Hungry Skinny
For San Francisco’s Hungry Skinny, it’s all about rock ’n’ roll that can make you dance. If it were a different era, they probably would have a chance to play “The Ed Sullivan Show” or “American Bandstand.”
The band’s first gig was in November 2011. They released an EP, “Nobody Cares” in December 2012 and a three-track digital album, “Birth & a Murder,” in June.
They’re currently recording their next album at Light Rail Studios; it’s supposed to be released on vinyl early this year. Lineup: Ty Thorpe, drums; Remy Vale, guitar; Sean Paulhus, bass, vocals; Garrett Riley, guitar, vocals.
Was there a band you heard when you were young that inspired you to become a musician?
GR: It was the year 2000 and I was 11 and my aunt Mary bought me a Doors greatest hits CD for Christmas. I remember pulling weeds in the yard while listening to it for the first time on my portable CD player and chuckling at this strange, half pleasant circus music for the aged sound and strange instrumentation. Then “Peace Frog” came on, and it was no joke anymore.
How does living in the Bay Area affect your music?
SP: If anything, it’s made it clear to us what we do not want to do. The whole scene is dominated by soft, overly folky artists or bands trying to be the next Ty Segall. We know we can never be as soft as our flannel loving counterparts or ever be as obsessed with reverb as the ’60s garage rock tribute bands.
What’s the most important aspect to putting on a live show?
SP: Appearance and presentation. From what I have seen, we’re the only band still wearing full suits to shows, and I think people really take notice and respect that. Also, no one is going to dance if the band is not dancing. That’s why we never stop moving at shows. It’s our high energy and effort that really separates us from the rest of the scene. We’re trying to make James Brown look like a shoegazer.
Check it out: www. hungryskinny.com
Next gig: 8 p.m. Friday. $15. With Battlehooch, Sun Hop Fat, the Rotten Kids. Slim’s 333 11th St., S.F. (415) 255-0333. www.slimspresents.com.