The Skeletones

BIO

Founding member Paul “Prince Skeletone” Hampton claims that “each album is and always will be a chapter; an evolving musical journey.” That musical journey began as the earliest Skeletones brand blend of rock, punk and the Caribbean ‘riddims’ of reggae, ska and danchehall reverbated in Southern Callifornia’s Inland Empire in 1988 when the first chapter, a self-titled five-song release marked their arrival on the scene. Having founded the group two years earlier in 1986, Hampton unknowingly set in motion one of the longest running acts of its kind.

As ska’s third wave crested in Orange County, Calif. during the ‘90s, The Skeletones released the seminal Red album and honed their craft alongside then peers Fishbone, Sublime and No Doubt. “After many concerts rocked, cities visited, oceans crossed, songs recorded, couches and floors a slept on, miles driven and battles fought, The Skeletones have stood tall,” Hampton said.

Now, after two decades, six albums, performances on three continents and enduring several lineup changes, The Skeletones have joined forces with Orange County’s own acropolisRECORDS. “Gone are the days of CD release parties—enter the single song,” Hampton said. “We plan to continue to release new music and we’ve toyed around with the idea of releasing a new song every month. Now we have a platform to do so.”

Originally perfectly comfortable to be deemed a ska band by fans and critics alike, The Skeletones’ latest material promises to provide insight to their vast pool of eclectic influences, cementing them as a pivotal and influential force in independent music.

Q&A

WHEN DID THE MUSICAL ROOTS FIRST TAKE HOLD?

Paul: It was my 8^th grade year that I got introduced to Oingo Boino, Madness and the Selecter. Then there was the Toy Dolls, The Addicts and the Specials. I wanted to do that—be in the Breakfast Club and race BMX bikes. In high school, my peers were going to backyard parties while I was playing concerts at the Whisky A Go Go. At times I’d have gigs on a Thursday night and have to get up early in the morning for first period English class on Friday.

Woody: I was born and lived in South Central LA until they ripe young age of 4. I know it was only four short years, but those years are when I was really drawn to music. My Puerto Rican father played Latin percussion in a top 40 cover band that practiced in our living room, so from birth I was constantly hearing live music. My biggest thrill was when the drummer would leave his kit over and I was allowed to have free reign over it—the feeling was indescribable! At the age of 10 my father passed away. It was sudden, I never got to say good-bye, but he did leave his undying passion for music with me. From then on I knew I wanted to pursue music.

Chris: My dad always had a guitar lying around and when I was 11, I discovered I could play it. I was always grounded from bad grades and I had a lot of time to practice playing the guitar. I used to play with my friends in a garage until we formed a little band. My friend Scott’s older brother would have shows booked for his band, and we would sneak on stage to play one or two songs before their set would start.

WHAT WOULD BE REVEALED ABOUT YOU ON A ‘BEHIND THE MUSIC’ DOCUMENTARY?

Paul: I grew up in Riverside, CA as a youngling. I was raised Seventh Day Adventist and attended La Sierra Academy.

Woody: I love snowbaording! I board as much as I can every winter. There are even a few custom Skeletones snowboards out there somewhere!

Chris: I would watch the Debonaires and The Skeletones in my early teens when they would play locally.

WHAT’S YOUR GREATEST MUSICAL MISTAKE?

Paul: I produced all of the Skeletones albums, including the ear-sore “Dr. Bones.” I got the bright idea to challenge all concepts of practical analog recording and show that a band as complex as the skeletons can embrace a fully digital production. The year was 1996 and digital workstations, such as the Roland VS 880, were starting to make their way on the market and into home studios. Well we did just that. We recorded “Dr. Bones” in 1996, and it was a major disappointment in regards to sonic quality. Great songs and song writing, just sonic failure.

WHAT’S THE NEXT CHAPTER IN THE SKELESAGA?

Paul: We plan to continue to release new music with acropolisRPM and with their efforts the future should be toothsome for all.

Woody: The future is looking good for The Skeletones as we just signed with acropolis and are taking advantage of the internet! We also have two singles being released in 2011!

ANY FAMOUS LAST WORDS?

Woody: Life needs music.

STATS

MEMBERS:

Jonas Cabrera: Lead vocals/Trumpet

Chris Miles: Guitar

Woody Diaz: Drums

Paul Hampton: Keyboards/Percussion

Mark Cummings: Bass Guitar

Alex Tasch: Lead Guitar

Kip Wirtzfeld: Sax/Backup Vocals

Rick Bonin: Keyboards/Backup Vocals

Jared Palazzolo: Rhythm Guitar

Bob Alvarado: Trombone

John Alvarado: Trumpet

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: http://www.skeletonesmusic.com

GENRE: Ska/Reggae/Punk

FOR FANS OF: No Doubt, Sublime, Fishbone, Reel Big Fish

by Don Stefanovich