THE SKINTS – AN ARTIST SPOTLIGHT AND INTERVIEW
By Ralph Beauchamp
The Skints are a UK foursome whose addictive sound meshes brilliant elements of ska, punk, reggae and an assortment of other musical genres. The Skints use this hybrid groove to forge music that is both singular and unique. The band has just released a new single entitled “Home” via Easy Star Records. Their music is unmistakably British but one can easily hear the Jamaican reggae undertones and American punk aggression in their songs, This mixture of glorious melodies allows The Skints to maneuver between laid-back reggae vibes and manic moments of punkish aural onslaughts.
What makes The Skints stand out is how they treat their influences as a living beast as opposed to being locked into one particular genre. They have always bent the rules in order to construct music that is constantly defying the current musical benchmark. They shift between dub, dancehall, hip hop and punk while still remaining true to their visionary identity. In addition, this use of hyped up reggae inflections, dynamic punk nuances and the exposure of societal injustices has made The Skints‘ music immediate with undeniable substance.
The Skints are comprised of Jamie Kyriakides (Vocals/Drums/Guitar}, Marcia Richards (Vocals/Keys/Multi-instrumentalist}, Josh Waters Rudge (Vocals/Guitar} and Jonathan Doyle (Bass}. Their new single, “Home” is a prime example of the band’s outstanding songwriting. It is comprised of the all the laudable worlds that dominant their sound. Filled with sonic frenzy, hip hop intensity and rhythmic accents, “Home” feels new and fresh. The single offers another exemplary facet of The Skints‘ sound. If this is any indication of their forthcoming album, Sour Tooth, the record will be an absolute must listen.
Josh Waters Rudge was kind enough to sit with AMP for this interview.
AMP: The Skints have become known for blending ska, punk, dub, hip hop and soul. Did that sound develop intentionally or did it happen naturally?
JOSH: It just developed naturally. We have been doing this for a long time. The band has been together nineteen years since we were teenagers. The evolution of musical style and experimentation has happened as we have grown up in real time. So, we always move with intention but nothing is premeditated. Our musical leanings have matured spontantiously.
AMP: Punk energy has always been part of your DNA. How do you balance punk’s rawness with reggae’s groove and space?
JOSH: That’s a good question! For me, the two are intertwined. If you listen to early reggae music, it demonstrated the same raw energy as punk. It just came from a different geographical area. Both genres exhibit a grit that easily captures the listeners’ souls. Also, the messages are similar. They both go against of the current norms of society. Rebel music.
AMP: When you are writing, does a song start with a rhythm, a lyric, a guitar riff or something else?
JOSH: It depends on the song. We don’t have a set formula for our songwriting. As there are three writers in the band, we sometimes write as a unit but there are times where each of us submits a specific groove, As it usually starts freeform, our songs can start with any of the above.
AMP: Your albums have increasingly explored richer arrangements and production. How has your approach in the studio changed over the years?
JOSH: There is something I miss about our earlier recording sessions. I liked it better when we knew less about production values. We kind of lost that sense of innocence because we learned how to create better arrangements. Nowadays, we are too smart for our own good. As you become more experienced in the process of recording, you lose some of that spontaneity you felt when you were young and everything felt fresh and magical. Back then, it was all about feel. I miss those days.
AMP: Your new single is “Home”. Can you give us a little insight into the track?
JOSH: We are kind of at that point in our careers where we are writing songs about being on the road too much. If you’ve been together as long as we have, it’s kind of expected. We are in our mid thirties and it’s not as simple as it used to be. Sonically, “Home” is a little different, It takes on a raw punk and grunge influence. We wanted to add a diverse flavor.
AMP: Your live shows often feel heavier and more energetic than the studio recordings. Do you consciously arrange songs differently for the stage?
JOSH: No! The stage is where the band lives in its unfiltered form. One of our last albums was recorded live and I believe this is really where the band thrives. We have made some good albums but there is nothing like seeing The Skints live. That’s where we truly shine.
AMP: The Skints have never seemed interested in chasing trends. How do you stay true to your sound while continuing to evolve?
JOSH: We have always chosen not to chase after current trends. Even now, we don’t follow what’s out there. We stick only to the vibes we are interested in. When The Skints originally started, we definitely didn’t make music that was popular at the time. The whole idea was to fight the mainstream. Everything we have done has been battling the establishment. I always hear: “ska is coming back” and I always answer: “let me know when that happens”. We always want to be on the outside.
AMP: Is there a song in your catalogue that you think best captures everything The Skints are about sonically?
JOSH: I’m taking the liberty to give you two songs. “Home” is up there for now. I’m also going to say our cover of Black Flag’s “My War” because what we did with that arrangement really felt great. We turned it into a track that showcased what The Skints are all about.
AMP: After all these years, what still excites you most about making music with The Stints?
JOSH: The journey is still alive, We still feel like kids trying to make music we love. It still feel precious.
AMP: What do you hope your listeners feel when they listen to your music?
JOSH: I really don’t want to push my feeling onto other people. I know how I feel when people give us positive vibrations. It’s a real bonus. In reality, we make music for ourselves but it really feels great when people truly enjoy our songs.
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