The STA Official Label Blog Of Thoughts And Stuff®: Skibunny EP Tour Diary Part 1

Friday 11^th June – Skibunny arrive in INVERNESS, bright eyed and bushy tailed and ready for action. We already have fond memories of Highland good times, having previously DJ’d at Rockness and Belladrum festivals over the years. But this time it’s different, cause this time we’re playing LIVE! So first up it’s a showcase at Madhatters, part of the Go North event. We have time to catch Woodhands, a duo from Toronto whose equipment has been blown up with a dodgy converter and we are unfortunately deprived of all the synths and keytars they’ve brought along. We get the general idea however, and very much enjoy their synth/drum party vibe. Soon it’s 12.30am and time to play. The audience are in good spirits to say the least, and the show is super fun, and so we reward ourselves with a pint or two at the hotel bar with some old friends. My back is to the elevator, and therefore I do not see the doors open to reveal the sleepwalking naked man, who is… well… pleasuring himself! I am assured it was not a pretty sight. This story is told and retold throughout the weekend and has now become the stuff of legend.

Andy & Jon

Sat 12^th June – ROCKNESS! After a stomach lining brunch we head out to Rockness and make our way over to the Go North stage. Once again we are reminded what a beautiful location this is for a festival. I stand and watch the Loch for some time to see if I can catch a glimpse of the monster, perhaps all this loud music has scared it off… Later I’m introduced to Toki from the band Mothercoat from Tokyo, Japan, and I try to remember my Japanese lessons (pretty rusty I’m ashamed to say). We manage to catch a few bands on the Go North stage, including Miaoux Miaoux from Glasgow, (he’s playing with us in Edinburgh too) and then we’re on. Again the crowd are up for the craic and lots of friends have come along to lend their support, thanks guys! After the show and a quick podcast interview, Andy (drums) and Jon (bass) head off to meet friends while I make it back to Inverness to catch Mothercoat at Madhatters. The place is packed and they are totally brilliant. Glow sticks are flying around the place and the band and audience are jumping in unison. A fantastic way to end the night.

Mothercoat

Sun 13^th June – Back to Rockness for some more interviews, and then it’s time for Blondie. Everyone is super excited and it’s great to hear the hits. Then it’s time to go, and we start our 2-part journey to London, where we arrive on Mon 14^th June Chez Liana in time for a couple of pints at the local and a good nights sleep.

Blondie

Tues 15^th June – LONDON! Tonight’s show is at the Monarch in Camden. At this stage we are joined by soundman and good friend Finian. He works with Rolo Tomassi, Gallows and just last weekend was mixing Shy Child in Portugal! The gig goes really well, with a great deal of dancing going on down the front, so we are all very happy indeed.

Fin & Tanya

Wed 16^th June – NOTTINGHAM! Last time we played Nottingham was on the Har Mar Superstar tour, such a great night, so we are excited to come back. Plus it’s Wednesday, or “Big Wednesday” which means ditching the car early and getting the jeagerbombs in. Spanky Van Dykes is a pretty new venue, with awesome TOTP style lights behind the stage, we love it. The show is a little quiet (don’t they KNOW it’s Big Wednesday??!!) but those in attendance are won over, they buy merchandise and we give them free badges. Then promoter Jeremy takes us all to the Bodega Social Club, where Big Wednesday is happening big style! We just miss Fin’s pals Pulled Apart By Horses, but we do get to meet James from Rolo Tomassi who seems like a top bloke indeed. Many Jaegerbombs later, it’s time for me to call it a night, leaving the boys to continue the Big Wednesday fun, and the next day I hear stories of parties in student Halls of Residence.

Spanky Van Dykes

Thurs 17^th June – We awake to news that our show in BRISTOL was double booked, and therefore we are forced to cancel the trip. Major bummer… We settle instead for a couple of nights at home and the chance to do a bit of laundry and eat some fruit. Bristol, we’ll reschedule as soon as is possible!

Sat 19^th June – LEEDS! The one way system in Leeds is very frustrating indeed, and with a Sat-Nav that has no signal and an iPhone map app that just tells lies, it takes us some time to find the venue. But we do eventually, and arrive at Carpe Diem ready to rock. We’re know we’re in the right place when we see the bartender is wearing a Lafaro tshirt (up the STA hoods!) The kitchen has closed though, so we wander off to find food, and decide to treat ourselves to amazing burgers at Nation of Shopkeepers, which looks like a pretty sweet venue too. Back to Carpe Diem and while we get set up, the DJ is playing our remix of Forward Russia’s “Thirteen”. Yay! By the end of our set we have definitely won over some new fans and we look forward to coming back to Leeds again soon.

table 5