Band of Skulls Interview: SXSW 2010

They may come from Southampton, but the blues is very clearly written into the DNA of Band of Skulls, Already Hollywood heavy-hitters thanks to the track 'Friends' making it onto the soundtrack of the 'Twilight' film 'New Moon,' the riff-heavy blues-rockers are building a reputation as a live band who shouldn't be missed. Having just graced Spinner as Band of the Week, we took a few more minutes of bass player Emma Richardson's time ahead of their jaunt to SXSW.

Describe your sound in your own words.

We are a loud bluesy rock 'n' roll band with soulful moments.

How did your band form?

Russell [Marsden, singer] and Matt [Hayward, drums] have been playing music together since they were kids. They handed me a bass at one if their rehearsals and said they had a gig in two weeks and was I up for playing and now here we are.

What are your musical influences?

We all have quite different tastes in music which livens up the writing process. All sorts ... heavy 70's rock, early jazz singers, punk, psychedelia, electronica, garage rock, blues ...

How did you come up with the name?

We used to run a club night in our home town which had a sign outside with Hamlet holding Yorick's skull so we named the night 'Club Skulls' and the band, Band of Skulls.

Any bands you are looking forward to seeing at SXSW?

If we get a free moment there are some names which have caught our eye... the Whigs, the Jim Jones Revue, Beach House, Chew Lips, Male Bonding, Local Natives, Gringo Star ...

What's in your festival survival kit?

A copious amount of mind-altering drugs.

What is your musical guilty pleasure?

Not really guilty about any of the music I own. Personal opinion I suppose.

What's the craziest thing you've seen or experienced while on tour?

Two thousands people turning out to see us at Lollapalooza.

What is in store for the band in 2010?

We are just starting an American tour where we will be sharing the stage with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, the Whigs and 22-20's. We are playing at the SXSW and Coachella festivals, then we are back for another tour around the UK with Thomas Tantrum and then some dates in Europe. After this a few festivals hopefully and writing the next album.