Q & A with DUKE SIMS of SHINOBI NINJA

Brooklyn, New York is the home of a genre-twisting band by the name of Shinobi Ninja. The band consists of six diverse characters – Duke Sims (D.A.) (vocals), Baby G (vocals), Maniac Mike (guitar), Alien Alex (bass), DJ Axis Powers (turntables) and Terminator Dave (drums) – who create what can only be described as a unique sound.

One of the band’s most popular tracks is called This Is How We Do It/Scenario that comes off the back of tracks like What If Times and follows on from Dancing In The Crowd. With so much music coming out of the Shinobi Ninja camp including an upcoming brand new album called Bless Up, Duke Sims had a chat with AMNplify – check it out below!

Photo by Al Pereira

How and when did the band form?

We started in 2008. We had separate bands and then we chopped all those down to one monster band!!!

Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in music?

Rock bands. Musicians. Awesome people rocking out onstage, making us want to do the same.

Who are your main musical influences?

Metal. Rock. Dance Music. Pop Music. All kinds of music.

What was the decision process behind recording This Is How We Do It/Scenario?

It came together very naturally. The best music comes together naturally and this was one of those pieces.

What is the inspiration behind What If Times?

To have more. To be more. To do our best. To rise up.

What are the themes explored on the Bless Up album?

Blessings. Love. Rocking. Making it happen. Doing it!!!

How does Bless Up differ to the albums you’ve released previously?

It’s more positive. Not so much anger. Some. But more love. More coolness.

What has been your most memorable career highlight to date?

Getting the nod from super famous awesome rock stars. Them saying to us. You’re special. That’s very special!!!

What is something you would like to achieve career-wise that you haven’t done yet?

Get big paper!!! Get big buds!!! Smoke big!!! Rock big stages!!! Be on tour with the big boys!!! Be big!!! Be the biggest band in the world!!! That’s our goal!!!!

If you could play any venue in the world, where would it be and why?

Madison Square Garden. Said that on our first album Rock Hood. That’s the pinnacle. That’s the Promised Land!!! Much Love & Thanks!!! Bless Up!!!! See you on the road soon!!