Skoober

Skoober was our opening musical guests at this past Sunday's Indie Market, playing an intimate acoustic set. The power and beauty of Tawni's voice and blending with the acoustic guitar was amazing. I am thrilled for next year when they return to play with the entire band! Make sure to pick up a copy of their new album Say! on sale now.

Interview

Tell us a little bit about your band: name, band members, where you grew up and where you live today, when you started the group and any interesting facts!
We are SKooBER. Our current members are Tawni Bates-vocals, Andy Weaver-guitars, Ross Hafler-Bass, and Shane Smith-Drums. We started in Elmira, NY in 2006. Our new album, Say!, was released through Jealousy Records in September of 2008.

Why did you decide to become musicians and what brought you together?
Tawni and I share a love of classic pop and rock music that a lot of people our age aren't into. This is really what brought us together and got us writing songs together.

What type of music do you play and what makes you unique to what is already out there?
We play a mix of classic pop music ,with modern power pop influences. Its strange, but at this point, guitar driven pop music is a niche music. Its almost a novelty to be in our age group and to be influenced by bands like The Beatles, The Kinks, and Badfinger.

Besides being in a band, what do you do for a day job?
Tawni is just doing the music thing right now. I work part time at a grocery store, just to pay (some) bills.

What is your favorite Buffalo made product?
umm...I didn't know that buffalos made things


What are some of your favorite local shops and restaurants or cafes?
We're actually not from Buffalo, but hopefully after a few more tour stops here, we'll be able to give a good answer. I'll just say The Buffalo Indie Market!

What are your favorite musicians?
My favorites are Paul McCartney and Ray Davies. Tawni's all time favorite is Alice Cooper.

What is your favorite thing to do that you can only do in Buffalo?
Play a show at The Buffalo Indie Market


How do you find gigs to play?
We use the internet quite a bit. We either email people or send out EPKs. We also do things the old fashioned way and call places or just stop in. Its also good to open for other bands.

Are you signed on a label or would you like to be in the future?
Yes, we are signed to Jealousy Records out of Syracuse, NY.


What do you like most about the Buffalo Indie Market and what it stands for?
Its fantastic that you give local artists an opportunity to sell their art in a great, welcoming environment.

What do you like most about being a Buffalonian?
Well, i'm actually an Elmiran....but I think I'd rather be a Buffalonian.

If you had one word to describe Buffalo what would it be?
Large-ish...