Review: Skylar - Self Titled

Do The Dog Music 2006

If your a fan of music from the likes of Chris Murray, Satori, or Bedouin Soundclash you will feel this album straight away.

The liner notes have a hand written message from the band describing their band as being "made up of four friends with a shared love of all types of reggae and ska music. We have no aspirations of world wide fame and fortune playing music with each other. Both music and Skylar are all about having fun." That sentiment shines through in each and every song.

Matt's soulful vocals are chock-fulla feeling, and you very well might be that person, or been in that place he's singing about. Listen to "Eyes Don's Lie", "Wings", and "Don't Tread So Fast". These are some of my personal favorites, and they get stuck in your head for days.

"No Regrets" is one of those songs that I find myself skipping through and going back to it saying "How did I miss this one?!" The way they tie in that gritty skank, gentle keys, vibrating bass line, and smooth backing vocals is great. Definitely can soothe those rainy day blues.

They really have a way of picking up the pace and bringing it down throughout the album. "All You Say" follows with that same mellow feeling, with an upbeat skank like The Specials calmed down a bit.

Vocals with a fiery passion laid over a raw organic rhythm set a steady pace that will keep your head moving, and feet tapping. When the last song ends, you'll find your self wanting more, and you get just that with 2 bonus acoustic tracks! These bonus songs are like the quiet after the storm, leaving you with big fat smile on your face.


Note: Skylar recorded the album live in 11 hours after just 6 months of being a band & having played only 7 gigs! The band hit the road in May & August 2006 around the UK to promote the release of the CD. - www.dothedog.com

See:
http://www.myspace.com/skylar
www.dothedog.com

The Good isn't Gone At Ska Weekend : Great Bands For A Good Cause

This is a short review/personal account of the events I saw at ska weekend this past week in Knoxville, TN. Siafu opened up the show this local Maryland suburban based band played a mix of high energy ska, reggae, and rock. The next band that I saw was Hub City Stompers, who took the stage promptly at 12:30pm. Travis (HCS’s lead singer) dedicated “Chatterbox” to the nazi boneheads that threatened him on the internet. Allegedly they were going to prevent the band from playing the festival. They obviously did not stop anything. The band played two new songs that were in classic HSC style with clever tongue in cheek verse backed with heavy doses of ska/reggae aggro.



Steadfast United played right after HCS and every time I see this group of musicians I am just surprised how much they improve from each performance. Also their lineup seems to change from time to time. Their sound is drenched in old school soul mixed with reggae/ska influences. The drummer is a soul dj (Garden State Soul) and used to drum for Inspector 7. Ambrose has this sort of Jerry Lee Lewis/James Brown stage prescience down to a “T.”



Deals Gone Bad played next the majority of their set was from their new album “The Rambler.” But they did play some older tunes like their Bob Andy cover of “Games People Play” and “Be Mine Tonight.” The festival made it really hard for a lot of people in the middle of the day bands like Westbound Train and Eastern Standard Time played during the same time. A lot of bands took to the streets creating signs, flyers, and other ways to get people to check out their band. 4 stages is really a lot of bands but the festival ran very smoothly. I heard a couple of WBT songs both of them were from their new album “Transitions” the band sounds a lot tighter than the last time I caught them in Baltimore. EST played the best room ever at the Barly’s stage the only stage that was inside at a bar and air conditioned. They played a great set playing their classic ska/jazz/rocksteady material from their past albums. The highlights for me were “That Girl” and “Maddog” (from their first album).



King Django band played a great set made up of numerous selections from Django’s previous bands. Some of the tunes were “Fistful of Riddim”, “I’ve Got To Know” and “Nex Finga.’” I just remember during his set the weather started getting really hot but everyone just kept dancing and singing along. The drummer I noticed had a very small kit with only one crash cymbal, a hi hat, a snare, and a bass drum. My favorite set was Dr. Ring Ding’s he played all type of songs from his massive repertoire. Opening the set was the Skatalites’ inspired instrumental “Dandimite” and the Doctor began to work the crowd. During his set I saw a lot of the bands that played already huddled around the stage to get a chance to see his set. He played a lot of senior allstars material but also played some material he did with bands like Kingston Kitchen (“Fake Romance” being one that stands out in my mind for its Toots and the Maytals early ska sound) and Dubplate 48. He closed his set by doing some of his dancehall solo material including “Doctor’s Darling” which he closed the set with. The end of this song Dr. Ring Ding busted into his Gregory Isaacs impression and reached all the high notes on “Night Nurse.” The Drastics from Chicago really impressed me as they were able to keep every beat on note during Ring Ding’s set being able to play ska, rocksteady, reggae, and dancehall.


After Ring Ding’s set I rushed to refuel and grab some fluids. I didn’t catch much of the Slacker’s set but I did catch Vic making a political rant during one of their songs. I was surprised to see the band all dressed in black suits (Geard their bassie had a white suit). I was really worried for the Pietasters because as soon as they packed all their gear on stage it started raining. I think there was enough time in their schedule the sound guy allowed the rain to cease before they started their set. The Pietasters blasted into their heavy hitting mix of ska, reggae, soul. Playing some crucial oldies like “Maggie Mae” and “Night Owl” they also rocked their new songs (from their new album All Day). I really enjoyed the song about U Street (I think “G to F”). Mustard Plug ended the day and I missed their set as I was too smelly to enjoy anything but a shower.


I did miss some bands I wanted to see. I heard a couple tunes of Voodoo Glow Skulls and they sounded amazing playing some old old tunes. Also I missed Nashville’s AKA Rudie who I had never seen before. Their singer Rob Hoskins is an old friend of mine and I really regret not seeing any of them. Also my friend Cary’s band Lost Martyrs of a Lost Cause played and I missed all of their set. It sucks when you have to choose but there is always next year. Ska Weekend was a great experience. The After Show was pretty rad too I got to see the Drastics play some heavy dub sounds. Steadfast United also played again with some great soul/reggae covers. Both bands utilized the people in the room as a lot of performers were still there so during both sets various guest members jumped on stage creating a sort of off the cuff jam session.

For more on the DC Ska crew's trip to Ska Weekend, visit DCSka.com
The site has just been revamped and better than ever!
Show em' some love.
All photos by Bobby Babylon

Take It To The Street!

Bedouin Soundclash "Street Gosepls" (side one dummy)

I regard the Clash as one of most brilliant bands of all time. What
the Clash did throughout their career was push the musical envelope.
They played reggae, funk, soul at a time when many would not expect
this type of musicianship from a group of punk rockers. The Clash may or
may not have been the first fans of punk rock and reggae. But there
is no doubt they were the first group to master a blend of punk rock and
reggae. Bedouin Soundclash might be the closest our generation ever
gets to The Clash. This Canadian band's latest album "Street Gospels"
is an intense delicate masterpiece of reggae, punk, folk, soul. You
almost cannot describe their sound without throwing out a long list of
names. Their sound is sort of like the Upsetters jamming with Bob
Dylan, The Clash partying with Otis Redding, and all the music being
dubbed out by King Tubby. The packaging on the album sort of relays
their long list of influences with cutouts of albums such as the
Paragons, Explosive Rocksteady, Horace Andy, Lee Perry, the
Skatalites, and various images from Japan, Africa, and other
geographical regions. The band captures this international sound and
results in this sort of post modern sound clash.

The album opens with the sonic charged "Until We Burn the Sun" that
sounds like a post modern apocalyptic reggae anthem. Jay Malinowski
on lead guitar and vocals on every song blares these songs of roots,
revolution, and relationships. "Walls Fall Down" is a slower
rocksteady like groove with steady acoustic upbeat guitar. Jay
instead of blaring reveals a tender vulnerability. To give the band
more credibility is Vernon Buckley (from the Maytones) and he intros
the pogues-sounding "St. Andrews." Bedouin Soundclash has this
ability to extend across genres – I cannot think of any band that
writes songs that have better hooks. "Bells of 59" and "12:59
Lullaby" are these subtle sounding songs that pack a punch with simple
melodies, steady grooves, and pure honest songwriting. The song
"Hush" is just sung a capella but it does not even stand out as weird
or out of place. It fits in like another individual puzzle piece.

On "Higher Ground" Vernon Buckley is given a full track to sing a
roots gospel sounding number. The band has developed a more soulful
sound that works well in the reggae influence present in most of their
songs. "Nico On the Night Train" sort of explains the bands
influences from the Velvet Underground rooted to the Train theme in
reggae music. The music on this track is a sort of mashing of a Latin
beat dubbed out vocals and distorted guitar. "Gunships" is a sort of
Clash sounding dub track that could have easily been found on "London
Calling" or "Sandinista!" The album closes with two dub-rock numbers
"Midnight Rocker" and "Hearts In the Night" that may not have the
intensity of some of the earlier tracks.

The band waited 3 years to craft this album and it is well worth the
wait. Their 2004 release "Sounding A Mosaic" has been a constant
rotation in my cd player and this album is no different. Both of
these past few albums have been produced by Bad Brain's Darryl
Jennifer and out of anyone he seems to have mastered the skill of
recording a band that covers so many different styles and genres.
The album is so powerful you will be amazed most of the music is
created just by three people. Eon Sinclair (on bass) and Pat
Pengelly (on drums) lay the perfect foundation for this punky-reggae
soul shakedown party.

Interview: Joanne & Brandon of Penny Reel

The guys and girl that make up Penny Reel have been quite busy recently. They just recorded a new acoustic EP, and returned from performances including dates in Nevada and Colorado. Recently, their singer Joanne Highland and guitarist Brandon Niznik took some time to answer some questions I had for them. Get to know them because your gonna be hearing allot more from em' soon.

1. You've all been rather busy lately with a number of shows and The High Desert Ska Festival. What was this experience like for you?

Brandon: I know I speak for the rest of the band when I say we all had
a great time.
John did such a great job putting the Festival together. We got the chance
to finally meet Victor Rice, who is a great influence on me as a musician
and as an engineer. There were a lot of great people who were genuinely
ecstatic that so many bands made it out to their town to play, and I enjoyed
meeting and talking with each and every one of them. Also, the trip provided
us the opportunity to travel through central Utah, which has some of the
most amazing scenery I've ever seen. But most of all, I enjoyed being with
my bandmates, who are all dear friends of mine.

Joanne: Brandon pretty much hit that spot-on... it was a very cool
setting in downtown Grand Junction.. we were able to get out of the
heat for a bit at the afternoon show, chilling in the bar between
sets, chatting up the locals. And as Brandon already mentioned,
meeting Victor was awesome. Overall it was a great experience, and we
definitely enjoyed hanging out with the Israelites and Hi-Lites, who
we played with the night before in Vegas as well.

2. How long have you been playing music together, and how did all hook
up?

Brandon: The first time we all played together was in 2000, in my
first week of high
school. The legendary Brian Wallace was the band director at Atascadero High
School, and at the time I didn't really know the significance of him being
there. A friend advised me to try out for the jazz band, so I tried out on
guitar. The first thing Wallace asked me during the audition was: "Can you
play upbeats?" I ended up not getting the part in jazz band, but he did make
me the new bass player for the ska band, Wallace's own brainchild. Joanne
had been in the band for two years, and Stani Loken, our sexy drummer,was a
freshman like me. That was the greatest fourth period class in history.

Joanne: Then, in 2004 after my first year of college in LA, I came
back for the summer and Brian was working at Rockwell Sounds in
Atascadero, where he started putting together a little studio project
which we ended up continuing after that summer was over. Once Brandon
also relocated to LA for school, the two of us decided to keep writing
and started playing acoustically.

3. What influences and experiences would you say have shaped your taste and
sound as musicians?

Brandon: I must first tell you that everything I know about ska, rocksteady, reggae,
dub, and just being a musician, I learned from Brian Wallace. My path in
music as well as in life, without him, would have been an entirely different
one. He showed us The Skatalites, he showed us Lee Perry, he even showed us
other touring American ska and reggae bands and gave us an opportunity to
learn from people that did what we loved for a living. In 2002, he brought
Chris Murray, the Aggrolites, and Pimpbot to play in Atascadero. The
Aggrolites were the first real reggae band I had ever seen, and that show
remains the single most influential one for me as a musician. While still in
high school, I had the great fortune of working with Westbound Train and Go
Jimmy Go, who gave us something of a ska clinic, or "Ska Camp," as we called
it. J Bonner, Thad, and Cameron all gave me so much inspiration while
growing up playing bass. Also, listening to the After Hours album had me
buzzing with ideas for years. The engineering of Brian Dixon on that is the
best of any ska album I've heard.

Joanne: Yeah, everything pretty much started with Brian Wallace, as
far as our playing goes. As far as what I like to listen to,
rocksteady is definitely my favorite, and I love all of those great
vocal harmony groups like the Uniques, Techniques, etc... but I feel
that I've just barely scratched the surface of great Jamaican
music--I'm always discovering amazing stuff I've never heard before.
Also, as a singer (as far as non-Jamaican music goes) I adore old soul
and motown stuff (Sam Cooke!). At USC I studied jazz voice, and
especially love a lot of Brazilian stuff with that cool style like
Jobim, Gilberto, and Stan Getz. In songwriting I really admire Paul
McCartney, and Paul Simon.. they have the gift of being able to tell
such great stories in their music.

4. As I listen to your new recordings, I hear quite a unique acoustic
sound. What kind of instruments are you using and what are you doing?

Brandon: I played Wallace's dobro resonator guitar, and we mic'd it in a way to
represent the natural stereo image of the sound, so that the recording
sounds as if the guitar in front of you. For the percussion, we used a bass
drum and some traditional percussion instruments, as well as things like a
box of salt and an arrowhead jug. Probably the most inventive thing is the
piano sound on 'End Where I Begun', where Wallace actually turned a plank of
wood into a microphone. I believe the patent is pending.

Joanne: Yeah, we thought Brian was joking when he said he was going to
use a wooden plank to mic the piano (the Tom Waites piano, as we call
it).. but he was serious, and it was genius. We're quite resourceful
in the studio, especially as far as percussion goes. We were looking
for a djembe for the "Freeway Song" and ended up making one out of an
Arrowhead water jug. We wrapped a pair of jeans around it, and melted
off the top of the jug with a blowtorch. Please don't try that at
home.

5. Can you tell us a little more about your new EP, the song writing
and recording process? Maybe describe a few of your favorite songs and their
meaning?

Brandon: The most meaningful song to me is definitely 'End Where I
Begun', which I wrote for my girlfriend, Jenna. She has been my one and only since we were in high school. Currently, she is in Marine Corps boot camp. The song
represents a hard time in both of our lives, when the paths of our
individual lives were very clear and full of ambition, yet the prospect of
those paths remaining side-by-side was uncertain. The song references a
favorite poem of ours by John Donne: "Such wilt thou be to me, who must ...
obliquely run / Thy firmness makes my circle just / And makes me end where I
begun." It's my way of telling her that there will always be a way for us to
be together, even we aren't in the flesh. There has been much growing and
learning, and she and I are recently engaged to be married. It's also the
only song I've ever written for a girl.

Joanne: I never knew Brandon was so sensitive, until I heard that
song! Recording the EP was a lot of fun, a very collaborative process.
Brandon and I have been writing music together for a while, and I
think we make a pretty good team. Sometimes he'll just come up with
some new interesting chord changes which I'll then write lyrics to, or
sometimes I'll write a song and we'll add more parts to it or
rearrange the form. Writing new tunes is pretty much just a
cooperative, creative process.
With this EP, we spent two days at Rockwell Sounds in Atascadero, CA
with Brian Wallace; we took one day to record all the tracks, and
mixed on the next day-- in and out!... there are a few one-take tracks
in there..
A couple of my favorite tracks are the "Freeway Song" and "Smile" - I
wrote the Freeway Song as I was driving home, it was early morning and
I was driving north on the 101 through San Luis Obispo, and I saw a
guy crouched on the side of the south-bound freeway, and wondered what
he was doing...somehow a song came out of that. And "Smile" is a song
Brandon wrote the changes for based on "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"
and the lyrics I wrote while sitting on my favorite beach back home,
at Yerba Buena Street in Morro Bay, Ca.

6. As a fairly new group, What are your thoughts and observations on the
current Los Angeles ska/reggae music scene?

Brandon: There aren't as many bands as there used to be, but the ones
who are still
around sound really good. I've been in LA a short time, and the whole notion
of being involved in a 'scene' is still a little unfamiliar. I always enjoy
listening to The Expanders, and the Aggrolites are tearing it up, but for
me, it's all about Chris Murray. But the most important thing about the
scene are the people who make it out to the shows and give the bands
somebody to play for.

Joanne: Bluebeat Lounge has been a great resource for us, and we're
really grateful to Chris for keeping that going-- it's such a helpful
starting place for so many young bands. Within the scene, there are a
lot of guys in bands who have been around for quite a while, and it's
great to be able to sort of take in as an example of what to do or
what not to do as far as gigging, etc. is concerned. Also, I really
like how the scene right now is so collaborative-- it reminds me
almost of an old jazz community, how everyone kind of sits in and jams
with so many different bands. You also end up seeing a lot of familiar
faces around shows, which always creates nice vibes.

7. How did you settle on the name Penny Reel Junction and what does it
mean?

Brandon: Ask Joanne about that one, haha!

Joanne: Back when Brian Wallace started working at Rockwell Sounds in
Atascadero, they also started a record lablel, and decided on the name
Penny Reel Records. It came from the Eric Monty Morris song "Penny
Reel-O" which I believe is about a prostitute in Trenchtown. Then we
started our studio project and picked a random word that seemed to fit
after "Penny Reel" ...but since Brandon and I have started doing our
acoustic thing, we've dropped the "junction" part and just call
ourselves "Penny Reel"

8. Are there any other projects you are currently involved with musically?

Joanne: Ask Brandon about that one! ...I'm not currently doing
anything, although I am in the Netherlands for the months of July and
August, and will be playing reggae on the streets with an acoustic
guitar...

Brandon: Stani and myself are both playing in a dub project called The
Progressors along with Nigel Hansen, who was the keys man of the Atascadero High ska
band. We are trying to explore the possibilities of the stripped-down
recording techniques used by dub producers from the 70's. A full-length
album is in production, but I post new dubs as they emerge on The
Progressors' myspace--please check it out if you love that gritty, heavy dub
sound! The tracks were recorded on a Fostex four-track cassette recorder,
most often using one microphone.

9. Do you plan to record a full length album in the future?

Joanne: it's been in the works for about a year and a half now.. we
still mix stuff when we get the time, but at this point it sounds so
outdated. But a full album is absolutely in the plans for the future.

Brandon: Definitely. Definitely. It will be a labor of love.

10. Are there any up and coming bands from your area you would
recommend to our readers?

Brandon: Penny Reel! And The Progressors! There aren't very many other reggae bands
from SLO county, but my favorite young band is The Ifficials. Boombastic!

Joanne: Definitely second Brandon on this one. The Ifficials
definitely impressed us at the Bluebeat Lounge a couple months ago...
dang, I wish we had played reggae that sounded that good when WE were
in high school..! Also, I'm really looking forward to hearing stuff
from a new band called the Amalgamated, which features many former
members of the Hi-Lites.

Related sites:
Penny Real Junction Myspace
Penny Reel Acoustic Myspace
Rockwell Sounds

Penny Reel was featured on the Pressure Drop Soundcast last month. Be sure to check out the Featured artist podcast for the month of June. There you can hear a few of their wonderful songs. Make sure to check out their web sites and find out how you can get a copy of their new acoustic Ep....it's outstanding! Once you get taste of Joanne's sweet vocals and the soothing sounds of Penny Reel, you wont be able to get enough.

Discussions About Music In Differant Towns: Kevin Willingham

What's kind of impact has Ska and Reggae music had in your town?
Have you ever wondered what it's like in towns around the world?
Last weekend I had a IM discussion with Kevin Willingham.
This interview is the start of a whole new series of interviews planned in the month to come. The goal is to answer the very questions asked above.

Sunday July 1st 9:00 pm
me: So I'm gonna assume that much of our readers have not heard of you...where are you from?

kevinwska: Well basically I'm from the St. Louis area (Missouri if you do not know the state) and more specifically I'm living in this little rail road town called DeSoto.

me: wow, whats the music scene like there, particularly with ska?

kevinwska: Well St. Louis has an odd music scene in general. There are alot of house Reggae, Jazz and Blues bands around. St. Louis also use to have a buzzing Punk and Alternative scene. When it comes to Ska of course there is Mu330, Secret Cajun band and The Urge. The scene goes through phases. At any point in time it can be huge to no bands at all. It is in a middle phase right now, a rebuilding stage if you will. My small home town has had a lot of Punk bands and a few ska bands. Some of them would be Spatula Face, The Yellow Five, Dumb Luck and Shit.

me: With such a wide variety of music like this how did you come be a fan of ska music? Especially with it being so scarce.

kevinwska: Well when i was real young; I was huge rocker. I grew up on sounds of Kiss, Joan Jett, Rush and the like. When I reached Jr. High some of my older friends introduced me into Punk. After a while I found my self drummin in a band of my own. My first true exposure to Ska was with the Mighty Mighty Bosstones (my mom really liked them) and probably The Police. But it wasn't until this band I was in played a cover of Bob by NOFX that I really looked into this Ska thing. After some research I download two bands, Reel Big Fish and The Specials. RBF came first and I didn't like it much but when I got to The Specials I really dug the style and that started my love for Ska. When it came to my own scene the first Ska band I saw was The Yellow Five which made me wanna do my own Ska band down the road.

me: That's an interesting musical path...and now you perform solo acoustic ska is that right?

kevinwska: Yes it is. That kinda started out due to two different factors. I had been in a few bands playing guitar, singing, playing drums and bass. But none of them made it past house party status and we were never good. I couldn't find dedicated musicians! So I started writing my own stuff; which at first was like stripping Operation Ivy down to just guitar and vocals aka not any good. It was when I heard some Chris Murray that I put some more thought into it and maybe had more faith that I could do it for real.

me: So how would you describe your material now?

kevinwska: That has always been hard for me, for one because what I want it be changes daily almost and I hate to limit it. Once I called it FolkatronicSka! But its basically acoustic music that goes where I wanna it to; the only definite is the heavy Ska roots. The folk sounds just kinda happened. I really started getting heavy into Folk music, especially Celtic. I even decided to learn Mandolin and Tin Whistle. But even that description will fail soon as I've been writing electric stuff for a change of pace, drums, bass, guitar, horns all the works.

me: That's sounds cool...I certainly can hear those influences in some your music Ive heard...
Do have any music released for those who might be interested?

kevinwska: Oh yeah, I have two hard copy releases right now and there is music on my myspace (http://www.myspace.com/kevinwillinghamska) and scattered all over the net if you can find it. As for the hard copies I have an EP that is out of print now but still floating around to buy (Interpunk). I also have a Single with songs from my recently finished full length. The single is not available on the net right now but I'm working on that. The full length is kinda in limbo right now. I sadly can't find a label that wants to release it. I may release it DIY soon but I can't decide; wasn't my original intention.

me: That's great that you've been able to to all this on your own...

kevinwska: Its been rough but I try my best
me: I hear that your now performing in a band now...can you tell us about taht?

kevinwska: Well I was suppose to be playing Trombone in a band from around here. But I actually don't think that is going to happen, for what reason I have no idea; I'm not too thrilled about that. I am trying to put a band of my own together but no luck so far, I've already laid down some songs and have a myspace for them (to claim a name and get the ball rolling) I want it to go by the name Ultra Panic. I'd also really like to play drums in a band again. It has been so long and being a Percussion Major in college that seems odd; I miss doing it.

me: Well I hope it all works out for you, the project sounds pretty exciting...
So percussion major, I would never have thought....
What would you say are your major influences musically?
Which artist have really made an impression on you?

kevinwska: Yeah most people don't know I'm a percussionist; how would they? But I've played drums Since I was 4 years old. My influences are a tough thing for me too. One would be my dad who played drums in a hard rock band in St. Louis in the 80's and 90's. After that I'd have to say I really look up to Mike Park. I love every project he has been involved in and his solo stuff (I use to cover a song of his). On top of that I have a lot in common with some of his outlooks I think and some day I'd like to set up my own recording studio and label. I also really like Dan Potthast; I just like his style , talent, and voice. I connect with Jesse Michaels and Chris Murray..the list could probably go on.

me: Those musicians are great, have any of them ever come through St.Louis?

kevinwska: Only Dan Potthast. I played with him on the first St. Louis Ska revival back in December. It was nice having another Solo guy on the bill, I'm use to being the only one but it can be intimidating sometimes knowing all those kids are waiting to rock out as hard as they can. Dan was a nice guy we talked a little about small stuff; he always seemed like he had a lot on his mind.
me: That's awesome that got to perform on the same bill as on your musical influences. These kids who are ready to rock you speak of, which venues are they attending with these shows?

kevinwska: Most Ska shows around here are at The Creepy Crawl. It is an old independent venue (though just got a new place) that has heavy scene following. Recently ones have been booked at Off Broadway (I'm playing there with Magic Goat on the 7th) and Cicero's I've also seen them and played at The Red Sea and Midwest Music Pit.

me: Sounds like a pretty solid scene..
Are there any websites we can go to get a closer look

kevinwska: I use to have a small website but it hasn't been updated in ages; I need to fix that. Mostly you have my myspace and my blog (http://kevinwillingham.blogspot.com) which really is more about Ska reviews, interviews and other music in general more then my music (but read it anyway!). If you have facebook you can look up my name and add me if you like, just tell me who you are and why you added me. I have a small group on facebook too.

me:Nice!..I have noticed how active you are in various online communities...
It's always good to see musicians right out there with everyone

kevinwska: I'm internet junkie sometimes, and I like to be involved in stuff like that. I wanna give back if I can to the music, in whatever possible way. I also really love meeting new people. I'm not much of a people person really, but I find people interesting from a philosophical perspective. Also I just like to talk about different things learn different thing.

me: I can understand that...
Maybe some of our reader will run across you online some time...

kevinwska: I'd love that. But please if you talk to me on AIM or something, do so more then once; or if its been a long while remind me who you are. I'm terrible with names great with faces. So take away the faces I just have a bad memory!
me: Well Kev it's been nice chatting with you
It's been good to find out about your music and the St Louis ska scene too

kevinwska: I appreciate the time as well and I'm very glad to answer any questions.
me: Thanks for taking the time to do so!
any final words?

kevinwska: Just to remember that music is more then scenes, money and anything else. Its about passions; love, intelligence, individuality while unification; the entire world around us! The only way to keep it strong is to learn it, truly appreciate it, and have fun with it.
me: Right on...well, until next time Kevin, take care.