Interviews: XSKULL8

We have had the opportunity to interview the Rock band XSKULL8 from Slovenia. Check out the interview and follow the band on their  FACEBOOK PAGE.

1.Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

It came out of my back tattoo which was also logo. It's a skull, with an 8 on it and 2 stripes that forms an X behind it. So that was it. X-Skull-8. Sounded a lot like escalate. And because our band and music escalated, the name suited just right. 

2.Why did you want to play this genre?

I don't know. We all listen to a lot of genres. We like rock, metal, country, modern and old styles. What we do is I think the combination of all. It just feels natural. 

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Yes. We were all members of other bands. We saw each other at shows and talked about music. But we became real friends once we got together and since then the band has turned into family.

4. Each band member's favourite band?

That's always the hardest question since there are so many great bands that we like and look up to. I'd say that our favorite band is our own. That's where all the love is. I also love bands like Alterbridge, Zac Brown Band, Slipknot, Toto... Johnny is into Symphony X and Dream Theater, Nejc likes Parkway Drive, Asking Alexandria, and Trivium, and Klemen is more of a Bring Me The Horizon, Muse and In Flames fan.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Life, emotions, experiences. Most of our songs are in one way or another a window into our souls. You can even hear the difference in songs, from when it was written. You can sense in what state of mind the author was (me od Johnny) when the song was made.

6. Where was your last gig?

That was back in March 2020, before all of that Covid sh*t in a little underground club in Crnomelj in Slovenia. That was also the day that we announced the name change and our new album.

7. Where would you like to act?

Everywhere. hehe. We love the big stages like Nova Rock, Resurrection, Hellfest, Sziget, Metaldays...where you can run from one side to another and don't have to worry you'll crash into one of your band members. But we also like those small intimate club gigs, where you can really connect to your audience, talk to them, have a drink with them. Build up a solid relationship with your fans. The main thing is to see the world, feel the stages, meet the people.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

I'd love to work with Corey Taylor, Myles Kennedy, Mark Tremonti, Lzzy Hale,...

9. Whom not?

Justin Bieber... 

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

Oh hell yes! On Every show, there's a bit of stage fright. It's what makes it so exciting. But the hardest part for me is when I have to perform for a "non rocker" audience. Rockers and Metalheads are "our people" and it's natural, but when I had to perform at the wedding (a wedding wish from my friend) I had no idea what I was doing. That was Probably one of the hardest gigs, even though I only sang 2 songs.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Again with the hard questions :D . I have made a video about "10 songs that changed my life" on my Rock With Rokk YouTube channel. I think I started singing with 3 doors down, 12 stones and similar 90s bands. Later I was introduced to Killswitch engage and that's when I started to play around with screaming. But the band that is kind of a reason Captain Morgan's Revenge (as we were known back in 2015) came to life was probably Black Stone Cherry.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

I don't know. I don't think there were any. I guess we're not there yet.

13. What do you think of your fans?

They're awesome. Those that are true fans are amazing. We wouldn't be where we are if it weren't for them. There's one fan Bostjan that's been sending our music all over the world on his own, and that's the way Rock Rage Radio and later Curtain Call Records got to know us. It's all about the fans and they are our fuel.

14. What do you think of our site? 

It's awesome. Since I'm a bit of a hobby designer I have to say that it is really well made. I mean it's clean but still interesting, and easy to find everything. I love it and we're honored for this interview to happen.

15. Something you'd like to add?

We can't forget about our crew and people that are closest to us, and have been through all the years. Our sound guy Abe, Producer Matej, Video crew from Mirror 2 Mirror, our driver Alan, Suzana, family and friends that are more than willing to step up when we need them. Thank you!