Matt “Tits” Gillies – Guitar, Vocals, Bass, Keys, Synth
Mike “Lyken” Robinson – Bass,Vocals, Guitar, Percussion
Cory “Manhands” Fitch – Drums and Percussion
Matt “D” Martin – Guitar, Vocals, Bass, Percussion, Synth
Sandia formed and started rehearsing music together in mid 2003, after becoming good friends and performing at a local open mic night in Huntsville, AL. In the early years they struggled to find a solid line up; though the core of the band has always remained the same. In 2004 they started performing what became known as “The Gary Wells Band” due to a local bartender naming them for the monthly performance schedule. “We were undecided as to what to call ourselves and so Jeff (Goltz) and Trevor (Trainer) just put that on paper after hearing the Gary Wells story.”
During that time the guys started playing with local keyboardist Will Peterson and formed Esharpmotion. They achieved some local acclaim due to their tight circle of friends frequenting their shows at Crossroads Music Hall. They played under the name Esharpmotion for a year or so, during which time Mike, who was playing bass, moved to California. Alex Godbold quickly filled the low end mix, all the while adding an original flavor and assorted repertoire (Also introduced the band to Rhett Johnston). In early 2005 Peterson parted ways mutually, and the sound of the band moved more towards what it is now. With more spacey and chaotic jams and explorative jam sessions, they laid the foundations for their future.
Around Late 2006, after creating a dedicated fanbase in their hometown, and playing numerous live shows, things unfortunately fell apart between Godbold and the rest of the band (while they all remain great friends to this day). The band then started rehearsing new bassists in 2007 but never really found what they were looking for. Mike then stepped up to the plate and took the low end duties again, solidifying the current role-play that makes Sandia what it is.
The band became greatly involved with the Flying Monkey Arts Center (housed in the Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment) community, as well as the many musical acts that travelled thru. Shortly after joining FMAC they got inspiration for their local art parties where Rhett Johnston and the art collective S.C.U.M. of the Earth along with many other local aftists would contribute to Sandia’s Art Parties. Live Painters, Installations, Multi-Media, Visual, Culinary, and Musical artists all helped to contribute to the current mentality that drives the band.
After recently relocating to Grass Valley, California, we have decided to take some time off from playing live and touring. We are doing this in order to reflect and write/collaborate and create the best possible album that we can. We are continuously working to create and refine our art so we can bring it to you. We deeply thank all of our friends who helped us get to where we are, as well as all of our new friends who we are constantly building bridges with.
The Band
Mike “Lyken” Robinson – Bass,Vocals, Guitar, Percussion
Cory “Manhands” Fitch – Drums and Percussion
Matt “D” Martin – Guitar, Vocals, Bass, Percussion, Synth
Sandia formed and started rehearsing music together in mid 2003, after becoming good friends and performing at a local open mic night in Huntsville, AL. In the early years they struggled to find a solid line up; though the core of the band has always remained the same. In 2004 they started performing what became known as “The Gary Wells Band” due to a local bartender naming them for the monthly performance schedule. “We were undecided as to what to call ourselves and so Jeff (Goltz) and Trevor (Trainer) just put that on paper after hearing the Gary Wells story.”
During that time the guys started playing with local keyboardist Will Peterson and formed Esharpmotion. They achieved some local acclaim due to their tight circle of friends frequenting their shows at Crossroads Music Hall. They played under the name Esharpmotion for a year or so, during which time Mike, who was playing bass, moved to California. Alex Godbold quickly filled the low end mix, all the while adding an original flavor and assorted repertoire (Also introduced the band to Rhett Johnston). In early 2005 Peterson parted ways mutually, and the sound of the band moved more towards what it is now. With more spacey and chaotic jams and explorative jam sessions, they laid the foundations for their future.
Around Late 2006, after creating a dedicated fanbase in their hometown, and playing numerous live shows, things unfortunately fell apart between Godbold and the rest of the band (while they all remain great friends to this day). The band then started rehearsing new bassists in 2007 but never really found what they were looking for. Mike then stepped up to the plate and took the low end duties again, solidifying the current role-play that makes Sandia what it is.
The band became greatly involved with the Flying Monkey Arts Center (housed in the Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment) community, as well as the many musical acts that travelled thru. Shortly after joining FMAC they got inspiration for their local art parties where Rhett Johnston and the art collective S.C.U.M. of the Earth along with many other local aftists would contribute to Sandia’s Art Parties. Live Painters, Installations, Multi-Media, Visual, Culinary, and Musical artists all helped to contribute to the current mentality that drives the band.
After recently relocating to Grass Valley, California, we have decided to take some time off from playing live and touring. We are doing this in order to reflect and write/collaborate and create the best possible album that we can. We are continuously working to create and refine our art so we can bring it to you. We deeply thank all of our friends who helped us get to where we are, as well as all of our new friends who we are constantly building bridges with.
In La’kech