Dakka Skanks are a band from Brighton made up of soulful vocalist Clara Byrne, guitarist Connor Jackaman, drummer Henry Pascoe-Smith and bassist Rob Bligh. The band have a passion for producing fresh songs that will undoubtably have you dancing your way through isolation blues!
Clara and Connor were kind enough to have a chat with me…
How did you all meet and become the band you are today?
Clara: ‘I met Henry singing Ghost Town at BIMM and it went from there. We have had some other members but there is now the 4 of us and we have really found our sound.’
How would you describe the music you make?
Connor: ‘We do struggle to find an exact term for what we make but it is a mix of Dub, Reggae, Ska and Punk. But basically we aim to make music that makes you want to dance.’
What is your song writing process?
Connor: ‘We all write songs together, sometimes it could take 10 minutes and then other times it could take weeks. If one of us has a good idea, then it all comes naturally.’
What are your top 5 artists or last 5 artists you have listened to?
Connor: ‘The Skints, Jah Shaka, The Frightnrs’, The Pogues and Dennis Brown.’ Clara: ‘Scooter, Shangri-Las, Angeli Upstarts, Symarip and Infra Riot.’
How has the Corona Virus affected the band?
Clara: ‘One of our favourite venues was La Cueva in Spain where we had some more gigs scheduled. It is a really cool DIY warehouse venue. They stay open because of their gigs and crowdfunding so the pandemic will take a toll on their business. We aren’t sure yet what will happen with those gigs.’
Connor: ‘Corona virus has had a massive effect on our schedule. All our gigs have been cancelled and postponed. We had gigs in Brighton, Sweden, Spain and festivals lined up.’
What is the best way for people to support local bands?
Connor: ‘During the pandemic supporting bands on social media is so important and it is good to know that we aren’t doing it in vain. But normally going to gigs, is the first step. Especially for local bands it is the best way to show support. Buying vinyls, EPs or any kind of merch is also great.’
Supporting musicians’ livelihoods in any way you can is so important but especially during this time. There are many bands and venues that will suffer because of cancelled gigs and concerts. Spread the word about bands you listen to and support them on social media. Bands are still releasing music and EPs so if you are able to buy from them then please do.
Dakka Skanks released their new track ‘Sir Action’ in April. Click Here to Listen Now! or Click Here to Purchase It!
Dakka Skanks also have a fundraiser on live stream at 12pm on the 30th May. It is to raise money for ‘Together Co’ (a loneliness charity supporting those in our community during this crisis.) Such an important cause if you can watch or donate then the band would really appreciate it.
Click the Icons for More From Dakka Skanks!
Published by Hannah Hutchings
a communal space for music.
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