- Skeleton Key (band)
Infobox musical artist
Name = Skeleton Key
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Background = group_or_band
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Origin =New York City
Genre = Rock
Years_active = 1994?–present
Label =Motel Records ,Capitol Records ,Ipecac Recordings ,Do Tell Records
Associated_acts =Sleepytime Gorilla Museum
URL = [http://www.skeletonkey.org/ www.skeletonkey.org]
Current_members =Erik Sanko
Craig LeBlang
Benjamin Clapp
Bob Vaccarelli
Past_members = Sean Sankey
Matthias Bossi
Tim Keiper
Chris MaxwellRick Lee Steve Calhoon Skeleton Key is a rock band based in
New York City . The band is the brainchild of bassist and singer Erik Sanko, who is the only constant member of the band. His vision was to create a sound "luxurious, yet affordable," [Ipecac Records Bio [http://www.ipecac.com/bio.php?id=11] ] using antique microphones, primitive guitars, and unconventional percussion.History
In
1996 the band released an eponymous EP on Motel Records thatRolling Stone said "shows how pop culture and high culture can bring everyone to the same place." [Ipecac Records Bio [http://www.ipecac.com/bio.php?id=11] ] Soon after, they inked a deal withCapitol Records and put out the critically acclaimed "Fantastic Spikes Through Balloon " in 1997, which was nominated for a Grammy for its artwork, that featured a booklet with holes punched through it in a grid pattern. The band then toured the US and Europe with a diverse assortment of acts includingThe Melvins ,Girls Against Boys ,Cibo Matto ,The Jesus Lizard ,They Might Be Giants ,Morphine , Brainiac, and Primus before headlining their own US tour. After 2 grueling years on the road and a half-finished album recorded, original members Chris Maxwell and Rick Lee departed, leaving the future of Skeleton Key in jeopardy.The band, which had been reduced to a lone Sanko, signed with
Mike Patton 'sIpecac Recordings to release "Obtainium " in 2002. With a revamped lineup including drummer Matthias Bossi and percussionist Tim Keiper, the band hit the road again, playing several successful tours with bands such as Tomahawk,The Melvins ,Alien Ant Farm , Cessation Bustle andSleepytime Gorilla Museum . After touring in support of "Obtanium", Bossi left the group to joinSleepytime Gorilla Museum and Keiper departed as well. Sanko and LeBlang recruited members Benjamin Clapp and Sean Sankey and the band released a five song EP, titled "The Lyons Quintette " on Do Tell Records. In fall 2007, Skeleton Key had yet another member change and premiered new drummer Bob Vaccarelli on tour in support ofU.S.S.A. andChemlab .Band Members
Current members
* Erik Sanko –
Bass guitar ,vocals
* Craig LeBlang –Guitar
* Benjamin Clapp – "Junk" percussion
* Bob Vaccarelli –Drum kit Former Members
* Chris Maxwell – Guitar
* Steve Calhoon - Drums
* Rick Lee – "Junk" percussion
* Matthias Bossi – Drum kit
* Sean Sankey – Drum kit
* Tim Keiper – "Junk" percussion
* Steve Calhoon - Drum kit/Junk percussionDiscography
* "
Human Pin Cushion " Single (1995, Dedicated Records)
* "Skeleton Key" EP (1996, Motel Records)
* "Fantastic Spikes Through Balloon " (1997,Capitol Records )
* "Obtanium " (2002,Ipecac Recordings )
* "The Lyons Quintette " EP (2005, Do Tell Records)External links
* [http://www.skeletonkey.org/ Official Site]
* [http://skeletonkey.scumbly.com/ The Unofficial Site]
* [http://www.myspace.com/skeletonkey SK on MySpace]References
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