A Dirty Dozen with PAUL MARTIN from DEVILSKIN – May 2024

According to a recent press release: “Prepare to be swept away by a tidal wave of raw power and adrenaline as multi-Platinum-selling New Zealand rock icons DEVILSKIN unleash their latest musical masterpiece: a heart-pounding cover of HEART’s timeless classic, “Barracuda.” With their unmistakable blend of ferocious energy and unparalleled musicianship, DEVILSKIN pays homage to the legendary rock anthem while injecting it with their own signature intensity and passion. Devilskin formed in June 2010 in Hamilton New Zealand and features the spectacular Jennie Skulander on lead vocals. Her powerful and compelling voice and alluring stage presence sets her apart from any vocalist New Zealand has put up so far. With an unerring gift for melody, Jennie’s incredible voice sweeps from whisper to roar, rips with power, drips with melody and captivates with sincerity.” We get Paul 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?

Our latest release is a 6 track EP called Surfacing. It kicks off with a track thats been a staple of our live set since day one, but a song we hadn’t got around to recording til now. It’s called “The Whale Song” and it speaks of the awful way we treat the planet and wildlife. The great con that makes people feel guilty when its the big corporations that are doing the worst damage. We also recorded two cover versions of songs that were part of our live set ten years ago “Barracuda” and “Holy Diver.” Two huge tracks. “Unborn” is a track that we are very proud of.

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

I recall being 5 years old and hearing Louis Armstrong play trumpet. That was a magical moment and I knew then that music was for me. Being the youngest of four children I was heavily influenced by my siblings favourites, Led Zep, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Uriah Heep. I realised their music was reaching me on a whole new level and I began to immerse myself in songs.

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

My two first ever concerts were in Wellington NZ and I saw The Ramones and Cheap Trick. That was cathartic for sure! I think my next show was KISS so I got off to a great start with live shows!

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

Tough question! Zodiac Mindwarp would be awesome to collaborate with. Check out the video for “Sleazegrinder,” hilarious!

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

I love to ride my motorcycle (Harley Davidson Road King) for therapy! I write a lot, lyrics, short stories and poetry. I relax by playing guitar and hanging with my family and my dog Arthur.

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?

Female fronted heavy rock. We get compared to Evanescence by people who haven’t heard Arch Enemy haha.

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?

Nail, Nic and myself usually have guitars not far out of reach at any given time. Nail gets the drinks in and our manager James is the best cook out of us lot!

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

Getting to see Peter Mengede from Handsome/Helmet play in a small bar in Auckland a few weeks ago was unreal!! Watching Down perform from side of stage while standing next to Ronnie James Dio was pretty cool.

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 best part of being a musician is the catharsis of songwriting, growing as musicians and writers and meeting people who your music has had a profound effect on. If I couldn’t do this, my dream job would be a zoo keeper!

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?

No interviewer ever asks my favourite drink. A. 1800 Reposado Tequila with a slice of orange and a lick of cinnamon. The worst question… ”iS iT dEvils KiN or Devil SkIn????

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?

No. No regrets!!!

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?

Well the sessions for Black Sabbath Vol.4 sounded like fun 🙂 Its a monumental album that I never get sick of diving into!

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Category: Interviews