Detroit has no shortage of events to keep us happily partying on New Year’s Eve, though the MMX-sponsored 3rd annual New Year’s Eve Rock ‘n’ Roll Ball at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn has to be one of the better options.
Entertainment on the night comes courtesy of legendary ‘90s alt-rockers Blind Melon, who headline the event, and local bands the Delivery, Robin Horlock Music and post-punkers SSM. The evening is presented by radio stations 89X and 93.9 The River, and will be a multi-city spectacular, also including Chicago and Indianapolis.
SSM keyboardist and vocalist John Szymanski spoke to Metromix about his band’s past and what they have planned for the New Year’s Eve event…
When and how did SSM form?
SSM formed in the summer of 2005 on the Fourth of July. My other band, the Hentchmen, was taking a break. We came up with a bunch of songs and we recorded a demo to see if people liked it. We kind of took off, so we went with it.
Where does the name come from?
It’s the first letter of each of our last names (the band is completed by David Shettler and Marty Morris). We lost all creative flow for that.
Who are your main influences?
Can, for one. Punk rock. Dave is really into techno. Indie rock. Pretty much everything. We definitely want a psychedelic edge to the whole outfit. No rules.
Describe your sound…
I think its psychedelic electro punk. That covers it all.
What is the band’s biggest achievement to date?
We’ve been able to do a couple of tours in France. We’re going back for our third time this winter. We’re proud of being able to do that. We haven’t done a whole lot of states-side touring. We did a west coast tour once, and a couple of shows on the east coast. We did one tour of the UK opening up for the Datsuns. We also went on a tour with the Black Keys, because they’re friends of ours.
The demo we made was reviewed in the New York Times, which was unusual. None of us had been in there before, and we just made a demo which got in there.
Do you think you fit in the Detroit rock ‘n’ roll scene?
I think so, yeah. I think the scene is a lot more eclectic than people think it is. It isn’t strict garage. Anyone that hangs out on any given weekend will see that. There all sorts of bands in Detroit. They’re all competitive but they try different things.
Are you looking forward to the New Year’s Eve show?
Definitely. I’ve never even been in that room before, at the Hyatt. I don’t know what to expect. I didn’t know much about Blind Melon back in the day or anything. I’ve heard that there’s a different singer in the band now. It’s always fun playing in a different room though. Apparently it’s a giant ballroom. It seems like it might be like the Fillmore.
Do you have anything special planned for the night?
When we started out, we tried to do our own lighting. I think we’ll try to do that again that night. We just recorded four songs for a couple singles and we’ll be playing those tunes. We’re going on at around 10: p.m.
What do you have planned for the next 12 months?
I have a job with an irrigation company so we’re busy at this time of year. We’ll be putting out a couple of singles. We’re in-between labels, but we’ll see what opportunities arise.
