Welcome to the feature where we talk to musicians about some of their favourite things about the industry. Today we speak to Steve Skidmore also known as Skidders s to find out all about his favourite things. Check out the album Friends & Family Vol. 2 as well to hear Skidders latest music

What is your Favourite:

Song you have written

I really liked my last single “Aunty Bulgaria” which is a rock instrumental. The sound came out beautifully thanks to my lovely 50th Anniversary Stratocaster. But I’ve been leaning more towards “Monday Is Calling” lately, as I’m liking the overall sound and arrangement. It has a sort of soul, rock, blues vibe.

Lyric

I should say the lyrics to “I Wonder” which I wrote for my long suffering wife, but I do like “Just Boozin’” which is a tongue in cheek song about my wife complaining about my excessive drinking. I do laugh each time I see the video of this track!

Musician

I like the way Eric Clapton has become more eclectic and changed styles over time. I loved the two albums he recorded of Robert Johnson songs, but for me, “Pilgrim” was an absolute masterpiece and sums up what I like about him.

Film or television show

Jools Holland because it’s live music. I really don’t like watching bands perform with “hard disk” backing – I’d rather them sound raw and real. Jools has a really eclectic mix of artists and even though they are not always my cup of tea, I’d rather watch any live music than mimed or backed performances.

Venue to perform at

I loved playing at the Cavern in Liverpool. It was a dream come true, as a huge Beatles fan. But if I could perform anywhere, the Royal Albert Hall would be amazing.

Item to take with you on tour

My MacBook – I can do everything I need to, kitted with an interface for recording guitar and vocals. Of course, you can also watch TV, YouTube, order food, read books etc on it.

Instrument

Electric guitar – Fender Stratocaster. I have Telecasters, Gibsons and Martin acoustic guitars, but the Stratocaster is my first love. Sure, the acoustic guitar can be amazing and Les Pauls are awesome, but it’s the Stratocaster that does it for me. If I did have a choice of a second instrument, it would be the Pianoforte.

Song to play live

“Battle Cry Revisited”, as I can crank up the amp and there’s lots of power chords to smash!

Album by another musician

I’d go back to Eric Clapton’s “Pilgrim”, with honourable mentions of Led Zeppelin II, KT Tunstall’s “Eye to the Telescope”, CCR’s “Cosmos Factory” and The Beatles’ “White Album”.

Memory of tour

Playing the Forum in Old Kentish Town, with the band Beneva. We all went on a coach with our fans and had our own dressing room with a fridge full of Bud and a stage full of dry ice. It was great – the coach driver couldn’t wait for us to get back to Coventry afterwards. However, Nathan Bennett, the keyboard player, and I grabbed a kebab before getting on the coach. As the fans started getting on the coach and smelt the kebabs, they all got off again, running to the kebab shop. The driver was not best pleased, but the gig and the after party was amazing.

Era for music

Tough one! I suppose it has to be the swinging 60’s. The Beatles, Stones, Hendrix, CCS – even The Shadows. Hank Marvin was a great influence for me.

Part of making a record

The very start and finishing it! It is great being creative and getting to where you want to with a composition, but the middle part which is perfecting the end result, can be a bit of a slog if things don’t go perfectly. Listening to the final result is very gratifying.

Thing about performing at festivals

It’s normally nice weather and you can walk around and meet people. Of course, you also get to see other bands and if you learn something from them – so much the better. The atmosphere is normally great and very friendly.

Quote

“Life ain’t a rehearsal”.

Thing about the music industry at the moment

The ability to publish your work, globally. The rest is down to you to succeed.

Thing about this year so far?

Our daughter, son-in-law and grandson have moved within 7 miles of us, as opposed to 125 miles previously. So we get to see them, especially our grandson, regularly. The distance and pandemic made it very difficult before then.

I also have to say, the release of my latest album in May this year and how it has been received, has been thoroughly gratifying.

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