knew it was going to be a big change stepping out of that front man position and into the rhythm section. But, Austin has been amazing by letting me sing as much as I can without making him step down. That’s one of the very many examples of our great teamwork.”

That’s awesome! I’m glad to hear that you enjoy it - and you can see that when you all play together. Speaking of playing, what is your favorite song (or songs) to play and why?

“I don’t have a favorite song to play. I get this question a lot, but I think for me I just enjoy playing punk music. I hated being a heavy metal bassist when I tried at one point back in the day. I can do it just fine (with practice, of course), but it just wasn’t for me. Punk music really makes me feel in my element. But honestly, as long as I’m playing with a group that I’m comfortable with, then I could probably play anything.”

It sounds like you guys all work really well together and have great band (and musical) chemistry, which really shows when you guys all play together and riff off of each other. There is definitely something to be said about great stage presence. What would you say you like most about being a part of Batteries Not Included?

“I love being part of a team. Which, honestly, is weird for me because when I’m at my ‘day job’ I would rather just be left alone. People tend to not see eye-to-eye all the time, which can make things difficult. However, with music I’ve always wanted a group of people I love that I can share everything with. Music is such a wonderful thing that has the power to unite each and every one of us. So I wouldn’t want to do it alone.”

Sam, you really have a great passion for what you do, and we are all so grateful that you took a chance on playing the bass and are a part of Batteries Not Included. What are some of your goals or dreams for the band?

“Since I was 10 I wanted to be a rockstar. That’s no secret to anyone who knows me. Now that I’ve grown up a bit, I can still say that I’d love to be a rockstar. But this band is more than just that dream for me. It’s more than just a hobby, more than just a couple guys with instruments, and much more than what some people might call a ‘ticket to fame.’ This band is a family. We love, we fight, we argue, we bitch and complain like no one else. But when it comes down to it, we all pull our own weight - and then some.

So, to answer your question: I want this band to just continue to do what we’re doing. Continue to grow. Continue to be a family. And continue to love what we do every step of the way.”