THE OLD SKINS BAND
FRENCH BAND READY FOR U.S.
Monday, 06 February 2012 12:23
When we think of Bordeaux, France, one of the first things that comes to mind is the wine. But the Old Skins Band is coming to the U.S. to show us that the southern part of France has more to offer.
After living in the U.S. for more than 10 years, Laurent Brun-Laferrer returned to France and met up with Jean-Louis Caritou. While collaborating at Antea Studios (in Bordeaux), musician Philippe Paigne, who plays everything from accordion to piano, met Laurent and Jean-Louis. The union of the three musicians resulted in their 2009 album, “Crying for a Dream,” with a unique sound combining heavy metal and southern rock.
In 2010, the three formed The Old Skins Band, with Laurent (vocals), Jean-Louis (guitar) and Philippe (keyboards, piano). To complete the band’s line-up, Etienne Maksa is on bass guitar, Denis Bielsa plays the drums, and backing vocals are Natacha and Maëva.
You can listen to their new album this month on iTunes. Now they are busy arranging their first U.S. tour, in which they will perform anywheresmall venues, bike fests and music events. (Anddid we mention?Gainesville is on their list.) We were able to chat with Laurent about how they got started.
By Cathy Rockwell
Photos by The Old Skins BandBand/artist history
I guess the three of us we always dreamed to play this kind of music. Because first of all, we are southerners so we live in the south of Francethe famous country of Bordeaux wine. But most of it we recognize ourselves in this music because in the past history of France, our town was supposed to be the capital of the French country. We still have this rebel feeling inside of us. I guess that the southern rock music is a way to say that we are not really OK with the northern government.Have you performed in front of an audience?Well, I spent 10 years traveling back and forth from France to the United States. Here in France, I met a medicine man from the South Dakota nation called Archie Fire Lame Deer, the son of John Fire Lame Deer, who wrote the bestseller, “Seeker of Vision.” I learned so much about myself and about their beautiful culture that I committed to their ceremonies, like the sweat lodge, vision quest and sun dance ceremonies. It changed my vision of life and helped me to take care of others.
Your musical influences
BLUES BLUES ROCK HARD ROCK SOUTHERN ROCKAnything else?
Yes, each song is a personal experience. For example, the song “Standing Alone in the Desert” talks about my first vision quest. “Stand” is about people who are judging you without knowing you at all. “L'ange Sombre” (The Dark Angel) is about friends that who have been diagnosed with AIDS.