INTERVIEW: The Skinner Brothers — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

The Skinner Brothers

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THERE is something rather saucy and sassy…

when approaching The Skinner Brothers. Not only did they skip a few of my questions but they do not have a Twitter account – a folly that can lead artists to trouble! Fortunately, the boys have plenty of quality bang-age and controversy to get people in and leave them hooked. I talk to the band the band’s singer, Zachary, about their new debut single/video, Watchu, and what new material is coming – and what areas of the capital we should watch out for when it comes to new music.

I learn about the band’s influences and what it was like supporting The Libertines; why the Dublin Castle holds some pain memories; how the guys hang away from music – leaving the interview with a right-on Norman Cook-led epic.

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Hi, guys. How are you? How has your week been?

I can, quite truthfully, say that I’ve stayed in a different bed each night this week. So, everything is really, just beautiful…

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourselves, please?

We’ve got Piff Spice on the Bass Guitar, Chino Pola on the Drums; Slade Gabbici on Lead Guitar and me (Zachary Charles Skinner) on Vocals.

Watchu is your debut single. What was the inspiration behind the song?

I used to run a night every week in the Dublin Castle in Camden. It was all fun and games until I got barred for dedicating one of the nights to Charles Manson - I was surprised anyone even knew who he was. He has some really good songs - check him out...

It is a funky and taut track. Was it quite hard getting it that slick yet deep?

I think it’s all about the bass and the drums: it gets low and it gets high. As long as you can dance to it, everything is sweet.

The video looked like it was pretty cool! Who came up with the idea of the video?

The idea came naturally between us. We wanted something a little like Lock Stock' and that poker episode of Only Fools and Horses mixed together.

Will there be an E.P. later this year?

The B-side to Watchu will be coming out in March - and we have the second single coming out in April.

I believe you supported/toured with The Libertines. That must have been an awesome time! What were they like?!

Touring with The Libertines was a real treat. Growing up in the '00s; we were all big fans of those guys - so it was really nice of them to give us the chance to get up on the big stage!

What sort of sounds did you all grow up listening to?

It varies between members – but, to list a few:

KISS, Red Hot Chili Peppers; The Jam and Frank Sinatra.

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

There is some pretty fresh stuff coming out around New Cross and Peckham right now. I recommend a trip down to the 5 Bells Pub because there is always something going on there at the moment.

How do you all spend time away from music? Any hobbies or favourite ways to chill?

I like London at night - particularly West End/Soho. That area is really beautiful. As long as I’m not bored, everything is great. The way people act in this town seems to be a stimulus for a story or two.

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Just one, son: Freak Power - Turn On, Tune In, Cop Out

Thank you