Interview with SKATERS

Since the release of their debut album Manhattan, New York based rock band SKATERS, have been on the grind. With a punk attitude, youthful vibe and a refreshing love for skate culture, they have us dialed in. 

GroundSounds recently caught up with vocalist Michael Ina Cummings for an exclusive interview, check it out below. 

For those just discovering SKATERS can you tell us about how you all met and eventually formed the group in New York City?

Josh and I met at a party in Los Angeles. We knew of each other for years, but had just never met. We stayed up all night listening to records and chatting about the bands we were in- both winding down at that time.  Then we went our separate ways, I didn’t see josh again until I moved back to New York and he showed up on a days notice. The night he arrived we decided to start the band and the next morning we booked our first 3 shows. We had 5 songs.

What is it about the culture of skating that made you guys want to name the band SKATERS?

It started because my sister used to always end her phone calls to me with “later skater”. We thought the name reminded us of our youth when we used to blow off class and skate, with no specific agenda just looking for a good time. It was about youth culture more than anything else. It felt fresh and alive. 

We’re stoked that your debut album Manhattan is now out! Can you tell us about working on this project and bringing it to fruition?

We are all so glad it’s out. It’s been a long road. We recorded it last year at electric lady studios which was a pretty crazy experience. Seems like the band started yesterday so it’s pretty surreal having it out on Warner. 

Are you guys still working on your magazine YONKS? Can you tell us a little bit about this publication?

Yes, we just put out our 3rd issue in conjunction with our record release. I think it’s the best one we’ve made yet. Yonks is a visual platform for us to show off our talented friends. We made it to help bring our community closer together. Usually leads to a good party.

What was it like the day you filmed the music video for your track ‘Miss Teen Massachusetts’?

I had been sick with the worst flu I’ve ever had for the 4 days prior to shooting. I felt awful and the building we were shooting in wasn’t heated. So all I remember was curling up in a ball on the floor next to the only space heater, in a sleeping bag while wearing a suit. Then occasionally acting a little. 

What do you guys enjoy most about performing and being on stage?

If the crowd is good the energy they can give you is a real rush. It’s strange to describe. It just affects you and makes everyone play differently. The opposite can be said of a stale crowd.  

Can you tell us about the writing process and inspiration behind your track ‘Deadbolt’?

I wrote this song after I witnessed a man shooting at a cop out his window. I was in the 6th floor of my building and was watching the scene like a movie. There was a swat team there in no time, along with 2 helicopters and 20 cop cars. They raided the projects and I don’t know what happened next, but shortly after I wrote the song from the shooters perspective once he was cornered.

You guys are about to embark on your spring headlining tour, what do you enjoy most about being on the road?

In America. I just enjoy showing Josh new stuff. We’ve toured the USA before a bunch but most of its new to josh so that keeps things fresh and encourages us to go see things. 

What has it been like working with Warner Bros. Records?

 It’s been real. Music + biz = the music biz

What do you guys enjoy most about New York City?

There’s so many things. We have amazing museums the best pizza and the most beautiful women. Don’t need much else I guess.  

After the tour, what do you guys have planned, what’s next?

There’s another tour after that. 😉