When did Skeleton Crew get started?
[It started] a couple of years back what Jamia (Frank’s wife) and a few friends started Bomb Shelter, a D.I.Y production company that put on shows at local VFW halls in North Jersey. It was a great thing because it formed a positive community of people that supported an underground movement. I remember seeing all my favourite bands play in a small room and it made a huge impression on me that kids could do this on their own. We really just wanted to be a part of something like that again so we decided to form a global crew, where like-minded individuals could get together and make a different in their own way and on their own terms. The clothing aspect is their flag to fly, a way of recognising each other and showing their affiliation. That’s why we encourage members to make their own S//C gear; it’s more creative that way. Any revenue that does come in goes right into supporting the artists that we showcase.
Who is Crew in Skeleton Crew?
Well, the board of directors - so to speak - are Jamia, Eddie, Sara and myself. We have final say over what happens with Skeleton Crew as a whole. But as far as who is ‘crew’? It’s the bands, the artists, the writers, the street teams, the friends we’ve made along the way…It’s everyone and anyone that wants to be a part of it. The great thing about S//C is that all are welcome. If you want to get involved log into the site and become part of something; the members take control of S//C.
Do you make everyone in the band wear your clothes? All your friends and family?
Nah, that’s not my thing. If friends want anything they ask me for it and I’ll give it to them but as far as travelling around with a load of goons all clad in S//C gear, that isn’t my style.
If you could have any one living or dead wear your clothes, who would it be?
Hmm…someone crafty and witty. I don’t know. It doesn’t matter as long as they have a great ass.
If Skeleton Crew was an animal what animal would it be?
The Tootsie Roll owl perched and ready to strike.
What bands are on Skeleton Crew records?
Well we’ve tried to keep the roster pretty diverse. We only put out bands we like and find interesting: David Costa, a hip-hop artist from Indiana who put out his first EP with us and it currently writing his follow-up. He is also playing Bamboozle East. A California-based band called New Tomorrow is our newest addition to the family. They are getting set to record soon and are playing Bamboozle Left. Leathermouth is a shitty murder rock band that hails from my basement; they definitely don’t get the attention they need ‘cause I’m always away. Hot Like A Robot was a great band from San Diego that split into different incarnations and the Mean Reds (RIP) were one of my favourite bands of all time who broke up way before they got the respect they deserved. Theirs was the first record we ever put out and was the catalyst that drove me to want to start Skeleton Crew. I wanted to work with that band so bad, I made a label for them.
How do you feel about so many musicians starting clothing companies? Is it ‘cause you can’t illegally download a hoodie?
Sure, it’s an easy way to make a quick buck. Make a name, throw some skulls on there, slap it on a t-shirt and you’ve got yourself a clothing company. It’s not Calvin Klein or anything but it’s a simple way to make cash off kids and not create anything new. It’s like starting a religion. But Skeleton Crew is different ‘cause God told me to start it.
What’s next for Skeleton Crew?
Next is the KGB. This is Skeleton Crew’s initiative to start a revolution one person at a time. Think about everyone you know doing one good selfless thing a day for the rest of their lives. It’s a pay-it-forward program that takes no money, just heart. We have homework assignments and different suggestions to make the world a better place but we want it to be publicly run. So this is our challenge for us and everyone.
Where can the kids go to find out more?
Click HERE to check out their site!
Article by Punk Rock Confidential
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