Skidders Says Much About Music, Writing, Producing and More!
SKIDDERS is his own musician. Being at it for sometime now, releasing not one but three album's, the third being released on his Birthday actually! Aside from that other plans at hand is just more writing as well as producing, performing soon as well. See what Skidder's himself had to say about all of this below.
1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
It consists of just me - Skidders aka Steve Skidmore from the Black Country in the middle of England. The Lord of the Rings "Mordor" was named after the Black Country where industry in the 1800's resulted in black clouds of smoke from furnaces etc.
I started plating drum in the Boys Brigade whilst also learning piano forte. I joined a C&W band playing drums at the age of 24, then went over to lead guitar at 15. Playing in various bands until 28, I did a full apprenticeship across clubs etc.
In more recent years, Skidders has played with the likes of Dexy's Midnight Runners Kevin Rowland and the critically acclaimed duo, Bukechi with Sammi Roberts.
2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?
My name is Steve Skidmore and friends just started calling me "Skidders". As a unique name, I decided to use this for my music.
3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
I am currently based in Birmingham, UK but will soon be returning to the Coventry area - both in the center of England. Both have fabulous music scenes, Coventry more eclectic which suits Skidders more with his eclectic music. Coventry being the city of the Specials, Skidders has played with their bass player, Horace Panter.
4. How would you describe your style?
My style can probably not be described! Influences include the Shadows, Eric Clapton, Ten Years After, CCR, KT tunstall, Dire Straits, Santana and more. He likes to think he is a rock/blues/jazz musician but his music extends these genres.
5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?
3 albums, plus an album with duo Bukechi. You need to have eclectic, broad music taste to listen to Skidders. The Label Machine recently suggested to enter Skidders' music in Chill playlists. Album 1 was all electric, rock & jazz; album 2 all acoustic, blues, folk etc; album 3 is a total mixture including reggae, rock*, Celtic etc. 'Aunty Bulgaria" was no. 37 in the Hypeddit rock charts.
6. Do you have any new music in the works?
Album 3 was released only 4th May on my birthday!
7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?
After previous gigs and shows, currently I am in writing and producing mode, with session guitar work for the likes of Andrew James (from the Cotswold in England) and writer Kylolus.
8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?
Bukechi will be performing soon for the Queen's Jubilee in `Stratford Upon Avon. Hoping to collaborate with Andrew James playing 'swing' music soon. Bringing my album onto the road is a possibility at this present time.
9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
Currently, just online.
10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?
I'd like people to listen carefully to my writing and take out of the tracks, as much as much s I have put into them. There are many layers on each track.
