Where the Skeletons Play are an ambient influenced hard rock purely studio based project from Bristol. Formed early 2011 their main aim is to produce music that will help bring the UK music scene back to a standard we can all be proud of! WTSP plan to release an EP's worth of material a year using classic equipment including: a Marshall amp that once toured with Motorhead, drum mics used to record the Beatles, a microphone preamp that was at the 1966 world cup final and a sound desk that made an appearance in the Bond film 'Tomorrow Never Dies' and taking their influences from artists such as:Tool, Nine Inch Nails, Placebo, Explosions in the Sky and Deftones. The debut EP 'Generation Wars' is available now.
We caught up with Stitch & Bones and chatted about singing dogs, a mutual disliking of Justin Bieber and unbranded breakfast cereal, here's how we got on....
Please introduce the band and your music in one sentence....
Ambient hard rock from the UK
You’re called ‘Where the Skeletons Play’ how did you come about choosing this name?
We have honestly no idea, just fitted the music.
How did the two of you join forces?
We had been playing in different bands and became friends, then one day I (Bones) sent him a demo, I think for ‘Never born a Criminal’, and WTSP was born.
What music are you grooving to at the moment?
Karnivool, Half Moon Run, Warpaint and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
Where did you record your debut EP ‘Generation Wars’ and follow ‘Serotonin Blueprints’, what made you choose that studio?
We chose the fantastic Bink Bonk Studios in Bristol. Its run by a friend of mine, Matt, who is essentially the third member of WTSP. We chose it for its vibe and the amount of analog, rare and interesting equipment in it. It really does shape the sound of WTSP and we will keep using it for as long as we can!
Can you explain what inspired you to write ‘Punctuate the Sky’? Who directed the video and what is the story behind the video?
Punctuate the Sky was inspired by one very narrow minded individual, lets just leave it at that, the video was directed by Andrew Porter of Bad Crow LTD. Its about a bad idea (the black ink) taking over an individual.
Give me three words that best describe you as a band?
Ambient Hard Rock?
What’s your favourite ‘Sunday Morning’ record?
Something by Tom Waits?
Would you rather live with a dog that sings lullabies or a gorilla that can do sign language? Explain your answer
The Dog sounds amazing! We could get it on the next record!
If push came to shove, what is the BEST album/record ever released and why?
As if anyone we would answer that! It's definitely NOT anything by Justin Bieber.
You are heavily influenced by band such as Deftones, NIN and Tool, what is it about them that assist your creative side?
It’s just who we’ve been told we sound like. Which is a bit of a compliment don’t you think!
Who designed the artwork for your ‘Generation Wars’ EP cover?
Our very own Vocalist Stitch, he does all that sort of stuff for us.
What was the last thing you ate?
Without naming any brands, Breakfast cereal and a mug of tea.
You are signed with Infra-red records, how did these come about and what advice would you give to bands and musicians looking to be on a label?
It's our own Label. Our advice, don’t bother. Do everything yourself and have FULL control of yourself!
‘If We Just pretend’ is a deep sounding track from Serotonin Blueprints, what inspired the song and video?
Its about the state of the world in general. The video is just a collection of clips from the studio. It’s my personal favourite track from that EP
What classic song would you have liked to have recorded and why?
Fear of the Dark – Iron Maiden. It's an amazing track.
There are many good bands and musicians out there, who would you ask the readers of musicmuso to look out for?
Crossfaith from Japan and Baby Godzilla are mates of ours and incredibly talented and put on a good show.
If you could describe your music in the form of a fictional character, who would it be?
Dobby the house elf from Harry Potter?
Do you think we can ever live in a world where a chicken can cross the road without having its motives questioned?
One day, I hope so!
What are your plans for the remainder of 2014?
Finishing EP’s 3 & 4 ready to record ASAP, ideally before the end of the year if not the start of 2015. We have a new member joining us from other well-known UK Ambient metal band for them on drums, so they will sound HUGE!!
Prior to letting Stitch & Bones go, we threw some quick fire questions at them....
Coffee or Tea? TEA
Coke or Pepsi? COKE
Drum machine or the real deal? REAL DEAL
Mac or PC? MAC
Fry up or Sunday roast? ROAST
Banksy or Dali? BANKSY as hes from our home town.
Lemmy (Motorhead) or Ozzy (Black Sabbath)? LEMMY
CD or Vinyl? VINYL
Car or Motorbike? CAR
Acoustic or electric? ACOUSTIC
Shower or Bath? SHOWER
Tattoos or Piercings? TATTOOS
Robert De Niro or Al Pacino? BIG AP!
God or Google? NEITHER
We would like to thank the guys for sparing their time to answer our questions, we wish them all the best for the future and look forward to hearing EP's 3 & 4 later this year (or early in 2015)....
Interview by Mark Wincott