Exposed Vocals catches an exclusive with Blue Helix
Blue Helix is a Washington State band on the cutting edge of modern rock with a uniquely potent blend of the core genre and its many sub-genres. Following the hallowed footsteps of the 90’s Grunge movement, Blue Helix stands against the darkness and for something much greater. Thriving on the energies and individual personalities of each member, Blue Helix reigns as a tribute both to its members’ lives and to their vision. Winners of the 2015 Puget Sound Battle of the Bands, Blue Helix plays regular gigs in Washington State and recently performed live at KGRG 89.9 FM. Well-known for their powerful and compelling live performance, Blue Helix indulges their audience with genuine passion and true showmanship.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Sami: My name is Sami Chohfi. I am the guitarist/singer/songwriter in a four-piece Rock band named Blue Helix from Seattle, Washington State. I grew up in many different places like, Sao Paulo / Brazil, Wichita Kansas and Hollywood Florida. I made the decision to be an artist after seeing Nirvana’s “Smells like Teen Spirit” video. Nirvana inspired me like so many others to learn how to be a songwriter.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Sami: I wanted a band named that meant Music Human. Or person born for music. A helix is the D.N.A. model for the human being, and the color blue in regards to meaning, is the music chakra color. I wanted a literal meaning of what I was looking for. I found it. Music Human. Blue Helix
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Sami: I have given tons of music away. If people love what you do and respect your art they will pay for it, if they please. I would rather people hear my music then not. So if it must be free, this day and age, it sometimes is the only way. Those who want to support you will.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Sami: I am in a local band. Getting gigs comes from playing gigs. To begin, send emails and make contacts with as many other people in your network as you can. Airplay, is tough. Try making friends with college stations, see if you can get love there first. If your music is good, it will spread.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Sami: The acoustic guitar in hand, usually inspires my songs. Inspiration comes unexpected. I am grateful for it when it happens. For example, once I was flying back from a gig in Spokane, the plane’s wing dropped, people were screaming and we were all terrified. Thankfully we survived. That experience inspired “This Tragedy”.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Sami: Yes, our music is available on our website (www.bluehelixmusic.com), EPK (www.artistecard.com/bluehelix), Spotify, Amazon, iTunes, Pandora as well as on Soundcloud (https://soundcloud.com/bluehelix-music) and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/user/BlueHelixTV).
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Sami: I would invest in in my band, by getting us bought on a major tour with a major band. More than likely the Foo Fighters.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Sami: Facebook, Twitter, and word of mouth. Shows help and being active on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/user/BlueHelixTV). There are no more record label fairies.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Sami: We are releasing our first official music video for our song “Aliens” and having a video release show at the Columbia City Theater in Seattle on July 1st, 2016. We just released a new song called Runaways. It is available on our Soundcloud (https://soundcloud.com/bluehelix-music).
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Sami: No clue.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Sami: I remember life is short, manage your time, and be responsible. Have to pay bills, and never forget to be happy doing what you love. Music keeps me sane.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
Sami: New Music Video for “Aliens”, new songs like “This Tragedy” and shows in Oregon, Idaho and California.
