Skedaeddle's music is probably best described as Folk pop. Self produced, what begins life as acoustic, singer/songwriter stuff with simple live arrangements takes on a different aspect when spat out the back end of a popular digital audio workstation. Barry Holt talked about Skedaeddle and answered the following questions for Muzic.net.nz:
At the beginning of 2017, Barry Holt decided to release one of his songs each month and have maybe 3 EP’s or an album completed by the end of the year. The first track, Final Friend was released in January, along with a video. The second track, Episode 8 in the Continuing Saga of Donna & Mark will be released by the end of March.
Aside from working in the home studio, recording and producing my songs, I’m also looking to get more local gigs for Skedaeddle as a live act. At present we consist of myself (Barry Holt) on 12 string guitar and vocals, Glen Kilmister on bass guitar and Pete Bagley on congas. We’ve been together for a little over a year and enjoy playing locally. It’s good to work on the performance side of things too. Last but not least, Glen also has a band called Rope Tin. We kind of help each other out, he plays bass for me and I play guitar for him. Very different musical styles though. He has a set of songs that we are both pretty keen on recording, so that’s on the list as well.
How did you become involved in music?
My father was a great music lover, and music filled our house continuously from when I was young. I absorbed it, then my older brother bought a guitar, which he ended up discarding. Once I picked it up, I taught myself to play and never looked back.
If you could perform with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
Simon Jeffes and his Penquin Café Orchestra. I really admire his music and have done for a long time. He blends classical music with folk, blends cellos, guitars, harmoniums and found sounds with rhythm and harmony. I find his arrangements and instrumentation inspiring.
Which one of your songs are you most proud of, and why?
I have a song called Days. It’s a new song and I’m still working on the final lyrics but I’m really pleased with the way it’s turning out. I was playing it the other day and my partner really liked it, which is cool. She knows stuff.
How would you describe your music to someone who hasn't heard it before?
Acoustic, folky kind of melodic pop music.
What can we expect to see from you in the next year?
One complete album of songs with videos to accompany each track and hopefully some live recordings of Skedaeddle.
What NZ musicians or bands would you like to see more of, and why?
Bachelorette, I believe she lives in New York at present. Discovering her music was the most exciting thing I’d heard in years. Love her lyrics, use of tempo and the whole sampled synth/organ sounds. I would love to see her live.
What local albums have you been enjoying recently?
East by Alex Moffat & the Scarecrows was released a few years ago now, but have recently revisited it and am really enjoying his music again. Also a local band called Dead Heroes Collective, came across their music after playing on the same event as them.
What is your favourite NZ venue, and why?
Recently played on the Soundshell at Napier, a beautiful, semi circular art deco stage which was awesome as an outdoor venue, but would have to say The Cabana also at Napier, just because of the history of the place, so many good muso’s have played their and they support local bands.
Have you got any tips for dealing with nerves before a gig?
No, I wish I did. My only advice is to just keep getting out there and playing more gigs.
How do you balance your music with other obligations; family, job etc?
My wife and kids never tell me to shut up directly, although I often hear a door slam. They’re used to it, I suppose. As for work, I think it’s overrated. It just gets in the way. But in all seriousness, I’m pretty organized and set myself targets so that I can get everything done.
Where do you get your inspiration to create music from?
Other musicians.
Do you have any advice for aspiring musicians?
Believe in what you do, keep learning.
Skedaeddle is a music project performing the original folk pop music of Barry Holt. Wellington based, he also writes and performs on the classical guitar.