Imagine being in the crowd and waiting anxiously for the band to start, fully aware that when the band hit the stage everyone is gonna rush to the front to get closer to the energy that the music will bring. That is exactly what it feels like to wait for a Voodoo Glows Skulls, they bring the intensity of their ska-core style to every performance. The band has been around since the late 80’s and has become a staple in the ska-core culture and its ever growing popularity. The band will be preforming at this years Great American Rockabilly Riot, on Labor Day weekend. Guitarist Eddie Casillas shared a few words with us.
The band formed in 1988, can you tell us why you started the band in the first place, and how influential were your parents in that process?
We formed in ‘88 as a 3 piece band in my bedroom. We were just super into music, mostly heavy metal and some 2tone ska and new-wave, or whatever. We were also very much into oldies early on as well. We started off with a bass guitar that our older brother abandoned and a guitar my parents had bought me.
Most of the band is from So-Cal, which was the core (in my opinion) of ska-core in the 80s, how have you seen the scene change over the years? How has Voodoo Glow Skulls managed to remain such a strong influence?
The scene has changed quite a bit. First of all, back then no one was really doing the faster, heavier punk or metal mixed with ska, or that family of rhythmic music. There were definitely crossover bands like Fishbone, Chili Peppers and Jane’s Addiction but no one was playing that fast or heavy really. It was either the few true ska bands leftover from the 2tone era or punk/funk type bands.
The Bosstones were sorta heavier but never really sounded hardcore and never seemed to play that fast, Bad Religion/NOFX “steak cutter” punk beat. After hearing bands like Fishbone and Operation Ivy, we gradually started playing fast, manic ska-punk with heavier and faster parts. We wanted to take it further than those bands. Now, there is a whole underground ska punk, ska-core scene in Los Angeles and most major cities. I’m sure we influenced a few by just being around and continuing to tour and put out records.
The band tours a lot, and all over the world, how has the world received Voodoo Glow Skulls throughout the years?
The band has been received pretty well where we’ve gone, and we’ve been fortunate enough to return several times to most places. Life on the road can be amazing at times and trying and exhausting as well. Traveling with a group of people and living in close quarters together, you get to learn a lot about each other fast. We’ve had amazing experiences from playing under the Brooklyn bridge and circling the statue of liberty on a boat, while playing a show to touring places like Japan, Australia and South America.
In a article with OC weekly, its says that you guys are huge supporter of the local latino ska-core bands and often headline SkaWars in LA, but you like to shine a light to up and coming artist. Why is that important to you?
We try and play with and support as many young, upcoming bands as possible. The scenes in LA and Orange County alone have so many bands. Some are starting to branch out and tour. It’s important to keep music and styles alive in general. Music is what saves the day in many instances and keeps people happy.
Like with any band there has been shifting with band members and record labels, haw has that helped you all grow, and what advice would you give other bands that go through similar circumstances?
You have to really love doing what you do to survive band member changes and being on record labels, or not being on labels and struggling. You have to have people involved that want to be there and act professional to start. Curbing people with any substance abuse problems or any drama or baggage also helps. You have to have a healthy band of body and mind as much as possible. That definitely makes life easier. Labels are kind of dead and so is the underground music biz. You’re better off releasing music online, pressing your own vinyl or CDs and growing a following with a good live show.
Your shows are always so energetic and full of life, what do you want a newcomer to the Voodoo Glow Skulls to feel when they attend one of your shows for the first time?
We want the audience to come out of the show with a sense of releasing demons and stress from every day life. This band started off as a backyard party band, so we have that in us still. It’s fun to sweat it out on a dance floor and let the problems of the day be forgotten for at least that moment.
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