Eskimo Cowboy (Interview)

by Michael Smith on 4.04.09

There aren’t many bands who can play each other’s instruments. Michael Smith meets up with Eskimo Cowboy again to see how this unique approach to performing is working out for them

Having first met Eskimo Cowboy back in early December last year, 4Q was eager to find out more about this melodic and dynamic group. We find ourselves a few days later, on a cold and hang over inducing Sunday morning at Walrus in the Northern Quarter. Formed in mid 2008, we meet a band comprising 7 members; JP Cooper, Adam Skerritt, Wesley Roskell, Sadie Baker, Daniel Etchells, Rachel Lasham, Daniel J. Fern.

Eskimo Cowboy has only performed a few times in the remainder of the year, more eager to craft a unique and professional sound. This takes its direction from the wide guidance made possible by this larger than usual lineup. Eskimo Cowboy is keen to provoke a new approach to the Manchester Music scene, listing influences that range from Aphex Twin to Neil Young, making it difficult to nail them down to one particular genre.

JP; we’ve got all the little musical scenes out of our system, we’ve seen all the little flash in the pan trends go by, and now we’re trying to build something more real. I mean for the first time in my life I’m writing music I would listen to, and I feel like I can completely express myself.

Although the group is large, they’re a close collective, each member being able to express his or her own opinion with regards to creating the sound. This comfort is made possible by long friendships within the band. Its clear the group completed their band apprenticeships long before the formation of Eskimo Cowboy, and this shows through in their live performance.

What also makes their live performance special is the constantly altering line up. Depending on the mood of the group, or the venue it is possible for them to play each others instruments, making each performance a little different to the next.
JP; we had planned to do a gig in the early part of the year, (2008) but the lineup fell apart.

The main problem was finding a drummer that could meet our needs. We spent ages looking for the right one but none of the ones we tried felt right. I’d met Dan a few years ago playing in another band, and I bumped into him while he was working at Matt and Fred’s. He said we should have a jam sometime soon, for some reason I thought he was a guitarist.

Anyway I got his number, lost it, so I went into Matt and Fred’s again, this time looking for a drummer, and also to catch up with Dan. So I asked what do you play and he said drums. So we agreed he should come down with the rest of us for a jam, and to meet the rest of the band.

He came down not knowing what style we play, and he hadn’t heard any of our stuff before, but he just ticked all of the boxes right away. He just played some random reggae beat, than he threw in some random jazz beats and it all just spliced together really well. It was just a really good first practice. We finally had the foundations correct so set about working on new material.

Adam; its like being in this family, when we’re together on stage it’s not a case of, “oh my god there are loads of people watching!” it just feels relaxed and comfortable. We like to mix things up a bit by playing each others parts. It gives us a better understanding of the dynamics of the songs.

Eskimo Cowboy’s brand of relaxed but intricate music makes a refreshing change from what currently resides in the album charts. It’s certainly a rare thing when a band is exercising restraint, holding back, more focused on getting all aspects of their music right, be it live or in the studio.

So what does the future have in store for Eskimo Cowboy?

Adam; now the sound is right we are just really keen to get about the place and get out there playing as many gigs as possible. We’d also like to have more time to work on new ideas. It’s quite difficult to say really because it’s so unpredictable; all we really want is to be able to make enough were we can be living by performing.

There is a lot of experimental music out their, and most of it’s missed until someone plays it in front of you. Eskimo Cowboy has spent time crafting a quality sound which showcases their quality. I’m sure with each performance; they will consume and absorb each audience’s attention. We suggest you give them a shot.