Press Release
Media Release
16 October 2009
Oz music in the 1990's was suffering an identity crisis of sorts. The golden days of pub rock were gone, the pokies were on the rise and club/rave culture had begun to take its first very wobbly steps. While the world seemed to be in the throws with all things grunge and it's dour antiestablishment ethos, some were looking elsewhere to get their kicks.
Hip Hop was in a golden age of change and so too was the English revival of classic Soul Jazz and Funk of the late 60's and 70's. The true believers could be found down at the Harbourside Brasserie at around 1am on a Sunday to catch the late set by the indisputable godfather of Australian soul funk - the late great Jackie Orzascky and his Godmothers. This is the scene in which the soon to be members of Skunkhour found themselves in Sydney around 1991-92.
From the outset they set themselves a difficult task of fusing Soul, Funk, Hip Hop and Jazz with not just Rock but an unashamed love of Oz Rock. This would prove to be their greatest asset and their biggest handicap to an industry and market not yet ready to cope with real funk and soul, let alone Oz rock hip hop. While there were other groups on the scene, Skunkhour were relentless and unapologetic in a pursuit to define their own brand of Australian groove music. They did not want to be seen as imitators, but as originators.
Their legendary sounds spanned over a decade, producing four albums, rocking out at countless gigs and festivals, cementing a place in Triple J's Top 100 and leaving no rocks unturned during their rockstar touring, before calling it quits to "grow up."
Time Travellers
And so it would seem as though the boys had had enough. But like an alcoholic to his drink, nothing could keep these boys from The Funk. The boys will begin their December 09 tour with an all-original line up (minus the great Paul Searles) and featuring the mighty Alan Goodman.
Also featuring Del and the band plus assorted guest Djs on the decks. It feels good to be back. You'll see us there.
"I was the booking agent for Skunkhour for 12 years so I have seen 100's of their shows. I have so many great memories of them performing live. If you were ever a Skunkhour fan, you will know that seeing them play live was what it was all about... especially the feeling and atmosphere they created with their music - you could not help but dance to them!!! So it's going to be fantastic to see them recreate that again."
Michael Harrison, Frontier Touring
"Before White Men Could Jump, Del and Aya Larkin were proving that they could do everything else but...one of my favourite Australian bands ever, Skunkhour, were before and after their time, existing in the nexus of things known and unknown in a time when grunge excused every shit guitarist and forced every cardigan clad under-graduate into a sandshoe staring depression. Skunkhour were bright bold and fucking beautiful. Back to Basics Indeed!"
Adam Zammit, Peer Group Media
For all media and press enquiries, please contact:
Louisa McCole
9356 0021
Daniella Tavella
daniella@acompany.com.au
9356 0022
