skinslife

We have set up a record label called SkinsLife Records - a new music label from the makers of Skins.

Basically it's another way we can give a boost to bands we think deserve recognition for what they do. We will provide a decent musical home for bands we love and give them a springboard towards a big record deal.

Sound good? We certainly think so. It will be a download only label with some special limited edition Vinyl runs on selected tracks. It will be affordable, independent and will cover every genre of Music imaginable.

Let us know what you think and get ready for the arrival of SkinsLife Records - there will be lots more coming soon including chances to play at showcase gigs, soundtrack and play in Skins Series 3 episodes and, of course, release your music to a wider audience...

For all of you that live in London and are still coming down from the mayhem that was the Skins Live party at the Bloomsbury Ballroom it must be pretty annoying that everyone up in Newcastle will be having just as much fun(if not, more) on thursday night.

But fret not; our good friends Warp Records have given us two pairs of tickets to see Born Ruffians play at the Amersham Arms in New Cross.

Just answer this easy question (it's even easier if you use Wikipedia)

What was the first single to be released by Warp?

If you could clog up skinsmusic@skinslife.com with your answers by thursday morning at 10am we'll randomly pick two lucky winners who will have their names on the door.

First up for when we visit Alan Partridge country we've chosen an awesome band called The Brownies to support acts such as our good friends The Clik Clik, Joy Formidable, Men in Masks and Audio Bullys (sic)

Then when we go to Liverpool, where we've already guestlisted Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres (wouldn't it be cool if they turned up), Area 15 will be supporting Skins episode three legends Crystal Castles alongside Ladyhawke, David E Sugar and Osymyso.

As for London episode 9 and Cardiff party veterans Paper Heroes will be given another run out as they're, in my humble and often misguided opinion, the best band to have posted their music on the site so far. We're treating this as a showcase for them as we feel that if we really get behind them they'll turn into something special and that's what Skins is all about...

For everyone who posted a track for the London party don't get disheartened there are still loads more parties and series three is just around the corner; if they're not there then we can't use them.

There are going to be big changes to the site in the near future and Music and chances to get your stuff heard will be key.

Xxx

The Toes – Chrome Radio Rocks – Opening Track

The episode's director, Charles Martin, opens the show with a track by a band i know nothing about. It's quite good though, isn't it?

Gravenhurst – See My Friends – Sid gets back home

In my write up for episode 4 I said that Gravenhurst did a fantastic cover of a Kinks song and here it is! This is from their 'Fire in Distant Buildings' album and is their second track to feature in Skins.

Blondie – Heart of Glass – Bryan from Spaced (Chris’ Dad) talking to Sid (His name is Mark Heap. Do your fucking research, Alex. Ed)

Sid’s mum has probably been listening to Magic FM and the lazy fucker can't be arsed to turn it off. In my opinion 'Atomic' (the track used in Trainspotting) is by far their best track.

Elliot Smith – Between the Bars – Michelle and Jal in bed.

James 'The Slasher' Hughes (Editor of this episode) gets in one of his favourite songwriters into the show to add some poignancy to the moment.

Charlie Parr – Track 4 (from Rooster/King Earle) – Michelle/Jal in the zoo/aquarium

We used this track in episode 5 and we now re-use our favourite Bluegrass musician to remind us of Chris. Check the track below

Boccherini - Minuetto - Funeral directors track

The guy from The Fast Show (Jon Thompson is his name. Honestly. Ed.) talks to Bryan from Spaced and many other cool comedies (this is now only mildly amusing. Ed.) whilst a piece of classical music that is used in 'Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls' is played in the background. Viewing everything through the lens of pop culture’s great innit? (HA HA HA HA HA HA. Ed)

Girls Aloud – Sound of the Underground – Car Chase track one

My little sister Paige (hello!!) bought this when it was released and i probably played it as much as her. It’s a pretty amazing track and Girls Aloud are one of the best girl groups of all time. We also used it as Toby fancies Sarah Harding and really, really, really wants to meet her. We figure now we’ve used her track he’s just that little bit closer to realising his dream.

The Everydays - Untitled – Playing on the Radio

Rich Stephenson is the lead singer of this upcoming rock revival act.

Britney Spears – Ooops I did it again – Second car chase track

After Toby realised that Sarah Harding’s getting married he thought he’d try the easier target of Britney Spears. I know she’s having a hard time at the moment, Toby but that’s a bit desperate isn’t it? (This time tomorrow, Alex will be on the dole. Ed.)

Mascagni – Raging Bull theme tune (amongst other things) – Funeral directors, track 2

Two famous people sit around whilst a famous piece of music from a famous film is playing; perhaps in series three we’ll have as many pop culture allusions as Spaced. I certainly hope so.

Tom Middleton – Sea of Glass – Chris’ funeral

Tom Middleton's a pretty cool guy; he's worked with Aphex Twin, produced one of the key ambient albums of all time as Global Communication and his label Universal Language Productions was the first to release Matthew Herbert's tracks, now his music's in Skins. In short; I'm jealous.

White Stripes – 7 Nation Army – fireworks song

After Tony nods, they play Chris some White Stripes in tribute.

Micah P Hinson – Wasted Away – Bryan from Spaced talks to Jal

We last heard Micah P Hinson at the end of Skins series one episode 8; he generally works well when you want the whole strummy, downbeat, acoustic guitar vibe.

Modern Lovers – Modern World – Cassie in New York

Dude, check the Slasher’s editing in time with the opening drum roll. That’s some pretty cool stuff. What’s also cool is using once again a bit of good ol’ Jonathan Richman.

Maps – Sid/Tony/Michelle in the Car

Maps is a guy called James Chapman who releases music that's inspired by cool bands like Spacemen 3, Broadcast and Low.

Tom McRae – I ain’t scared of lightning – Tony says goodbye to Sid

Some more singer-songrwriter-y stuff courtesy of The Slasher as Tony says goodbye to Sid. Who thinks The Slasher should write a guide to singer-songwriters on the site???

MGMT – Time to Pretend – Sid in New York/End Credits

In the final all out assault on England, MGMT get their track into the show. These guys look set to be pretty big over the next 6 months so keep your eye on them.

Keep popping back and checking out what we've got coming up and thanks for all the comments this series. Roll on series 3...