With the advent of the iPod and other mp3 players, the popularity of music has blossomed into a take-with-you everywhere medium. Everyone listens to music whether at home, while driving, exercising or walking to class.
With the popularity of portable music devices, some people lack to keep in mind the importance of live, local bands. These bands keep the Albany music scene alive, and with the help of local support, it is possible for a Capital District band to not only gain national recognition, but to achieve financial and musical success. One Albany band that is working very hard at gaining local support is the dub, reggae rock band Skadee. Skadee has been playing for more than two years now and they play at a number of bars and concert venues around Albany especially in the Saint Rose area.
Skadee, based out of Albany , was formed in early 2005. Lou Vandenbergh started the group as the lead singer and guitar player. After years of band experience and song writing he felt the need to focus on a brand new band and hence Skadee was born. With a love of reggae and dub music, and a heavy influence by bands like Sublime and Slightly Stoopid, a mix of Dub/Reggae/Rock became fused into one explosive sound. The band is rounded out with: Matt Winnicki, who has years of bass playing experience and his talent for ground shaking low-end reggae style bass was a natural fit in the band. WillyMan, also know as Matt Wilson plays the key board and delights the audience with his early dancehall style hip-hop vocals. Anthony Deso, has been playing in Albany bands for the past decade. Many may remember the popularity and music of his band Funkshop Loomis who regularly sold out large clubs in the late 90’s. His stellar drum techniques injected a new style of Reggae/Rock into the music. Anthony is also the manager for the band and is often quoted as “the responsible one.” The newest member of Skadee is Jonathan Worobey, a soulful singer and lyrist whose creativity has helped write new and powerful songs.
Skadee is a very lively band with great dub jams and catchy vocals. When you see Skadee live you will not be disappointed, and you will dance till you can't dance no more. Skadee plays at a lot of different bars like Lark Tavern, Red Square , Revolution Hall, Northern Lights and Valentines. They are always expanding their area of playing; they have a show coming up in New Paltz, and a show at Atlantic City .
Skadee’s number one goal is to express themselves musically and to eventually make a career out of playing music. After only two years of playing in the Albany area, their fan base has become solid and their music has achieved air play on Channel 103.1 and WEQX. They work hard, and are known for writing songs at an astonishing rate, sometimes three or four new songs, written and recorded within one week. Everyone in the band has a passion for music that is indescribable and the only way to truly understand is to go check it out for yourself.
If you’re a fan of Sublime, Bob Marley, Jack Johnson, Dave Matthews or just good chill music in general, you will find yourself very happy to hear that this kind of music is coming from your local music scene.
If you are interested in hearing some music from Skadee, check out a few of their Myspace’s at: www.myspace.com/skadee , www.myspace.com/louiev and www.myspace.com/echoselector .
It is essential that people support their local music and check out as many local bands like Skadee when ever you can because they need and deserve the support. Skadee’s next show is a rocking New Years Eve show at Red Square with the western New York based Dub State . Come, grab a beverage, relax and don’t forget to say hello. ■
