FVMusicBlog

Photo: The SKBs

We were fortunate enough to catch up with The SKBs following the brilliant release, “The Whale Edge“. Enjoy the full interview below!

“The Whale Edge” is such a feel-good, foot-stomping track. What inspired the song, both musically and lyrically? And was it written with live crowds in mind?

It was written as a challenge some time ago from a then-work colleague– to write a song about accountancy and work. As a kid, I was a big fan of Status Quo, so I guess the influence of the music comes from there. The lyrics are just cryptic! I think it would be a great song to play live; it’s got a feel-good factor about it, and it’s not too serious!

You describe The SKBs as more of a collective than a traditional band. Can you tell us how that came together — and how that affects your creative process?

The project originally began as a bucket list thing for me – I’m 60 next year and had a collection of various songs, some recent, some older, that I thought I’d like to record and annoy friends and relatives with before I got too old! It started with Eon (the guitarist) and me. Rhion (bass) helped me put together the demo tracks.

Everything in the SKBs has a strange tale of connections, and one thing led to another. Before we knew it, we had a collection of songs that others thought were too good to just leave for nobody to hear. Things escalated fast, and suddenly, we had a collection of real talent and a brilliant producer who turned it into what it is today.

We do things very differently from most bands in that the drums and bass are the last things to go down! Somehow, it seems to work! Going forward, I’m going to write a few songs to fit the specific talents of the contributors. They are all amazing people to work with!

The track leans heavily into that classic 12-bar rock & roll style. What draws you to that sound in 2025 — and what do you think it still offers audiences today?

On 13th March 1981, I was taken to my first gig – Status Quo at Hammersmith Odeon London. I was in awe! Seeing Rick Parfitt with his back against the stack of Vox amps powering out 12 bars just captivated me.

12-bar rock n roll is one of the most enduring styles and is still hugely popular today. At the end of the day, there are 12 notes (including sharps and flats!), and only so many ways you can put them together. Some people like abstract music, which pushes boundaries, and some like to sing along and jump up and down. This song definitely falls into the latter category. People have always loved to sing and dance, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon!

There are strong echoes of AC/DC, Chuck Berry, and The Stones in your music. Are there any less obvious influences that shape The SKBs’ style?

Our music is pretty varied; on the album, we have 12 bar boogie, classic rock, soul, emotional ballads, gospel and country! The songs all have a message and a hook, which is the thing that links them.

With over half a million Facebook views already, did you expect “The Whale Edge” to get this kind of traction — especially in places like Germany and Austria?

The 550,000 views were not just for Whale Edge, but I never imagined so many people would become aware of us in 2 months! The project has never been about fame and fortune, but I must admit, it’s strange to know there are people in Germany and Austria who know and like the song, who I’ve never met! There’s some interest in Brazil, too!

You’re gearing up for live dates later this year. What can fans expect from an SKBs show — and how do you translate that party energy from record to stage?

As we are a group of session musicians, trying to fit gigs in around everyone else is always a challenge. I guess that’s the price of working with such talented people!

We all have experience performing live and delivering a great show. Expect the show to be full on, and be sure to bring your voice and dancing shoes and be ready to have fun – there will be a lot of audience participation!

We’re also trying to work out where to play – if anyone would like to see us in their town, pop along to the website www.theskb.com and drop us a line!

There’s mention of a podcast series in the works. Can you give us a teaser of what that’s about? Will it follow the music, the band, or something else entirely?

As mentioned earlier, the whole thing is connected by a series of strange and hilarious coincidences, from reconnecting with someone after 20 years through the need to use the bathroom, a chance meeting on a train, and working with the current drummer of Quo, you couldn’t make it up!

The podcast will attempt to tell the story of how it got together, plus get some tales from the participants (so far, George Clooney and Johnny Cash have been mentioned!!) Of course, we’ll have a natter about the songs too!

Your debut album, “Where This Leads Us,” suggests a journey or evolution. What’s the bigger story or theme behind that title?

Sorry to disappoint; it’s quite simple! It was never meant to be an album or a band, but it’s morphed into what it is now. The “band” name and album titles are names to glue the project together. Where this leads us was chosen because none of us thought it would get this far, and now we are fascinated to see “where this leads us”.

How do you balance being a collective of session musicians with carving out a recognizable identity as a band? Is there a ‘core’ to The SKBs?

The “core” is really Eon, Rhino, Dave and me. I’ve known Eon and Rhion for donkeys years, and Dave lives close by, and he’s now a good mate.

We are not like many artists who are seeking fame and fortune and who have a burning desire to be recognized or acclaimed. Everything is about the songs, which we think are pretty good.

If you like them and stream or buy them, this helps us to continue making music. If, because of what we are doing, it goes somewhere, then that will be the icing on the cake! We don’t try to be too sincere, reflective or lost in ourselves or try to make out we are cool! In my case, I’m definitely none of those, and I’m way too old for that!

Finally — rock is always evolving. What’s your take on where classic rock fits into the modern music landscape right now?

So much music over so many genres has roots in 12 bars (R&B, rock, metal, country, gospel) – the list goes on. The older bands like the Stones and AC/DC are still going strong and influencing younger bands, who in turn will influence the next generation.

In the words of the classic Rainbow song “Long Live Rock and Roll”!!!

https://www.theskb.com
https://facebook.com/61573027531151
https://www.instagram.com/theskbs/

FVMusicBlog June 2025

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