Following the release for their new album ‘ Hot Chicken’ today we decided to have a chat with Skunkmello to see what makes them tick.
When did you form your band?
Early 2012.
How did you decide what style/ Genre of music you wanted to do?
I’ve always been a huge fan of rock and roll and old blues and roots music so I tend to write songs in that vein, and the songs I bring to the band generally dictate the style we ultimately run with. It’s an amorphous vibe that kind of changes a bit from tune to tune, but always grounded in solid rock and roll.
What inspired you to make music?
Everything, really. All the great tunes out there, the grit and grind of everyday existence, high-proof distillations, and the whole galaxy of multi-colored uppers, downers, screamers, laughers…
What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs?
White knuckled chaos, good-timing debauchery, and tenuous survival careening on the edge of almost certain doom. We like Whiskey too.
Could you briefly describe you music-making process?
We don’t have much of a process. I may come up with a song, for whatever reason, and bring it in to the band for some run and gun electric rocket-fire.
What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
We often take a bender a bit too far around the curve, winding up in some precarious situations where fast talk and burnt nerves won’t always walk you back. We don’t overcome as much as we overdo, but once you get into something like this you got to take out to it’s fiery conclusion.
What is your Favourite song to perform live and why?
We dig em all, that’s why we play them, and my favorite tends to shift with my mood. Right now I guess it’s a tune called “Sweet Delight” off of our new record, Hot Chicken, because it’s got that big fiery finish you can really get in to.
So far what are your favourite and least favourite venues that you have played ?
We like them all as long as the crowd is right and the taps are flowing.
What’s the most bizarre thing to happen while you were on stage?
Well, we did a show recently where we had some naked folks dancing around, some spinning from the ceiling and others spinning fire. We thought that was pretty cool.
Who has been your favourite support act so far?
There are a number of local bands we like to play with, including The Silks, Scantron, and Cropdust.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to get around, get into some mountains, get into some waves, or get just vibe off somewhere quiet with a book and a guitar. I also enjoy raucous burner at the pub, depending on my mood.
Any Plans to come to Ireland in the future?
Hopefully soon, I love Ireland and have had many a wild time over there. Good people down for a good time.
What advice do you have for people who want to form their own band?
If you dig it, do it. If you really dig it, do it twice.
Stream ‘ Slaughterhouse Blues’ below
