We first saw Skata Tones play in Exeter at The Phoenix a couple of years ago, being aware that they were picked to perform at this year's Beautiful Days Festival, we thought it was high time we had a chat and found out their tips to get the best out of a three day music festival, acts that they're looking forward to seeing this year and their best hangover cure!
Firstly, for those people who aren’t familiar with your band, please tell us a bit about yourselves….
Skata Tones is a 6-piece ska/reggae/dub influenced band based in North Devon. We’re fairly
recognisable by our waistcoats and orange ties and well known for our energetic performances. We love festivals and good vibes – always getting the audience skanking and bouncing along!
We last saw you live at The Phoenix in Exeter, if I delved through my records, I can probably tell you who you were supporting…..what have you been up to so far this year?
Hmm, think that was The Beat. Supporting them for two gigs in a row was a dream come true for us and they were just awesome. That was way back in 2016! Since then, we’ve played some incredible festivals including the one and only Boomtown Fair and had several sell-out shows of our own. This year has been amazing. We kicked off by laying down the tracks for a new album which is coming out very soon. Since then, we’ve been playing festivals all summer, stopping to record the odd music video on the way. The energy in the band is great at the moment and the audiences have been fantastic.
Standing in a field watching bands has become a popular pastime for us Brits, what do you think it is about music festivals that appeals to so many people?
It’s a chance to really be yourself, listen to something real, connect with music and just relax. There’s so much going on for everyone in real life, that you’ve just got to party for a weekend every once in a (short) while.
It can often be a battle getting through 3 days at a music festival, please share your top three
survival tips.
We’ve got a whole song about that, but from experience;
#1 bring the right shoes!
#2 Party hard – suddenly that tent floor is SO much more comfortable!
#3 make sure you’ve got a good supply of snacks to keep in your tent. Why do you get so hungry in the night at festivals???
What is your preferred tipple at a festival?
Being from North Devon, most of us love a good drop of cider, but the beer at Beautiful Days is so good, and after a few in the Bimble, we’re up for anything!
And best hangover cure?
Coffee and reggae music!
You’re playing at Beautiful Days this year, which of the other acts are you hoping to catch whilst
you’re there?
Well we’re looking forward to catching up with some of the guys we’ve played with on the circuit
over the past couple of years, including Dub Pistols, Undercover Hippy, Dreadzone, Mad Dog Mcrea and Splink. We’ve also been trying to get to see The Dualers for ages, so this will be a chance to put that right! Other than that, there are so many great acts we just don’t know how to fit it all in…
We’ve had some stunningly good weather in the UK over the past 6 weeks, please predict the
forecast for Beautiful Days
It will be light during the day and dark at night with a chance of ska in the afternoons.
Where can people keep up to date with you?
Follow us on Facebook for some really special news about our imminent NEW album A Day At The Fair
Lastly, please tell me WHY people should come and see you when you perform at Beautiful Days?
Two years ago, we played to a packed 'Little Big Top' and the crowd almost took the roof off with
their energy. This year we have an even more high-octane set, so you’re in for an absolute treat!
We'd like to thank Sir Strawberry for his time and we look forward to catching them play live at Beautiful Days Festival.