Darlington-based original ska outfit The Skapones have just returned to the region after touring across America this year. Fronted by Paul Williams, the band are also preparing to release their new single so Lee Allcock caught up with Paul to find out more.
You’ve just returned from touring in America. What was that like? And what was your most memorable moment?
America was an amazing experience. I mean, it was very hard work but that was to be expected. We played across the country from east to west and in the mid-west. So many things stand out but the highlights are the reception we received, playing at the Whisky A Go Go in Los Angeles, going on tour with USA Ska band Rude Boy George…and the weather.
How does the gigging scene in America differ from the scene here in the UK?
Well, the areas are huge so each state/city has its own scenes. The promoters are proper: you get very well looked after and it’s almost a la old days treatment. Sometimes over here you get the whiff of cliques and being “not allowed in” but we found it all-encompassing across the board. It’s a great scene in the US.
You’re preparing to release your new single, ‘When it’s Gone It’s Gone’. What can we expect from the track both sonically and lyrically?
The track is a proper full-on 2-Tone ska-inspired thumper that has gone down a storm in the US and UK and is hugely popular live. It’s about making the most of your life. I mean, you’re only here once so do something with it.
Where did you record the new single and why did you choose there? Did you have any issues? Did you receive any advice?
We recorded the single at The Forum Music Centre in Darlington where we have recorded all our stuff. Chris Davison is our engineer and then we send it to our producer Paul Ayriss down south for mixing and mastering. We chose The Forum because it’s a bit of a spiritual home and we never have any issues.
And finally, what else do you have lined up for the remainder of 2019 and looking into 2020?
We are still undertaking a huge tour which this year has seen us travel around all of the UK, Ireland, Europe and USA. And thankfully, it looks like it’ll be a busy 2020 too.
To find out more about the new single and their tour of America, please head to theskapones.co.uk.
