I started Skinless with some friends in high school in 1992. We were getting into death metal at the time and decided that's what we wanted to play. I'm the only original member left.
2. Were any of you in other bands?
Nothing big, i had started Skinless with guys i had been jamming with previously in a band called Hateguts. That was more Metallica, Slayer, Queensryche type stuff.
3. Who are your biggest influences?
Prince, Madonna, Cher, Cyndi Lauper, Roxette, Culture Club, Duran Duran, Flock Of Seagulls and Michael Jackson.
4. How would you describe a Skinless concert?
We try to have fun at our shows and it rubs off on the crowd. Some bands are too serious and try too hard to be blasphemous. People can see that we really enjoy what we do and there is usually a high energy level between us and the fans.
5. How does Skinless compare to the rest of the extreme bands out there?
Well, like i just said, i think we just appear to be the average guys busting our asses and love what we do. We're certainly not making a fortune doing it and most people see us as a genuine, hard working, rockin' band.
6.How do you think death metal has progressed over the last 15 years?
The first crop of bands was excellent, like Cannibal Corpse, Obituary, Deicide and all the trend setters. Then came the 2nd and 3rd generation of copycats and the scene got a bit stale, but now there are some bands like Shadows Fall bringing some melody and 80s style metal back into extreme metal.
7. In your opinion, how does the scene in NY compare to the rest of the country?
There are different scenes in different parts of the country so it's hard to compare. Some places in NY suck, while others are solid. Same with other states. Albany, NY has a really good metal scene and served as the springboard for Skinless to play all over the country and beyond.
8. What has been your most memorable moment with Skinless?
I'd have to say when we first went to play the Beast Feast in Japan. Not only were we in Japan, but we played an arena with the likes of Slayer, Machine Head, Shadows Fall, Pantera, Morbid Angel etc.
9. What are your favorite bands to tour with?
We have had 2 successful tours with Dying Fetus (great guys) and almost every band with the exception of a couple have been cool as hell and i'd love to hit the road with them again.
10. How has Skinless progressed since the beginning?
Different members have come and gone and i think we got better musically through the years. The biggest change would have to be the lyrics. We started out writing silly nonsense songs about poop and piss and whatever other bodily fluids you could name. Now they are more associated with dark philosophy. Obviously, we got signed to Relapse Records and tour the world and we started playing in a basement.
11. Where do you see Skinless in 5 years?
In some backwoods bar playing Madonna covers.
12. Thanks for the interview bro...Any final comments?
Thanks for the interview. Check out www.4skinless.com Click HERE for Skinless' message board.
