SKIP CURTIS

How would you describe your music to the uninitiated?

It’s like a good bolognese. There’s a bit of everything in there, but all stuff that you’re comfortable eating - or hearing. It’s a mixture of the music I’m inspired by, there’s elements of British rock, Americana, punk rock and typical singer-songwriter elements.

What is your earliest musical memory?

I remember hearing ‘Bob Dylan - I Want You’ as a kid. I was in the car with my Dad and remember asking him, ‘Why is the man singing like that!?’ I could sing along with it but was drawn to the weirdness of his vocals too.

Who was your earliest musical influence?

My dad. He always had an incredibly eclectic taste and a record collection to match so I was brought up listening to a very diverse range of music. As a performer, I wanted to be like the rock bands I’d watch on MTV2 when I got home from school. Jim Adkins from Jimmy Eat World, Tom Delonge from Blink 182, Caleb Followhill from Kings of Leon; I wanted to be in a band like them.

What made you want to pick up an instrument and play?

I wanted to do something different. Going to a valley’s comprehensive school there weren’t really many originals bands, so me and some like-minded friends decided to start one. None of us could really play anything or had written any real songs, we wanted to be in a band, so we figured out a way.

What was the first record you bought?

I remember buying an album called ‘Deep Shadows and Brilliant Highlights’ by a band called HIM from HMV in Cardiff when I was quite young too. There are some quality songs on that record.

What was the first gig you attended?

The first gig I bought my own ticket for was HIM again actually. It was at the Great Hall SU in Cardiff. Someone’s hair got set on fire in the crowd, which was weird.

What’s the best gig/s you’ve been to?

Jimmy Eat World at Cardiff SU was incredible. Also, Arcade Fire at the CIA was an amazing gig, just after Neon Bible came out. Great band, great album, great gig.

What’s the best gig you’ve played?

I’ve performed at Glastonbury with the band XY&O which I’m in which was amazing. The gig I remember most of all was probably my first ever gig. I was 14 and played at TJ’s in Newport. A five song set, three covers and two originals. We opened the set with Halloween by The Misfits.

Who would be your dream artiste to work with?

Robert Smith from The Cure. Icon.

What’s for the future?

I’ve got loads of music written so it’s about recording them and getting out more singles early next year hopefully. Also, we’re looking to start playing some live dates too. I’ve got some really talented musicians playing in my band who have to suffer with me changing lyrics, keys, tempos and arrangements at every practice.

Where can we find out more about you?

www.skipcurtis.com

■■ If you have a gig coming up or are releasing material and would like to be featured in this column, email Dave Owens at david.owens@ mediawales.co.uk, call 029 2024 3628 or tweet @asoundreaction