A QUICK DOZEN with DARREN SKEWES, JUNIOR DANGER

Shane | 15 April 2018 | Reply

A QUICK DOZEN with DARREN SKEWES, JUNIOR DANGER
By Shane Pinnegar

Junior Danger’s debut album is out now, so we got sonorous frontman Darren Skewes to share a Quick Dozen with us.

1. Tell us a little about your latest release. Are there any hidden nuggets the band put in the material that only diehard fans might pick up on?

Well it’s our debut album and it’s been a long time coming. We put a lot of time into this one and really let the music take us on a journey. As far as hidden nuggets go if you play it backwards at exactly the right speed while standing on one foot attempting to lick your elbow you may find out a few things about yourself that aren’t pretty.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realised you wanted to be a musician?

That’s easy, the first time I heard Elvis. I must’ve only been a toddler but I could not believe what I was hearing and when I asked ‘Mum, who’s’ that?’ and she responded ‘that’s The King.’ I was in over my head and it’s been trouble ever since.

3. Who would be your main five musical influences?

Well I guess Elvis has to be up there as that’s where it all started, but as I got older Keith Richards definitely took top spot for me as a guitar player and songwriter. I’m a fan of the black sheep, always have been always will be. They’re always far more interesting. So alongside Keef & Elvis, Nick Cave, Mark Lanegan and Josh Homme rate pretty high on that list.

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be?

Any of the 5 listed above and that decision has nothing to do with the song and everything to do with the party. I’d hope when I eventually woke up from the experience there would be a great song sitting there on the tape too but would give 0 fucks if there wasn’t.

5. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before?

A Scuzzy Moan with a shot of Tequila.

6. What’s the best thing about being a musician?

Definitely the creative process of creating something that previously didn’t exist and hearing it transform and take its own form along the journey. Every song ends up being completely different from the original idea, which is a beautiful. The camaraderie and the party aren’t bad either. I mean what else would you do if you didn’t play music? Xbox and camping really suck once you work out you can play guitar.

7. When the band are all hanging out together, who cooks; who gets the drinks in; and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

Well I’m usually the one smoking up something on the coals and Tom definitely keeps the amber flowing. When it comes to picking up the acoustic not too many singalongs occur but we’re good at drunkenly sharing riffs that are forgotten by daylight. Tom and I have learnt to record anything good on the iPhone when we are writing as I’m sure we’ve definitely lost some great ones.

8. If you weren’t a musician, what would be your dream job?

Man that’s a good question. I do like to take the piss out of everything so I’d love to try my hand as a stand up comedian.

9. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep, or you would like to be able to “do over”?

Getting involved with the wrong people. The industry is full of very passionate and caring individuals who really care about the artist and the music but as with any industry there are also plenty of snakes slithering around everyone’s feet. Sometime they’re good at disguising themselves as the former.

10. If you were made ruler of the world, what would your first orders be?

Turn off the electricity. Let’s just see what happens next.

11. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

Exile on Main Street. Man, what an album. The process that went into this is what really excites me and it really comes through.

12. What, for you, is the meaning of life??

Have fun man. Everything is out of our control so just sit back, enjoy the ride and if you think of something funny you must say it… no matter what.