S LM : Looking Back, W hile Moving Forward by Jonathan Schinke
Photo Courtesy of Rhy Kno Photoography
Emerging from the sudsy streets of Milwaukee circa 1999 was a young band with an idea. A simple idea to most of us, yet a novel concept to others. It’s the very foundation upon which WIJAM was born. It’s how friends of friends have become, well, friends, and it’s why on any given night in Wisconsin, you’re liable to find random members of diverse bands sharing the stage, throwing down for ecstatic fans. Support Live Music. Three simple words; endless possibilities.
For over a decade now, the Milwaukee band SLM (whose name is literally an acronym for Support Live Music) has been bringing people together, and tearing tunes apart. Through many members, and countless shows, founding member and principle songwriter, Don Woppert has been able to keep SLM fresh, consistent and active. With a constant slate of shows, and new fans emerging every day, it’s clear that the Milwaukee quintet has a plan, and come hell or high water, are sticking to it.
The current line-up consists of Woppert on guitar and vocals, Matt Ostlund on saxophone and vocals, Matt Ruck on bass, Antonio Ninham on drums, and newest addition, Ben Vosters, chillin' in the pocket with keys and vocals. Recently WIJAM had a chance to chat with Woppert about SLM’s history, the 6th SLM Festival, members past and present, and what Support Live Music truly means.
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WIJAM: In your bio there's a phrase I find very interesting; ’Members change but the song remains the same.' If you could, elaborate a little on that sentiment.
DW: As far as the sound of SLM goes, it really has been a journey to get to where we are today. Over 20 different musicians have shared the stage and the name of SLM with me. The fans have experienced through the years how different players give different feels to the songs. All my songs have evolved by playing with different musicians. One guy will give it just a little different feel or rhythm that we like, or creates a cool lick, and the song starts getting played that way every time. I have written every original song the band plays up to this point, but the songs are different with different players. It's just all about listening to each other and feeding off of each other’s vibes and the crowd’s energy. It’s like playing in a band is like being a really good cocktail and I’m the bartender of the songs. If you mix the flavors right you get something super tasty and at the same time, without a good bartender it won't be as tasty either. So overall I guess the members change, but the songs remain the same - just with their own unique flavor, and I love the mix we have right now.
WIJAM: The newest addition to the line-up is Ben Vosters on keys. It seems to be across the board that people are saying SLM has never sounded better. Explain a bit about what Ben brings to the table, both on and off the stage, as well as the overall musical growth and development as a band, and as individuals.
DW: Having Ben on the keys is definitely a new thing for me. I've never had a keys player in the history of SLM. And I don't necessarily feel that he makes us better as much as he gives us more versatility and more options. For Matt and I, it gives us more chance to breathe (Matt literally) and even more room for improvisation. We can just drop out and let Ben jam a little, work the dynamics aspect, trade off licks, there's lots of possibilities for us to work with and it gives the fans a different show. Plus I feel Ben will be able to add some harmony vocals that have been present with previous members, but have been missing for a couple years. He still is pretty new and has a lot to learn about the songs and I'm sure he will contribute lots of new ideas to improve our songs in the future, too. Cohesion takes time. It takes hours together listening to how each other interpret music and plays their instrument. Everybody has their own style, and not everyone is easy to work with. When Matt joined the band six years ago, he brought something that can't be learned in your room practicing. He brought experience of playing with different people and was able to teach us all a little more about listening to each other more than just playing. That’s why we are able to play together so fluently. He knows my licks, and what I like to play and vice versa. We can listen to each other and not only mimic, but harmonize licks together and that only happened through all the hours of rehearsing with each other, which Ben will eventually evolve to do with us too.
WIJAM: For anyone that's ever seen SLM, one of the first things they notice is how comfortable the interplay between Matt and yourself appears to be, and really, how easy you guys make it look. Talk about what it takes to find that level of synergy. Was it like that from the get go with you two?
DW: A lot of people comment on how Matt and I play together, and that’s not as much improvisation as it is structure. We’re classified a jam band, but we really don’t do too much jamming. Our songs are very structured and played pretty similar, except for solos. Only once in a while do we actually jam out songs, but I’d like to think our songs themselves can be classified as just a “cool jam to dance to”. Most of the synchronized licks we play are written that way. That’s how I write and it’s been that way since the first show in 1999 at Thumbs Up in Lake Geneva.
WIJAM: Tell me a little about that first show.
DW: It’s kind of crazy to think back to your first gig and just the members on stage were a big difference from now. At the time the band consisted of 3 guitars, sax, drums, and bass, so it was a tight fit onstage. We opened up for a band called “Mystic Fishstix”, and they were a pretty good band but we totally rocked the stage and won over everyone there! Ironically, it wasn’t until 2008 until we booked a gig at Thumbs Up. Our 2nd time there held a cast of a different sax, drums, and bass players, and I was the only guitar. There are a few songs we played at the first gig that we still play now, but not all of them. A few have died respectively over the years, but the ones that lived have evolved since then into its current form. The only way to hear each song in their current form now is to attend shows as often as possible, which is hard for a fan.
WIJAM: The Wisconsin scene is currently teeming with fantastic acts, quality venues and hardcore fans. Being that you guys have been advocating the Support Live Music mantra for over a decade now, it's got to make you proud to see the state flourishing. What are your thoughts on the success of the Wisconsin scene, and the success of SLM in general.
DW: There are so many good jam bands around the area now it’s awesome. Totally different scene now than it was in 1999. Back then it was mostly metal and cover bands everywhere you went. If you wanted to see Jam bands, you had to be on the coast, not the Midwest. I look at Minneapolis and the college there as the new hub for sick jam bands in the Midwest. Just in the last ten years I’d say the scene has increased ten times the size it was. The scene will only get bigger in my opinion, too. The wholeness of the love, and sharing, and positive energy, and of course the inspirational music that really helps so many people get through their everyday life, has so much attraction. Those on the outside who are blind to the scene, or just refuse to partake, just might not find true happiness. That’s kind of what music is to me. Music is the inner soul that keeps you alive and gives you a reason to look forward to tomorrow. There are lots of people opening their eyes, and ears now more than ever. Now I’m seeing high school bands and lots of younger kids getting into the “feel good” music, and these kids rip too!
WIJAM: Being around for a decade plus, no doubt you've seen your share of promising bands come and go. Yet, after all this time, SLM continues climbing the mountain, getting better every day. What would your advice to a new band starting their journey be?
DW: There are some really good up and coming super young players that will be pushing the ranks of the seasoned players in the next few years. Understanding that you need to have ambition, and work hard, and definitely practice whenever you can as many different styles as you can is the key. Stay open-minded and try to be diverse with your playing. I think this has helped me most in the success of SLM. Fans aren’t stupid anymore. They know if you’re playing something difficult or if you’re just doing something basic. Do they really want to hear the same song over and over? Or do they want to be challenged with new styles or hybrids of styles? Yes as a music fan I can appreciate a blues song thrown into the set, but I don’t want a whole set of 1-4-5 progressions over and over. That’s not going to keep me interested. So you have to be diverse. That being said, I think everyone needs to give SLM a chance and listen to a few of our songs, not just one. I want people to appreciate everything we have to offer.
WIJAM: Your own festival, SLM Fest, is set to make a comeback in June of this year. What's the scoop?
DW: Yeah, we’re holding our 6th SLM Fest this summer. This will be the first one since 2006 and it’s going to be the best one yet. It will be held on 60+ acres of private land in Lunds, WI. This year we will be featuring over 20 of the best bands in the Mid-West June 23-26th along with a four day disc golf tournament and whitewater rafting on the Wolf River. There will be primitive camping in a wooded forest over the 4 days. A motorcycle poker run will be on the Saturday. Fans can get early bird tickets now at slmfest.com.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As you watch these guys on their path, you see a group that knows how to instigate a dance party. You see players with passion and intensity. You also see the kind of sly grin that tells you that the after bar might get pretty wild. You see a group that is constantly improving. A group that embraces, and supports our community, which they helped create, and you see a band that will perpetually be climbing that mountain. After all, it’s the journey that makes the memories, not the destination. And oh what memories they’ll have...
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Check out SLM on tour....
Sat, April 02 Neenah, WI Diablos Cantina Share
Wed, April 06 Mankato, MN Red Sky Lounge Share
Thu, April 07 Mankato, MN Red Sky Lounge Share
Fri, April 08 Spearfish, SD The B&B Back Porch Share Tickets
Sat, April 09 Spearfish, SD The B&B Back Porch Share Tickets
Sun, April 10 Minneapolis, MN Whiskey Junction Share Tickets
Tue, April 12 Milwaukee, WI Mad Planet Share Tickets
Wed, April 20 NEENAH, WI Cranky Pat's Share Tickets
Fri, April 22 Oshkosh, WI Peabody's Ale House Share Tickets
Sat, April 23 Milwaukee, WI Fire on Water Share Tickets
Fri, April 29 Lake Geneva, WI Thumbs Up Share Tickets
Sat, April 30 Madison, WI The Alchemy Cafe Share Tickets
Sat, May 07 Iowa City, IA Iowa City Yacht Club Share
Fri, May 13 Neenah, WI Diablos Cantina Share Tickets
Sat, May 14 Shawano, WI Corina's Share Tickets
Sat, May 21 Sullivan, MI Jam for Jamaica Share
Fri, June 10 Lacota, MI Hoodilidoo 2011 Share Tickets
Thu, June 16 Kiel, WI IfdaKamp Share Tickets
Thu, June 23 Shawano, WI Support Live Music Festival Share Tickets
Sat, 20 Aug Lake Geneva, WI 49th Annual Venetian Fest Share
Keep up with SLM online for news, tickets, updates, and extended tour info at the following places.
For over a decade now, the Milwaukee band SLM (whose name is literally an acronym for Support Live Music) has been bringing people together, and tearing tunes apart. Through many members, and countless shows, founding member and principle songwriter, Don Woppert has been able to keep SLM fresh, consistent and active. With a constant slate of shows, and new fans emerging every day, it’s clear that the Milwaukee quintet has a plan, and come hell or high water, are sticking to it.
The current line-up consists of Woppert on guitar and vocals, Matt Ostlund on saxophone and vocals, Matt Ruck on bass, Antonio Ninham on drums, and newest addition, Ben Vosters, chillin' in the pocket with keys and vocals. Recently WIJAM had a chance to chat with Woppert about SLM’s history, the 6th SLM Festival, members past and present, and what Support Live Music truly means.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
WIJAM: In your bio there's a phrase I find very interesting; ’Members change but the song remains the same.' If you could, elaborate a little on that sentiment.
DW: As far as the sound of SLM goes, it really has been a journey to get to where we are today. Over 20 different musicians have shared the stage and the name of SLM with me. The fans have experienced through the years how different players give different feels to the songs. All my songs have evolved by playing with different musicians. One guy will give it just a little different feel or rhythm that we like, or creates a cool lick, and the song starts getting played that way every time. I have written every original song the band plays up to this point, but the songs are different with different players. It's just all about listening to each other and feeding off of each other’s vibes and the crowd’s energy. It’s like playing in a band is like being a really good cocktail and I’m the bartender of the songs. If you mix the flavors right you get something super tasty and at the same time, without a good bartender it won't be as tasty either. So overall I guess the members change, but the songs remain the same - just with their own unique flavor, and I love the mix we have right now.
WIJAM: The newest addition to the line-up is Ben Vosters on keys. It seems to be across the board that people are saying SLM has never sounded better. Explain a bit about what Ben brings to the table, both on and off the stage, as well as the overall musical growth and development as a band, and as individuals.
DW: Having Ben on the keys is definitely a new thing for me. I've never had a keys player in the history of SLM. And I don't necessarily feel that he makes us better as much as he gives us more versatility and more options. For Matt and I, it gives us more chance to breathe (Matt literally) and even more room for improvisation. We can just drop out and let Ben jam a little, work the dynamics aspect, trade off licks, there's lots of possibilities for us to work with and it gives the fans a different show. Plus I feel Ben will be able to add some harmony vocals that have been present with previous members, but have been missing for a couple years. He still is pretty new and has a lot to learn about the songs and I'm sure he will contribute lots of new ideas to improve our songs in the future, too. Cohesion takes time. It takes hours together listening to how each other interpret music and plays their instrument. Everybody has their own style, and not everyone is easy to work with. When Matt joined the band six years ago, he brought something that can't be learned in your room practicing. He brought experience of playing with different people and was able to teach us all a little more about listening to each other more than just playing. That’s why we are able to play together so fluently. He knows my licks, and what I like to play and vice versa. We can listen to each other and not only mimic, but harmonize licks together and that only happened through all the hours of rehearsing with each other, which Ben will eventually evolve to do with us too.
WIJAM: For anyone that's ever seen SLM, one of the first things they notice is how comfortable the interplay between Matt and yourself appears to be, and really, how easy you guys make it look. Talk about what it takes to find that level of synergy. Was it like that from the get go with you two?
DW: A lot of people comment on how Matt and I play together, and that’s not as much improvisation as it is structure. We’re classified a jam band, but we really don’t do too much jamming. Our songs are very structured and played pretty similar, except for solos. Only once in a while do we actually jam out songs, but I’d like to think our songs themselves can be classified as just a “cool jam to dance to”. Most of the synchronized licks we play are written that way. That’s how I write and it’s been that way since the first show in 1999 at Thumbs Up in Lake Geneva.
WIJAM: Tell me a little about that first show.
DW: It’s kind of crazy to think back to your first gig and just the members on stage were a big difference from now. At the time the band consisted of 3 guitars, sax, drums, and bass, so it was a tight fit onstage. We opened up for a band called “Mystic Fishstix”, and they were a pretty good band but we totally rocked the stage and won over everyone there! Ironically, it wasn’t until 2008 until we booked a gig at Thumbs Up. Our 2nd time there held a cast of a different sax, drums, and bass players, and I was the only guitar. There are a few songs we played at the first gig that we still play now, but not all of them. A few have died respectively over the years, but the ones that lived have evolved since then into its current form. The only way to hear each song in their current form now is to attend shows as often as possible, which is hard for a fan.
WIJAM: The Wisconsin scene is currently teeming with fantastic acts, quality venues and hardcore fans. Being that you guys have been advocating the Support Live Music mantra for over a decade now, it's got to make you proud to see the state flourishing. What are your thoughts on the success of the Wisconsin scene, and the success of SLM in general.
DW: There are so many good jam bands around the area now it’s awesome. Totally different scene now than it was in 1999. Back then it was mostly metal and cover bands everywhere you went. If you wanted to see Jam bands, you had to be on the coast, not the Midwest. I look at Minneapolis and the college there as the new hub for sick jam bands in the Midwest. Just in the last ten years I’d say the scene has increased ten times the size it was. The scene will only get bigger in my opinion, too. The wholeness of the love, and sharing, and positive energy, and of course the inspirational music that really helps so many people get through their everyday life, has so much attraction. Those on the outside who are blind to the scene, or just refuse to partake, just might not find true happiness. That’s kind of what music is to me. Music is the inner soul that keeps you alive and gives you a reason to look forward to tomorrow. There are lots of people opening their eyes, and ears now more than ever. Now I’m seeing high school bands and lots of younger kids getting into the “feel good” music, and these kids rip too!
WIJAM: Being around for a decade plus, no doubt you've seen your share of promising bands come and go. Yet, after all this time, SLM continues climbing the mountain, getting better every day. What would your advice to a new band starting their journey be?
DW: There are some really good up and coming super young players that will be pushing the ranks of the seasoned players in the next few years. Understanding that you need to have ambition, and work hard, and definitely practice whenever you can as many different styles as you can is the key. Stay open-minded and try to be diverse with your playing. I think this has helped me most in the success of SLM. Fans aren’t stupid anymore. They know if you’re playing something difficult or if you’re just doing something basic. Do they really want to hear the same song over and over? Or do they want to be challenged with new styles or hybrids of styles? Yes as a music fan I can appreciate a blues song thrown into the set, but I don’t want a whole set of 1-4-5 progressions over and over. That’s not going to keep me interested. So you have to be diverse. That being said, I think everyone needs to give SLM a chance and listen to a few of our songs, not just one. I want people to appreciate everything we have to offer.
WIJAM: Your own festival, SLM Fest, is set to make a comeback in June of this year. What's the scoop?
DW: Yeah, we’re holding our 6th SLM Fest this summer. This will be the first one since 2006 and it’s going to be the best one yet. It will be held on 60+ acres of private land in Lunds, WI. This year we will be featuring over 20 of the best bands in the Mid-West June 23-26th along with a four day disc golf tournament and whitewater rafting on the Wolf River. There will be primitive camping in a wooded forest over the 4 days. A motorcycle poker run will be on the Saturday. Fans can get early bird tickets now at slmfest.com.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As you watch these guys on their path, you see a group that knows how to instigate a dance party. You see players with passion and intensity. You also see the kind of sly grin that tells you that the after bar might get pretty wild. You see a group that is constantly improving. A group that embraces, and supports our community, which they helped create, and you see a band that will perpetually be climbing that mountain. After all, it’s the journey that makes the memories, not the destination. And oh what memories they’ll have...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check out SLM on tour....
Sat, April 02 Neenah, WI Diablos Cantina Share
Wed, April 06 Mankato, MN Red Sky Lounge Share
Thu, April 07 Mankato, MN Red Sky Lounge Share
Fri, April 08 Spearfish, SD The B&B Back Porch Share Tickets
Sat, April 09 Spearfish, SD The B&B Back Porch Share Tickets
Sun, April 10 Minneapolis, MN Whiskey Junction Share Tickets
Tue, April 12 Milwaukee, WI Mad Planet Share Tickets
Wed, April 20 NEENAH, WI Cranky Pat's Share Tickets
Fri, April 22 Oshkosh, WI Peabody's Ale House Share Tickets
Sat, April 23 Milwaukee, WI Fire on Water Share Tickets
Fri, April 29 Lake Geneva, WI Thumbs Up Share Tickets
Sat, April 30 Madison, WI The Alchemy Cafe Share Tickets
Sat, May 07 Iowa City, IA Iowa City Yacht Club Share
Fri, May 13 Neenah, WI Diablos Cantina Share Tickets
Sat, May 14 Shawano, WI Corina's Share Tickets
Sat, May 21 Sullivan, MI Jam for Jamaica Share
Fri, June 10 Lacota, MI Hoodilidoo 2011 Share Tickets
Thu, June 16 Kiel, WI IfdaKamp Share Tickets
Thu, June 23 Shawano, WI Support Live Music Festival Share Tickets
Sat, 20 Aug Lake Geneva, WI 49th Annual Venetian Fest Share
Keep up with SLM online for news, tickets, updates, and extended tour info at the following places.
