A Dirty Dozen with GIUSEPPE SBRANA from SKINFLINT – February 2023

According to a recent press release: “African metallists Skinflint return on Friday, February 17, 2023 with their sixth release overall, Hate Spell, which will be immediately supported by almost a month’s worth of live dates in the US – when the trio tours with Soulfly. Comprised of guitarist/vocalist Giuseppe Sbrana, bassist Kebonye Nkoloso, and drummer Cosmos Modisaemang, Skinflint’s latest album will be issued via Into Records, and retains the raw sound and inspiration from African Mythology that has come to define Skinflint. And to kick things off is the just-issued video for the standout track, “Sasabonsam.” We get Giuseppe to discuss new music, influences, and more.

1. Tell us a little about your latest release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

Hate Spell is an album that continues the rawness and African inspired mythology that has come to define Skinflint, but taken in a new and more aggressive direction. We wanted it to sound new and fresh, despite staying true to our roots. I think a lot of listeners may miss out on some of the songs meanings if they are not familiar with some African mythology and folklore. But the beauty of it is that much of these tales have not been explored by mainstream media and it is open to interpretation, allowing listeners to paint their own version of it.

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

My late uncle Ray played guitar in a Rock band here in Botswana called Nosey Road band. I would watch him play and he was an excellent Rock / Blues guitarist. I learned many things from him. He had a large collection of Jimi Hendrix tapes, and I would borrow them or we would listen together. The turning point came when I saw a clip on a tape of the solo of “Machine Gun” with Hendrix in the band of Gypsies, that black and white clip, Hendrix moving like a ghost (due to the poor quality on the tape) and the screams that were coming out of his guitar, was forever burned into mind, it was then I decided to pick up the guitar.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

While Jimi Hendrix got me to pick up the guitar, it was “War Pigs” by Black Sabbath that got me into Metal.

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

Max Cavalera because I love his energy!

5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour?  What do you like to do to unwind?

My favorite is spending time with my other half and family, as well as Tabletop Role-playing games.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

Its metal played raw and honest, while taking a journey through forgotten myths and legends of the Dark Continent. That I look like Rafael Nadal.

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

We all do the cooking for the braii, drinks are by whoever is hosting, as for jokes, singing and acoustic guitars it’s our drummer Cosmos.

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

Meeting Max Cavalera a couple of years ago while touring.

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

The creation of music is itself the most beautiful thing about being a musician. The instrument I use is just a means in which I tell a story, or express myself, without that I would still tell my story and probably would be a writer doing fantasy.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

What is your favorite video game of all time, answer: Planescape Torment! Not really tired of any one question in particular.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

Now looking back there have been many missteps, I could probably write a full chapter on them. But I don’t regret them, nor would I try to change it now. It’s a part of the growth process and gaining experience. We are not proud of them, but we must also not fear suffering and making further mistakes, it is inevitable.

12. 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?

Thy Mighty Contract from Rotting Christ. This record means a lot to me, and was an inspiration to Skinflint. I love the atmosphere the album has, and I heard it was recorded at midnight, I love late night studio sessions, it must have been an incredible experience.

Keep the Fire Burning \m/

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Category: Interviews