Backstage Pass - Skinn Jakkitt - Interview

ATP

What is the title of your CD? How did you come up with the name?

SKINN JAKKITT

Black Friday, the title of one of our songs. The song is a very true statement of how people can love one day and hate the next. The inspiration was from one of our members terrible bout last year with Black Friday. I'm pretty sure everyone has their own Black Friday story to tell.

ATP

Is this your first CD and if not, how is this one different from the others?

SKINN JAKKITT

This is our 3rd CD. Our first two CD's had a majority of the initial music written by Jeff , Shane and I,. Greg had to come in and put lyrics to already formatted songs. This album and the one's to follow are a total collaboration of everyone. It has given us greater dynamics and representing our true sound as a band.

ATP

Did you write all the songs before going into the studio or did you write them as you were recording?

SKINN JAKKITT

All the songs were written prior to entering the studio. We put a lot of pre-production time in before hand. Studio time is not cheap, so we really wanted to have our songs ready to track.

ATP

Walk us thru the process of writing your music?

SKINN JAKKITT

For the most part, myself or Shane will have a riff that we have been tinkering with. One or the other will hear it and keep adding. Once a groove get is set, we build off of that. Greg will find the hook and Hayworth will add the thunder. The formula works well for us and we are very fortunate to have players that are like minded.

ATP

Where did you record and why?

SKINN JAKKITT

For this album we started at Audio Labs in Hildebran owned by Steve Young. Dennis Brown is his engineer. I (Barry) have personally worked with Dennis before hand, so I really like his mix/mastering abilities. We tracked all the drums, guitars, bass and some vocals there. We ended up going to John Byrd for the final mix and master. Everyone is truly pleased with the final product.

ATP

HHow did you pay for your recording?

SKINN JAKKITT

All recording and expenses are out of pocket. We have no backing at this time. We see a lot of bands that do fundraisers and donations for studio and touring, which is perfectly OK. We choose to fund everything till we have to do otherwise.

ATP

Did you have a producer or did you self-produce? If so, what kind of input did the producer have. If your self-produced, why?

SKINN JAKKITT

Self produced. We felt like we knew the sound we wanted and went after it. Hiring a producer may be necessary when we are signed to a major Label.

ATP

Did you try to capture your "live sound" or did you go for something else?

SKINN JAKKITT

The songs have the same vibe as our live show with the polished touch of the studio. We tracked live and used plug ins as well. We wanted a lot of control at the mixing stage. Its easier to take something away than it is to add. When anyone sees our live show or other bands, sometimes they can miss elements in the song due to the overall sound of the room. We want everyone to experience the total scope of our songs and enjoy every little bit.

ATP

Did your record label have any input into the music you recorded?

SKINN JAKKITT

Only on our first album. We have complete control on this album.

ATP

Are you pleased with the final product?

SKINN JAKKITT

Very much so. I believe we have finally achieved a staple sound.

ATP

Where will we be able to pick up a copy?

SKINN JAKKITT

Hard copies will be available at our shows and from each member. Downloads will be available on iTunes, Amazon, Reverbnation and CD baby.

ATP

Will you be touring to promote your CD?

SKINN JAKKITT

Yes, We plan to support this CD by hitting it hard next year, via shows, radio and internet marketing.

ATP

Would rather be recording or playing live shows?

SKINN JAKKITT

Live shows most definitely. Its the whole experience and feeling the vibe from the fans getting in your music. One of the best feelings in the world!

ATP

Anything you would like to say to your fans?

SKINN JAKKITT

Yes. Thank you for your support, thank you for coming to our shows, buying our merch, cd's and keep giving us the reason to keep moving forward! We hope you enjoy our new CD �Black Friday�, Thank you!!!