samuel s.c.

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Samuel SC // ARTIST BIO 

Live lineup: 

Eric Astor: drums 

Vanessa Downing: vocals 

Michael Honch: Bass

James Marinelli: guitar, vocals 

Dean Taormina: guitar

Samuel began in the early 90's in State College, PA as a queer female-fronted punk rock outfit that relentlessly toured the legendary DIY hardcore/punk circuit alongside notables of the time such as Avail, Promise Ring, Chamberlain, Anti-Flag, Grain, Kerosene 454 and dozens more. Born from the ashes of Downing’s previous outfit Junction, Samuel was the flagship band of drummer Eric Astor’s label Art Monk Construction, which produced some of the most revered 7" releases of the era.

An untimely break up in 1995 ensured Samuel’s footprint in a long line of early emo/post hardcore legends would remain small albeit memorable, due to powerful live performances and hooky 7” releases capturing a sound that refused to fall neatly into any punk subgenre. Meanwhile, singer Downing’s presence as a young, openly queer woman was contemporaneous with the powerful riot grrl movement and inspired women, girls and LGBTQ youth within the burgeoning DIY/hardcore/punk scene. 

Reformed in 2021 as Samuel S.C. with friendships and chemistry intact, the added S.C. reflecting a new beginning while paying homage to the band’s origins. A lineup adjustment included Michael Honch (Continuals, Alarms & Controls) picking up bass duties, bringing a fresh perspective  to Samuel’s 90’s material while creating opportunity for new songwriting. Today the band is squarely focused on the now, adeptly shedding any dangers of a ‘nostalgic act’ tag and carving out space as a relevant force in contemporary punk music.  

The latest cycle in SSC’s remarkable lifespan includes the fiery 2-song Exit Scene 7” on Landland Colportage, released Oct. 2024, and an upcoming  split 10” with Florida peers Pohgoh on New Granada Records, coming out in October 2025. More new music is in the works to be released in early 2026.”