In October 2017, NJ blues rock trio, The Skullers, released their debut EP, Meet The Skullers. One of their songs, entitled “Peace With You,” is currently a semi-finalist for the 2017 International Songwriting Competition (get your free download here). Below, meet Jack Skuller (vox, guitar, harmonica) and learn about his personal journey as well as words of advice. Be sure to check out The Skullers' upcoming shows (WRSU radio & The Meatlocker) later this month!
What's your name, where are you from, where are you based now?
I'm Jack, and I'm from Weehawken, NJ. It's the town where most of our new songs are born, so I guess The Skullers are based there, too.
Tell us about your music. How would you describe your sound? Where do you record? Who are your influences, musically?
Joel Hamilton, who produced our EP at Studio G Brooklyn, has said this to me a number of times: "I'm nostalgic for a time without nostalgia." And that message couldn't ring any truer on our record. The rich history of rock and roll really does flow through our veins, but the voice of our band speaks onward. We are heavily influenced by blues, punk and early rock and roll artists like Little Walter, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, The Ramones, etc. It was great to filter that influence through our own experiences and then build on it.
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get started with music? What's been your personal journey? What has inspired you to do what you do? Are there any artists, bands, or producers who you'd love to collaborate with one day?
I grew up on The Beatles and The Ramones, which was enough to get me going by the time I was 14... I was fortunate enough to release a single on Bar/None Records at that age and eventually tour in 15 major cities with Radio Disney. When I'm writing songs, I'm inspired by real thinkers who can also make a catchy line stay in my head for weeks. That's how I fell in love with music -- so for that reason, I would love to write with Brittany Howard one day.
What words of advice or encouragement would you give to someone who wants to follow a similar passion, or is maybe facing obstacles similar to what you've faced?
Don't place your drink too close to your guitar pedals at the show... haha. I would say to know your routine. With any art form, one day is never exactly the same as the next. So I think it's good to have structure and know how you go about your work. I don't think there are many wrong answers as long as you're out there getting it done in the way that best suits your message and your needs.
What's next on the horizon for you? Do you have any shows coming up? Plans for your next album?
We have a busy spring full of shows coming up! The band is going to record a new single later this year. We also want to record a cover of Richard Hell's "I'm Your Man" since it's an audience favorite and we love to play it.
Finally, how can people find you online? Bandcamp? Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, etc.?
We got all those!
Facebook (@TheSkullersBand) and Twitter (@the_skullers) have all of our news. Instagram (@the_skullers) to get up close and personal.
YouTube's got all of our music videos.
Our music is out on all digital platforms (Spotify, iTunes, Bandcamp, etc.).
UPCOMING SHOWS
3/23 Live performance on WRSU radio
3/25 Meatlocker, Montclair, NJ