Meet Overlook!
Photos by Sierra Sevier & Words by Haley Milnes
Overlook is a band of four childhood best friends that started in the summer of 2016 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The band features Sam Bellavance (Bass), Carson Bull (Guitar/Vocals), Colin Christenson (Drums), and Jimmy Haines (Guitar/Vocals). We had the opportunity of chatting with Sam of Overlook and got to learn so much more about the band and their journey.
Light Leak: How did you become a band? I saw you originally formed in Fort Wayne and are now based in Nashville. Did you all know each other from the start?
Overlook: The first time we got together and jammed together was August, 2016. We all somewhat knew each other early in high school, but not very well. Jim and Sam went to the same school, Colin, Jim and Carson all knew each other through some music programs in town. Sam and Colin were already in a couple bands together around 2014 and 2015, and when their band ended, Colin and Jim were already scheming about putting together a group. Around this time, Carson texted Jim about forming a band and the lineup was settled. We showed up to Colin’s house that first day and played whatever rock songs we all knew. A couple months later, we had a set, a band name, and were ready to play our first show. We spent the next three years of high school playing out almost every weekend and writing original music.
Light Leak: I listened to your album “Someway Somehow” all the way through and have nothing but positive things to say. Do you have any upcoming releases or singles that you’re excited about?
Overlook: Thanks! We’re really proud of that one. We have a ton of new material that we’ve been working on for the last year. Expect lots of new singles from us this year!
Light Leak: Talking about new music, do you listen to anything in particular while recording?
Overlook: For this record we’re working on, we’ve been listening to Harry Styles’ self-titled album, AM by the Arctic Monkeys, and Room on Fire by The Strokes to inspire our vocal sound. Household Name by Momma, Metaphysical by The Technicolors, Nevermind by Nirvana all sound amazing instrumentally. But shoutout to our producer Scott Rottler. He has an amazing ear for tone.
Light Leak: Who are some of your biggest music inspirations?
Overlook: We have quite the venn-diagram of musical interest in the band, but artists we all love are The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Kendrick Lamar, Nirvana, Oasis, King Gizzard, Tame Impala, The Strokes, and the Lumineers.
Light Leak: What has been your favorite show you’ve played to date?
Overlook: Back in July 2021, we played a show in Fort Wayne that was definitely over-capacity, definitely too hot, and definitely too sweaty. It was shoulder to shoulder in there and hard to even get a drink. But the energy between us and the crowd was amazing. Everyone was dancing and in the moment. The night ended with broken gear, a disgruntled sound guy, and a lot of happy people.
Light Leak: Anything particular coming up on your calendar that you’re excited about?
Overlook: Besides the release of our new music, we’ll be in Austin mid March to play a couple shows. It’ll be our first time out there and we’re excited to experience the area and meet some new people.
Light Leak: Are there any specific bands you like to play with? Feel free to shout anyone out!
Overlook: Our dear friends in Uncle Muscle put out a great record last year. It’s always great to catch them in Nashville or Fort Wayne. Also shoutout to our buds in Chattanooga, Lilac Line. We have a show coming up with them at the beginning of March.
Light Leak: Lastly, if you could play with any artist/band, who would it be?
Overlook: I think it would be fun to play musical chairs with Dave Grohl in the band and hear him on each instrument. He has an incredible understanding of music.
Thank you Sam for taking the time to answer some of our questions! Connect with the band and stream their music below. Their newest single “Back to Life” comes out this Friday, September 8th! Nashville friends, you could even catch them at their show on that same night :)
