Let's Talk Punk with Wynn Skism
Interview By Lisa-PunkrPrincess
Punk Globe: Hi thanks for chatting with us, can you tell us a little about yourself?
Wynn: How does one describe oneself?
Well, I’m a bass player and vocalist in the bands Skism and Mad Mulligans, I play bass in American Eagle NYC Oi, and I played in the Krays when they were first starting and came back twice to play a song for their anniversary shows. I’ve even played in a metal band called WRENCH for around a decade where I got to tour Europe twice. I love getting to play in front of a crowd, which is why I’m still doing this after three decades (yes, I’m getting old).
I like to put on an energetic show. You’ll still see me jumping and running around on stage (or on the floor for smaller clubs). I’ve always been a bit hyperactive and playing music is a great way to burn off some of that energy.
Oh, and I am somewhat awkward, and a bit of an introvert, but that doesnt mean I don’t enjoy chatting with people. So, if you see me tucked away don’t be afraid to come over and chat.
Punk Globe: I know you are in 2 rad bands SKISM & Mad Mulligians can you tell us a little about your parts in them?
Wynn: I play bass for the Mad Mulligans and do vocals for some of the songs and some of the song writing. Mad Mulligans was Albee’s concept, it’s kind of an ensemble band where many people contribute to the process. Kind of like the Traveling Wilburys of Punk, but without the fame and talent. The lineup isn’t static and changes from time to time. The recordings may have different players on different songs and will have lots of friends popping in for a song here and there. Albee and I have been the consistent fixtures in the band so far.
Skism on the other hand, has been my band since 1989. I play bass and do lead vocals and well as most of the song writing in the band. It was a brief run in 1989, then we got back together in 2000 and put out the “Schism” Cd in 2001 and the “Flesh and Blood” CD in 2002 then went back into hibernation until 2021 when the “2021” EP was released, and then again in 2022 to release “Capitol Lies” before going into hibernation again.
Then in 2023 Mad Mulligans weren’t able play The Coney Island Punkfest II and I was asked if Skism could fill in. We had such a great time playing the show, we decided to keep it going and started playing more shows, writing new songs and are getting ready to record again.
Punk Globe: Tell us about a memorable stage moment.
Wynn: Well, it was the first time I played outside the U.S. I was playing in a band called WRENCH and it was our first European show at a club called “Route 66” in Budapest, Hungary.
The set was going great, but when we got to the last song, I did a jump on stage, but when I landed, my foot slipped out from under me and I landed on my ass! So I continued playing the song lying on the floor until a part where the bass and drums dropped out giving me a chance to get back on my feet. Good thing I can laugh at myself, because in retrospect it was hysterical.
Punk Globe: What was the first song you learned to play?
Wynn: It’s a bit cliche, but it was “Smoke on the Water.” I learned it on a crappy used acoustic I had purchased. The thing was barely playable, and wouldn’t stay in tune and almost made me give up trying to play. Some time later I realized what an instrument should play like when I got to play a friend’s bass. I figured out how to play “All Hell Breaks Loose” on it and fell in love with the instrument. Been playing bass ever since.
Punk Globe: What’s your strongest music memory of your childhood?
Wynn: This might be a bit corny, but it would be when I was around 7 or 8 listening to The Who, I think it was Summertime Blues or at least that’s how I remember it. My family lived in a basement apartment, it was a sweltering summer day, a box fan was running, and I was pretending that a badminton racket was a guitar, as I sang along, pretending I was a rock star. To be honest, I haven’t changed that much.
Punk Globe: What item would you be lost without?
Wynn: My Rickenbacker 4001 Bass. It’s my go to whenever I just feel like fiddling around or If I’m watching TV. I’ve always said it’s the only thing, non-living, that I would be upset about losing. Considering.. I really should be a better player.
Punk Globe: If I were to ask you to create a festival, who would play?
Wynn: I would start with The Damned, Stiff Little Fingers, GBH, then just add a bunch of local bands. It would be great to give exposure to bands that really need it. You don’t see many acts putting local bands on the lineup nowadays, and if they do, it’s often pay to play.
Punk Globe: Do your bands tour?
Wynn: We do if the opportunity arises, but it’s been a while. It’s tough for me to book a tour, especially making all the contacts, even more so, out of state contacts. Sometimes we can get lucky and hop on another band’s tour for a couple of shows. Frankly, I’d love to tour again.
Punk Globe: How many albums have the bands put out?
Wynn: Skism has put out 4 (not including the original “Pain and Pain” demo), “Schism” in 2001, “Flesh and Blood” in 2002, “2021” in 2021 and “Capitol Lies” in 2022. We’re working on a new release now.
Mad Mulligans has “Who are the Mad Mulligans?” in 2021 and “Action Man” in 2022, we also have a bunch of new songs that we have to get recorded for another release.
Punk Globe: In your opinion what are the biggest challenges independent bands face?
Wynn: Getting exposure or even noticed. There is so much out there that it’s hard to break above the noise. Especially in NYC. There are so many bands vying for clubs, radio play, magazines, etc.. It’s often hard just to get a response. And, if you do, you’re often thrown in with a bunch of others so it just becomes background noise.
Punk Globe: Describe a real-life situation that inspired you?
Wynn: I’d say the attempted overthrow of the U. S. on January 6th, 2021. After seeing the turmoil on TV, and seeing people waving Nazi flags and wearing 6MNE and Camp Auschwitz shirts, I wrote the song “U. S. Nazis Fuck off and Die” that’s on the “2021” EP and then later “Join The Hate Club” on the “Capitol Lies” EP. I was really shocked at how this was made acceptable and now these people are being described as tourists and hostages. Although, being pissed off is what an aggressive band like Skism needs.
Punk Globe: Any upcoming shows or anything else we should know about?
Wynn: Actually Mad Mulligans has a show coming up in Coney Island at the Shooting Gallery June 28th with The Enforcers and Gang Time. Skism is working on booking our summer shows, but we’ll be playing a show in Tompkins Square Park in August. (Details TBA).
Punk Globe: Any shoutouts?
Wynn: First I’d like to shout out to Tony Sacc and Vinny Tufariello who play Drums and Guitar in Skism, Albee Damned who I play with in Mad Mulligans and American Eagle, Phil Cadaver and Mother Pug’s Saloon, Adam Rinn and Shooting Gallery (which is part of the Coney Island SideShow), Lisa Monday-Gomez, Spike Polite, Whatever68.com, Eric U. Norris and Dustin Heath of SLC Punkcast, On The Nod Radio, Jack and the Punk Rock Demonstration, Ashley and Trashley Productions, Robin Dutko, Norman Blake and everyone else that I my brain blanked out on and forgot to mention.
Punk Globe: Where can we find you and the bands?
Wynn: You can always friend me at https://www.facebook.com/wynn.skism/ or go to one of my bands pages https://www.skismnyc.com/ or https://www.madmulls.com/ from there you can find the facebook, instagram, youtube and other social media links. Or email: skismnyc@gmail.com
I usually respond right away, but I can be scatterbrained so, be patient with me.
Punk Globe: Thanks for chatting with us and thanks to all the readers.
Wynn: Thanks for inviting me and listening to my ramblings. It’s always great to get a chance to chat about music and the bands I play with.
And thanks to everyone reading this!
Appreciate the support.
