Since reforming in 2009, Skunk Anansie have re-established themselves with a comeback compilation (Smashes & Trashes), fierce live shows, and a new album Wonderlustre , which combines their raw riffs, deep funk, frenetic drumwork and lush vocals with more confidence and maturity than ever before. Skin, Ace, Cass and Mark are an alchemical force - something they were delighted to rediscover after an eight year hiatus.
Earlier this year they were on the soundtrack to Zack Snyder’s film Sucker Punch with a raucous cover of the Stooges’ ‘Search And Destroy’. And Skin rode into the Venice Opera House on a white stallion to collect her La Cavalchina award for contribution to culture in Italy. This summer they are playing countless festivals throughout Europe. NME named Skunk Anansie one of their ‘20 Must See Bands’ at Download, saying that they are “cementing their position as one of Brit’s greats.”
I recently caught up with Skin to get the low-down on Download, Beyonce....and that white stallion....
Q. So how was Download?
A. It was weird. It’s a big metal festival and we’re not that heavy. We played after the guy from Pantera and his fans are real metal-heads. It was a first festival of the year and I felt like we were warming up. It goes like that; the first is OK, the second is great, the third is amazing. Having said that, everyone loved it and the reviews were good!
Q Talking festivals, what do you feel about the collective amnesia surrounding Beyonce’s show at Glastonbury? The BBC said she was the first female headliner at Glasto, but you & the band headliined the Pyramid Stage in 1999.
A. I don't like my achievements being made invisible like that. Hold on, am I Scotch mist? Actually Beyonce you're not the first woman to headline a stage at Glastonbury. What about Bjork? Suzanne Vega? Or Sinead O'Connor? You're not even the first black woman on that stage! Everyone got carried away at the prospect of a huge American star at Glastonbury and lost their mind. Not one person had checked it. It’s what I call Beyonce’s tidal weave (!)...everyone gets caught up in the tsunami!
Q. NME called you “one of Brit’s greats”. Do you feel Skunk Anansie are getting proper recognitiion in the UK?
A. When it comes to us the British press and Radio 1 have a kind of apathy, but that’s starting to change. There is a huge live scene, and if people don’t hear what they want on major radio they seek it out elsewhere. We’re no longer directing what we do towards radio, we’re plugging into a scene that is a less dependent on three minute pop songs with electronic voices. We’ve conceded it, because in Europe we’re one of the biggest British bands.
Outside England the rest of Europe is interested in new music - whether it comes from new acts or older bands. In the UK it’s almost like a band aren’t allowed to last more than three albums. But you can make music till you’re 80. Every musician knows that you get better, but the industry won’t let you do it. For instance, Kings of Leon - now they’re making great music. For a big rock band it takes time to get your craft together.
Q. Do you think the industry here has problems slotting you into a category?
A. I scare a lot of people. I’m not a tiny pretty blonde who’s 18. It’s easier for people to define you as a female artist if you run round in your underwear and use your sexuality to get on. You can fall into that trap, and end up with them controlling your sexuality. I’m sexual in my own way.
Q. What was it like riding a horse onto the stage of the Venice Opera House?
A. That was one of those things where you get on the horse and think ‘Oh my God’. The Italians have great ideas, but they’re not so great in the execution! It was surreal. They forgot to put the curtain down beforehand, so everyone saw me getting on the horse, and that meant there was no dramatic impact! And there were too many people swarming around taking pictures. Still it was fun, and an honour to get the award.
Q. Are Skunk Anansie recording a new album?
A. We’ve written 15 songs that we’re planning to record in the autumn. The last one had to be done very quickly, but we’re taking our time with this. It’ll be a bit heavier than Wonderlustre, with some electronic influences, and very melodic. It’ll probably be out next April.
Thank you Skin. Watch this space....!
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