In this interview spotlight, I chat with Army of Skanks about their Negative Politics project, dream collaborations, AI in the music biz, and more.
Full Q&A along with music and links below.
AI (aka Artificial Intelligence aka Chat GPT 4.0)… How is it changing the music world? What are your thoughts about this new trend?
It’s not something we are planning to make use of as we enjoy jamming our music together at rehearsals but I will watch from the sidelines to see where it goes!
I’m sure there will be good and bad things about it! Can’t see it having that extra X factor like the Sex Pistols and Nirvana though?
In my experience on facebook, photos are far far far more viewed and clicked on and liked, like 50 times more!’ than any video of tracks or gigs I ever posted up of us in the last 13 years. The right photo can get a few thousand views on our page! It’s only me that has ever really focussed on socials for the band, even as a 5 piece in the early days back in 2010 as I enjoy editing photos and videos. It’s my real job anyway!. You can’t take photos of a virtual AI machine!! So how can you draw people in without cool flashy photos? The future will tell anyway as there’s no stopping it now!
Can you choose a favorite song of all time? Or is this an impossible task? If yes, what’s the song? If no, what’s your current Top 3?
It is definitely an impossible task for me but I want Gigantic by the Pixies played at my funeral. Always have too! No other reason than it’s my favourite song ever! I love Kim Deal’s basslines. They are really playable and do exactly what a bass should do. I’ve never liked bass player styles like Flea from Chilli Peppers for example! He’s very clever but it’s too busy bass lines for my taste. Too dominating over the music.
What about this project makes you most proud? Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?
I’m proud that the three of us have lasted so long, 6 years as a three piece and still on the same page, still focused and motivated and enjoy each other’s company. That we are all collaborating on all the music we’ve created. After being in 11 bands since my early 20’s that have all at least gigged and recorded something over the years, all have fallen apart within the first 1 to 4 years with someone not getting what they want out of it. You only need one wobbly wheel on the lorry to make the rest fall off! It’s like that with a band. One member not playing ball, or 2 members not getting on and it will fall apart. The goal is our new album. New music to play at future gigs as 3 tracks were not even written when we started going in the studio back in April for this one so they still feel very new to play live!
What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?
I feel lucky to have fallen in love with 3 bands that have lasted my whole adult life. They’ve all passed the 40 years anniversary as bands. The Damned, New Model Army and Killing Joke. All still together, touring, and releasing new albums. I always go to every tour they do. That keeps me very very motivated!
If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.
Justin Sullivan of New Model Army. He is my idol. My musical idol. I have met him a few times but he leaves me speechless so I’ll keep that as a dream!
What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?
New Model Army is definitely my top favourite band and they have just released a new single from their forth coming new album. Their 16th studio album. It’s brilliant too.
Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?
Our facebook page is the best place to keep connected with us. I am uploading gig vlogs to our youtube channel every time we gig. There are track videos there too. We recently joined instagram. Only because other bands keep asking if we were on it more and more! A social very much based on photos – not useful for AI machines!!!
I appreciate Your time. Want to say or plug any other projects before we part ways?
We are already looking to write some more music between us and record more. And keep gigging. To be honest, it does leave us out of pocket financially with the crap return from digital these days and venues struggling to keep going, they can’t pay much to bands but it is our passion and we want to keep going as long as we can! As Johnny Rotten said, We will only stop when we get bored! We’re not bored yet!
