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Vancouver’s Rude city Riot are one of the newest ska bands to grace the North American music scene, yet their recently recorded EP shows all the signs of a tight-knit group of musicians who simply gel together, even though they come from varying musical backgrounds. When listening to their music, it’s evident that the band’s diverse make-up allows them to float seamlessly between ska, reggae and hard-edged pop-punk.  Hope you enjoy the latest in our “9 Questions With..” interview series.

 

Q: So tell us a little bit about the band’s background - how you got together, how long you’ve been playing together, what the band members did before RCR, etc.

A: We wish there was a cool story to tell you about how we all got together, but the truth is, we all met through Craigslist. Scott F. (bass) wanted to start playing again after a 23 year break, so he put the first ad out and quickly met up with Carl (drums). Dusty (vocals) and Scott A. (guitar) were friends before the band started, so they came as a package, which made the creation of the band somewhat easier. Scott A. comes from a rock and metal background, so he brings a fairly dynamic style to the band. Kevin (trombone) and Richard (sax) came shortly after. Both play in other jazz and R&B bands around town and were a welcome addition. Once we started jamming it just worked from there. We’ve been together for about 8 months now, and even though that’s a relatively short period of time, we feel we’ve accomplished a lot.

 

Q: Your sound varies between more straight-ahead ska and ska-punk. Can you talk a little bit about how you mix those styles when writing songs?

A: We have a bit of an age difference in the band, so naturally we have different tastes in music. Even though we all love ska and reggae, we like different waves, or eras, of it. Some might say that’s a bad combination, but it seems to have  worked for us so far. When we play a show, we see people of all ages dancing to the music and having a good time. We have a very honest approach to song writing; just let the ideas flow, and we’ll either keep working at a song until everyone is happy or we’ll trash it.

 

Q: What is the ska scene like in Vancouver these days, or for that matter, across Canada? Have you traveled outside Vancouver at all?

A: Vancouver has a pretty healthy ska scene, with a strong and supportive fan base that seems to be growing. There’s also the Victoria Ska Festival, which is a big annual ska event that attracts some internationally known groups like The Skatalites. We haven’t traveled outside of Vancouver yet, but who knows what the future holds?! For now, we can only hope the rest of Canada is the same as it is here.

 

Q: Your MySpace page says that you are currently unsigned. Any plans to pursue a record label for your next release?

A: Well, after paying out of our own pockets for the first record, we would definitely like a label to pay for the next one! *laughs* All joking aside, we would like to work with a label, but we want to make sure we’re with the right people. We’ll see what responses we get from our current recordings and cross that bridge when we get there.

 

Q: Are you currently recording for an album? Anything you’d like to mention about the recording process, or any details about what you’re working on?

A: We’re just wrapping up our EP which should be released some time in August. We’re pretty proud of it. A lot of work was put into it and we hope the quality shows. We selected songs that we believe demonstrate our diversity, and were fortunate to have a friend, Alex “Condor” Aligizakis, as our Producer. He’s a first rate, no-nonsense guy who has worked with some big names. He has a great ear and really helped us dial in our songs.

 

Q: Ska music seems to be gaining a more organized online presence with sites like skatoob.com and skaspot.com. Any thoughts on how the internet in general has influenced the way bands promote themselves?

A: It’s exciting to see ska music making more of an impact online, and we hope it shows there’s a bit of a rejuvenation happening. Networking sites like Myspace, Facebook, ReverbNation, etc. are great resources for musicians looking to promote themselves, and this interview is a good example of how it works.

 

Q: You mention that your first performance was at Vancouver’s Ska-A-Thon. Has this continued to be a monthly event, and are events such as this a new idea for Vancouver? (It seems like various cities around the US are starting to have somewhat regular shows like this to help promote ska music).

A: There are a few regular ska shows going on in Vancouver. They’re not necessarily a new idea, although the most recent of these shows, “The Evolution of Ska”, is pretty kick-ass. It’s held every Monday at The Biltmore and is essentially an “open to the public” production rehearsal where BC ska all star bands create and perform songs that tell the history of ska… from Jamaica, to the UK, to North America. Dan Cowan is the main man behind a lot of these shows; he’s been a music industry professional for over 40 years and has done an amazing job promoting ska music. We have a tremendous amount of respect for Dan.

 

Q: What, if any, commercial appeal does ska music have in Canada at the present? Is ska considered an underground music scene, and if so, do the bands and fans want to keep it that way, or see it grow?

A: Ska has a certain amount of commercial appeal in Canada, but mostly in radio spots and TV ads or themes. We don’t necessarily think of ska as “underground”, but it definitely has a way to go before it reaches mainstream status. Whether the Canadian ska scene wants that to happen or not really depends on who you ask. We obviously can’t speak for everyone, but we would definitely like to see it grow.

 

Q: Any thoughts on where ska music might be heading, as far as musical style, evolution, mutations, etc?

A: There are some interesting fusions or mutations happening on the alternative rock side of things with bands like illScarlett; perhaps that style will be adopted by more bands.
No matter what changes happen though, there are always other bands pushing the opposite end of the spectrum. It’s always hard to tell where music might be heading or when it’s going to “evolve”, and that’s especially true with ska music since it’s so versatile. That’s one of the many things that makes ska so great!

Check out Rude City Riot Online:

Myspace - http://www.myspace.com/rudecityriotFacebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rude-City-Riot/11357498385

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We’re really pleased to present the third installment in our interview series; a quick chat with one of the midwest’s longest-running ska bands, Mustard Plug. Guitarist/vocalist Colin Clive was kind enough to spend his valuable travel time answering these questions, and has our thanks!

Q: You guys have been around for 17 years, from humble beginnings in Grand Rapids to national and international tours. What is different about the overall experience for you now, vs. the old days when you were younger and chomping at the bit?

A:  hmm.  well the main differences that come to mind is that there is usually more “free” beer than there was back in the day.  that’s not to say it’s always “free” but the likelyhood of there being some is definitely a lot higher.  the existence of cell phones, computers, portable gaming systems and all that other modern technology has also made traveling a whole lot nicer.  no longer are you completely shut off from the things you usually do on a day to day basis when your home.   it’s a lot easier to keep in touch with your family and friends.  it’s almost like they get to travel along with you rather than you being completely gone.  you can share all the things your do and are doing in real time.  it’s pretty weird.  i definitely don’t miss trying to find a pay phone to call home either.  that sucked.

Q: Has the band ever considered breaking away to a different musical sound/style? Do you think you may ever take the band in a different direction musically, even if for just one album?

A:  i don’t think that completely breaking away from our ska/punk origins has ever crossed our minds.  it’s a style of music that we loved before starting the band and continue to enjoy today.  i think we try to keep things interesting every album and throw a little more ideas into the pot but as far as abandoning the genre completely i don’t think that could happen.  mustard plug loves playing ska/punk for better or worse.  sorry if you were hoping we’d put out an alt/country.

Q: You recently played shows with Voodoo Glowskulls and The Aggrolites. How does it compare playing shows with a ska-core band versus a band that is more traditional reggae? Any different in the crowd reaction or vibe for you?

A: i think in this day and age the differences are very small between ska-core crowds and more traditional ska crowds.  back a few years there was definitely a bigger separation in the crowd but today i think most people enjoy the diversity.   i personally enjoy the different styes immensely!

Q: Do you still consider the band a full-time obligation, or is it something done more in your spare time now? Any plans for further international tours?

A:  being in the band is still definitely a full-time obligation although it doesn’t pay quite as well as a normal full- time job.  we all pretty much work our schedules around the band because it’s that important to us and it’s something we really love to do.  unfortunately that involves working weird part time jobs and filling in the blanks as far as income goes but that’s just part of the music business i guess.  if you really enjoy something sometimes it takes a little sacrifice to make it work.   as far as international tours goes we’re always ready to take a little trip somewhere.  send us some plane tickets!

Q: Your website mentions the resurgence in ska that seems to have began about 4-5 years ago with the Ska Summit show in Las Vegas. Being at that show, I remember it felt like a historic moment for ska music in the U.S., with all those bands and fans converging in one place. Do you think ska music has cemented itself as a viable musical force, instead of just a musical fad that rears its ugly head every 10 years or so?

A:  i think ska is, has been and will continue to be a viable music force in society.  whether it’s visible in the main stream or not is one thing but it’s not like it ever goes away to the fans.  i’ve liked ska since i first heard the specials and madness back in the early 80’s or so and have never stopped liking it or ever thought it went away.  it can’t go away cause there’s so much that exists.  i’m sure there are at least a few people that feel the same way.

Q: Your latest album, “In Black and White,” was released in 2007. Are you currently working on any new musical projects? Any plans to release another album in the near (or not too near) future?

A:  we don’t like to plan that far ahead.  especially right now with summer upon us.  it’s time for bbq’s, beaches, deck parties, etc!  michigan doesn’t get much good weather so during that time it’s all about enjoying it.  ask me again in november or so. 

Q: Music scenes in the U.S. tend to be somewhat separated by geography - west coast, midwest, east coast. Do you notice any major differences between the scenes, fans, musical styles, that develop in these regions? Do you feel a sense of commeraderie with other midwest bands?

A:  the midwest is definitely the best.   that’s not to say the east coast and west coast are bad it’s just that someone has to step up as being the ultimate best.  the coasts are  always trying  to outdo each other anyway that i think they forget about how awesome the midwest is.   we do have chicago and detroit and that combo has definitely brought a lot to the table.

Q: When you’re out on the road, do you manage to find time to keep up with your online presence - MySpace, email, website, etc? Are you able to see an impact on your ability to keep in touch with fans vs. the old days when most people hadn’t even heard of the “interweb?”

A:  ha.  i’m the worst at keeping up with myspace and email.  i always have good intentions to write more blogs and post more pictures but in the end it always fails.  i’ll continue to try to improve but i make no promises.  i think if myspace sorted out their programs a little bit and made it easier to respond to emails and enter show information and what not i’d be more inclined to keep up with it but every time i try to get into it it just makes me mad.  it’s such a slow tedious process and really cuts into my fun time.  sorry.  i will try harder but remember if i’m not doing it it’s because i’m having fun and i know you all don’t have a problem with that.  right?

Q: This isn’t really a question, but please feel free to “plug” anything you’d like here: website URL’s, upcoming stuff we should know about, etc. Thanks!

A:  hmm..  website is www.mustardplug.com,  myspace is myspace/mustardplug,  we’re playing tons of shows this summer.  the most recent is an upcoming tour thru florida with less than jake.  our newest record “in black and white” is available on LP now.  our van sucks so if you happen to own a car dealership and want to get us a sweet deal on a new 15 passenger van or Sprinter that would be awesome.  i guess that’ it.  have fun everyone and come see us next time we come thru town!

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Big Hand hails from Edinburgh, Scotland and has been championing ska music in the UK and Europe for the past few years. They have a unique ska style and musical maturity that helps them stand out from the crowd.  SkaSource.com recently caught up with the band, and they were gracious enough to answer a few questions. This interview marks the second installment in our newly re-vamped interview format, “9 Questions With…” Enjoy!

Q: Your band members cite quite diverse musical influences. How did such a diverse group of musicians come together to form the band?

Luke - The full band line up took quite a few years to form fully Paul (Drums) and Tim (Guitar) met in the first year of Edinburgh Uni via a 16 piece soul band they were both playing in. The original lineup was all students but as with most uni bands as some members lost interest they were replaced. Fortunately in the case of Big Hand the members that replaced them seemed to strengthen the band rather than make it weaker. Phil (trumpet) was in a few bands on the Edinburgh music scene and we shamelessly stole him as he was (and still is) one of the best live performers we’d ever seen. I was the last to join, having played in bands with Tim as a kid and being sick of working for a record label as I was jealous of the bands I was working with who were getting to play. When we all walked on stage for the first time it was mindblowing and we realised we’d stumbled upon something very special indeed.

Ska is a really good vessel for people with different musical backgrounds as it’s almost impossible to hate the happy vibe and energy it creates amongst a crowd. Once you’ve seen that positive effect musical differences tend to get put to one side.

Q: SkaSource.com is based in the United States, where the overall ska music scene has shrunk from its glory days of the 1990’s. What is the scene like in the UK?  Has there been a similar “rise and fall” in the popularity of ska music in recent years, or has ska music re-established itself alongside other music subcultures?

Pabs – There was a big fall towards the end of the eighties and into the nineties after bands like Madness, The Specials, The Beat, Bad Manners etc drifted away , and Brit pop and boybands started to dominate the music scene here.

There does seem to be a real re-emergence on the ska scene in the UK now though, which has been helped with touring bands like Less Than Jake, Reel Big Fish, The Mad Caddies, The Toasters, The Slackers, Fishbone etc. It’s still fairly underground here and there’s not too much 2tone happening, mainly ska punk.

There seems to be elements and influences of ska coming back into the mainstream though, with acts such as Lilly Allen, Jack Pinate and Amy Winehouse.  There are quite few bands where the offbeat is used more prominently in production, with people like Mark Ronson using more break beats and danceable rhythms, so we think there will be a massive re-surgence over the next 18 months.

When ever folk hear ska in the UK, it always goes down a storm and we’re doing our best to make sure that more people hear it and re-establish the ska scene to where it deserves to be
Q: You recently recorded your first album. Has going through the process of putting together an album had an effect on your approach to songwriting?

Tim - Yes in some ways. I think starting out on a song remains the same - you get inspiration, musically or lyrically, a melody comes from somewhere into your mind, it runs round and round until a phrase or sentence to do with something that is on your mind attaches itself to it, and then, as you keep singing to yourself, other phrases come to mind and the lyrics build up. I don’t think that has changed. But in terms of building and fashioning the song otherwise, we learnt so much from the producers who we were lucky enough to work with. They emphasized the importance of really having a solid well-thought out structure and so that you’re not messing around with the bones of the song that hold it in place, and taking care to choose a tempo that’s just right. Once that’s done, it was important to come into the session accompanied with as many extra melodies and ideas as possible to decorate the song with, as you’d never know in advance what would give the song an extra lift, or what would sound superfluous. In that regard, given that from early on, to save studio rampages and storms, we gave the producers the final say on everything, it was also good never to be too attached to any particular thing, as they could be pretty ruthless if they didn’t like it. I don’t know how well I managed at that!
Q: I notice on your MySpace page that you plan on touring outside the UK in 2008. Do you have any solid tours set up yet, and where are you most looking forward to performing? Have you performed outside of Scotland and England?

Pabs - Yeah, we love getting outside the UK and are aiming to get around Europe as much as we can, and hopefully over to the States at a point.  We’ve currently got offers to play all over Europe, including Belgium, Spain, Finland, France and Germany.  The challenge is getting them into a tour! So watch this space….

There is a really good ska scene throughout Europe and bands are always in demand.  Belgium is a particular favourite of ours; Obviously nothing to do with the women, Belgian beer and chocolate…
Q: Do UK-based ska bands find it fairly easy to get gigs throughout the UK, or do you have to start really locally before branching out? Is it tough to get a gig in London, and is it important for bands to play in London?

Luke – To be honest getting from being a very well know Edinburgh band to a touring band in the UK was one of the biggest challenges that we’ve faced. Fortunately the ska scene in the UK is very friendly and bands are happy to gig swap with you. There are also some amazing clubs that do a great job of promoting new bands so building up a fanbase in other parts of the UK didn’t take too long.

I personally think that it has now got to the stage where bands don’t have to play London to get noticed. However all bands should play London as it’s got some of the best venues, club-nights and crowds this country has to offer.
Q: To my ears, the Big Hand sound is in a similar vein as Gorgol Bordello, Bedouin Soundclash and Mad Caddies, which is definitely a positive. Do you consider them influences on your sound?

Phil - Gorgol Bordello, isnt that the dude from the film “everythings illuminated”? I love that gypsy balkan madness, makes ye wanna dance about like a crazy fool so yeah i would say an element of influence was there. As for the Caddies, those guys are proper legends man, we played a gig with them at the Garage in Glasgow, Scotland and i was well impressed by their show.
Q: You’ve played shows at large venues, and at small, more intimate clubs. Do you have a preference between the two? Would you rather be playing to a large audience on a large stage, or in a small club with lots of sweat and the audience in your face?

Phil - I think we all just love doing gigs, both large and small venues you still get an amazing adrenalin rush and damn, that rush is addictive man.
Q: I have to be honest, the first I heard of Big Hand was through your MySpace page. Any thoughts on how the internet and technology relate to being in a band, and how they influence how you do things?

Tim - Just in the way you said you chanced upon us, it enables you, at a touch, to reach out across the world and connect with people that you otherwise never would have. The Internet is truly revolutionary, more so that the industrial revolution. Distance is reduced, barriers come down, ideas flow between people, consciousness is expanded. Importantly for a band starting out without any backing, its democratised the process, you can bypass all the industry middlemen with their confused small-minded ideas about choosing the next last-big-thing, if you believe in it and are prepared to work hard for your dream, then you can find you’re audience and get somewhere. I still hate computers though
Q: Anything you’d like to plug, please feel free to mention it here, and thanks very much for agreeing to the interview!

Big Hands debut album is out now exclusively via our site (www.thebighand.co.uk) - it has taken us two and a half years of blood, sweat and tears and we’re massively proud of it. Check out the tunes on myspace.com/bighandmusic and if you like them buy a copy n we’ll be able to get another one into production sooner rather than later 

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A few days ago I got in contact with Tom Voris of The Fabulous Rudies and asked for an interview. Tom was kind enough to respond and provide the first ever band interview for SkaSource.com! I’d like to thank Tom for his time and great answers, and plan on catching up with the band later in the year for an update…

Q: You did the Vans Warped Tour in 2007 as the BBQ band, and now you’re on the tour again for 2008. Any comments about what last year was like, any insights about how this year might be different, or what you are looking forward to most?

A: The tour was hard work!  However, we raised the bar for the BBQ band in that we made the BBQ a huge event “After-Party” every night!  We usually had a sponsor such as “Lost…Energy Drink” or “Pabst Blue Ribbon” to donate what we needed at the bar that night.  Ask any band member from the 2007 Warped Tour if they enjoyed the specialty drink, “Late Bus Call” and see if you can spur any fond memories of the After-Party.  It was very cool to hang out with all the bands and everyone that worked on the tour.  The beauty of it was that they all came to us for the party so we got to know everybody on the tour.  This was a great privilege because otherwise being a new band on the tour we probably would have been too shy to approach most of the people. Many of the bands on tour helped make the events better such as Flogging Molly (thank you, Dennis) putting together “The Irish Car Bomb” night or Pepper’s Reggae night.  When we came to our home town of San Diego, Auggie of Skank Out Productions, had Mike Pinto, of Mike Pinto & the Mashers, w/ members of The Skank Agents perform live acoustic ska and San Diego became one of the best parties on the tour.  “Alternative Press” magazine played big part in the San Diego After-Party as well.  We can tell many stories but as they say about “Vegas,” “What happens at the Warped Tour, stays at the Warped Tour!”  So to sum it up…it was a blast!  The clean-up every night though…let’s just say we were the last band to leave every night!

Q: What do you think about the current state of the ska music scene - bands, fans, etc. Do you see it progressing, getting bigger, staying the way it is?

A: First of all I consider bands and fans of ska one in the same.  We all love the music.  I think there is a cool underground right now as I see more and more people into ska, especially a new generation coming out of high school.  I haven’t seen so many new bands (mostly in or right out of high school) since the mid-90’s.  I don’t think it will get to that level of the mid-90’s but who knows.  I especially like the bonding between all the different kinds of ska lovers from traditional, skins, third wave, 2-tone, and people who just love music in general.  Maybe with a respect and support of each other, our music we love can enjoy a nice little resurgence influencing other music, people, the world (yes I’m stretching it a bit but why not?)  I am really into some of these alternative bands that have adopted at least some ska influence like Bedouin Soundclash (great band), Vampire Weekend, etc.  Right now the ska music scene’s future looks bright!

Q: Do you have any plans to record and release new material? If so, do you plan on doing a traditional CD release, or possibly a digital-only release, or something that people can legally download for free, in the vein of recent releases by Radiohead and Pennywise?

A: We plan on releasing an EP CD (3-5 new songs) while on the Warped Tour for about $5.  We’d like are fans that come out and see us to have something new and still make a little money so that we make it home.  We hope to make a full length CD when we get back but we’ll see.

Q: Can you tell us about how the songwriting process works for the band; how ideas evolve into complete songs?

A: Up to this point our horn players (Don Carter-trombone/trumpet & Aaron Hudson-sax/keys) have written the bulk of our songs with maybe a song or two written by myself or Cassandra.  These new songs we are recording are more of a band effort.

Q: Lots of ska bands become associated with a “signature” cover tune. Yours is obviously “99 Luft Balloons.” How did you arrive at covering that song, and what other cover tunes have you performed live?

A: This was about 6 years ago when Cassandra just joined the band.  Cassandra grew up in Germany and I thought this would be perfect as she was learning some of our “older songs.”  It has turned out to be a fan favorite!  We’ve done many cover tunes live but our favorite ones are and still do from time to time – A Message to You, Rudie (The Specials version), 5446 (Toots & the Maytals), Get Up, Stand Up/Stir It Up (Bob Marley), and One Step Beyond (Madness/Prince Buster).

Q: You’re opening for Bad Manners pretty soon. Have you ever played with them before? Are they a musical influence for you guys?

A: We’ve never played w/ Buster and the boys before but Bad Manners music and Buster himself have been a big influence on me personally.  In fact, after spending some time with him in the ‘90’s, I started The Fabulous Rudies soon after.

Q: Any new, up-and-coming or younger bands out there that have impressed you? Anything in the ska world that strikes you as fresh or innovative?

A: I mentioned Bedouin Soundclash.  What The Aggrolites are doing right now is something special and influential.  It looks like Deal Gone Bad are finally getting some love nationally.  I really enjoyed Bigger Thomas as I got to see them live for first time last summer.  Also look out for some good reggae bands out of San Diego I’m sure whoever reads this may want to check out – Stranger, NOIZ, and Tribal Seeds.  But as far as new bands there are plenty.  I’ll let you know our favorites after the summer tour.  Look out for the all girl Japanese band on Warped Oreska!

Q: Do you ever tour outside the US, and if so, any favorite countries to visit?

A: We have not toured outside the US as of yet.  This is one of our biggest goals for 2009!  We have been talking to Bucket and The Toasters so we’ll let you know.

Q: Anything you’d like to plug, feel free to mention it here.

A: Come out and support us on Warped Tour ’08, www.warpedtour.com!  Keep in touch as well @ www.myspace.com/fabrudies.

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