Dublin duo Skanger have released their debut single and video, Condolences. We asked Mark Healy of the band the BIG questions . . .
Citing influences such as Cocteau Twins, Joy Division, The Smiths, Beach House, The Blue Nile and My Bloody Valentine, Skanger are Healy (The Josephs, The Subtonics, Elevens, The Innocent Bystander) and Colin Morris (Sunbear, Ruby Tail Lights, Frank movie soundtrack).
The duo are currently working on their debut album set for release next year.
The video for Condolences was directed by Al Doyle, who says "This is about recalling our experiences with friends, family and the wonderful times in our lives that have passed, while holding on to the hope that our most joyful memories may be yet to come".
How would you describe your music?
With Skanger, myself and Colin are making music that is as honest as possible but a little different and edgy, while holding a subtlety to give it some longevity.
Who are your musical inspirations?
They are vast and vary between me and Colin. For me, I've always found pop music captivating in a strange way, I always look out for the new sounds and identify what artists are bringing to the table all wrapped up in a sugar coating of the pop medium.
How did you occupy yourself during the coronavirus lockdown?
I own a recording studio and get to work on some amazing projects so since lockdown I’ve been buried in there writing and recording the Skanger album. I’ve also been producing a beautiful album by an amazing artist called Jem Mitchell. I’ve also recorded the latest Odd Morris single. I’ve been working on a huge project that I'm not allowed to mention but it’s very exciting!
What’s your favourite song right now?
Right now, I'm listening to an album by Johnathan Bree called Sleepwalking. There is a really great song on it called You’re so Cool and it’s getting heavy rotation in my house at the moment.
Favourite lyric of all time?
There is lyric on Jem Mitchell’s album "Cut my cloth, measured twice but the fit was wrong". It’s fascinating me at the moment . . .
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life what would it be?
Prefab Sprout’s When Love Breaks Down.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Instagram, Spotify, Apple Music, Facebook.
