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According to Bazooka

  • Genres
  • Americana Pop
  • Bluegrass
  • Folk
  • Retro Folk-Pop
  • Awards and Nominations
    • SAMMIES 2020 Nominee★ Folk/Bluegrass ★
    • SAMMIES 2019 Nominee★ Folk/Bluegrass ★
    • SAMMIES 2018 Nominee★ Folk/Bluegrass ★
  • Musicians
    • Don Johnston — drums, percussion
    • Jamie Knapp — upright bass, vocals
    • René Martucci — accordion, vocals
    • Richard Urbino — guitar, vocals
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Q & A

Fun fan quote:

02.21.20

“You sound like Dan Hicks meets Steely Dan.”

How do you describe your music to people?

02.21.20

Catchy folk-pop with a vintage vibe.

Is there a central theme to your band's music?

02.21.20

We often describe our songwriting as happy-sad. They sound upbeat, but the themes often describe relationships gone wrong.

Tell us about how the band formed.

02.21.20

René: Richard and I are married and we are always working on musical projects. We wanted an outlet for our original music using folk instruments in a nontraditional way. Richard started on bouzouki, then acoustic guitar and archtop guitar. I wanted to play accordion. We started as a duo and kept hoping we could find a bass player. We asked Jamie to join after we kept admiring her bass playing each time we heard her. We kept running into Don and one day we asked if he’d like to join. Don and Richard had their first band together in high school so it's really cool that he wanted to work together on this project.

Tell us about your best gig in Sac.

02.21.20

We recently did a show just outside of Sac in Davis that was a blast! We played with Dirty Cello for the Thursday Live concert series at Odd Fellows Hall. The show was packed, the audience was enthusiastic and both bands complemented each other's style. It was a fun night! We also loved participating in Sacramento’s First Fest a few years back. The huge diversity of styles was really cool and represents how Sacramento is rich with creativity.

What artist or band are you a little embarrassed to love, and why?

02.21.20

We really are not embarrassed and like all kinds of music and styles.

What's next for the band?

02.21.20

We’ll be starting up at Moon Recording studio in March to work on our fourth album. We are excited about our new material and are planning to have the next Album release in 2021. We are planning on releasing a new video this fall.

What's the best part of this experience?

02.21.20

Playing music just feels good. We love playing together and enjoy the process. The way music connects people feels good too!

What's the story behind the band name?

02.21.20

Our name grew out of the original instrumentation of the band, which included an accordion and a bouzouki. We liked the play on words of accordion/According and bouzouki/Bazooka. Richard’s has since switched to guitar. We like the pop-culture imagery associated with the old Bazooka bubble gum. Even the little comics that used to come in the wrappers is a kind of storytelling.

What's your favorite local artist/group?

02.21.20

David Houston. We are huge fans! If he is playing and we have a night off - we are there!

Who are your biggest influences?

02.21.20

1960s pop bands, Summer of Love and British Invasion bands.

Who first inspired you to play music?

02.21.20

We love the sound of The Beatles and the songwriting. Our influences include 1960s folk-pop, Americana and British Invasion bands. We like the sound of The Birds and R.E.M.

Words to live by?

02.21.20

Make time for creativity.

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