VHM’s FRONTMAN OF THE WEEK: STEPHEN SELSKI ~ BASTARD SKINNY
Jim Morrison once said that, “Each generation wants new symbols, new people, new names. They want to divorce themselves from their predecessors.” And BASTARD SKINNY is that new name and generation.
While many bands in Vancouver are screaming and cranking their amps to 11, the psychedelicacy that is BASTARD SKINNY uses tight songwriting with dynamic highs and lows to build like that rogue wave you don’t see coming— then knocking you back on your boney inbred ass.
Within the same live-set, BASTARD SKINNY can echo the ghosts of mid-tempo Seattle, hint at remnants of The Used, and then turn it all around in a punk-inspired track such as Blasphemy.
Yet from the ashes of past influences, the phoenix that is BASTARD SKINNY truly have risen to create a new sound that’s unique unto themselves.
VANCOUVER’S HOTTEST MUSIC recently caught up with BASTARD SKINNY frontman STEPHEN SELSKI, who is prepping for this Friday’s show @ Tunnel with TARL and COASTLINE PILOT.
VHM: Bastard Skinny, where the hell did that name come from?
STEPHEN SELSKI: One of my first jobs was in construction building foundations for houses and buildings. It was very heavy lifting work and I was about 130 pounds trying to keep up with the crew. Day after day, I would constantly hear, “Come on Selski, ya skinny bastard!”
VHM: Usually, I can place a vocalist’s influences right away, but yours has me racking my mind. Who inspires you?
STEPHEN SELSKI: Jim Morrison and Maynard James Keenan were the reason I got into singing. I was lost in life until I heard them.
VHM: Right now, what are the most overplayed songs on your Ipod?
STEPHEN SELSKI: I don’t own an Ipod, but That’s The Way by Led Zeppelin and any Rage Against the Machine. I’ve been listening to Rival Sons alot lately as well.
VHM: If you could come back as any musician alive or dead, who would it be?
STEPHEN SELSKI: Im hoping this is my last journey here and coming back isn’t an option.
VHM: Any advice for upcoming vocalists?
STEPHEN SELSKI: Jam with as many people as you can and constantly try shooting out melodies and lyrics on the fly. Have fun and open up to the vibration that is being created and a song will be born.
THANKS STEPHEN!
Check BASTARD SKINNY out live @ Tunnel this Friday:
https://www.facebook.com/events/279000555485766/
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https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bastard-Skinny/226440620704304
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