The Mighty Swine are back after a 5-year hiatus, with a new line-up, focused and stronger than ever. Mike Skimmerhorn, the band’s vocalist, bassist & mastermind took the time to tell us all about the band, the new album and his music preferences among others. Do read below…
Hi Mike. The Mighty Swine are back with a killer album after a 5-year hiatus. Well-done!
M: Thank you very much. Thank you kindly for having me.
First things first. Why did it take you 5 whole years to come up with a new album? Did the line-up changes play a major role on that?
M: Yes & no. We spend a few years supporting the first release touring and such. We did release two singles and the video “Lust” in 2012 but I was never satisfied with the results or productivity. I wanted harder & heavier but it was never and couldn’t be achieved. The line-up at the time all had different visions and some with serious personal issues so, it never worked in the long run. Writing only 3 songs in a year will get you nowhere. I decided that if I was going to put out a real metal album I’d have to find serious players with the same goals. In late 2012 and early 2013 I also took some time off from music as I was dealing with the loss of my father.
How did you pick up the new guys, Stacey Donahue and Jeff Tong on guitars and Rory Faciane on drums to accompany you on the band?
M: Stacey and I have had a rapport for many years. He could of and damn well should have been the bands original guitarist. Think of the records we’d have completed by now... We talked about myself joining an original band of his back in 2006. Never worked out for whatever reason but we crossed paths again and here we are. Jeff was brought in by Stacey and they are good friends. Rory I happened to come across on YouTube. While looking at a drummer that was interested in an audition for the band Rory’s instructional video came up. I looked at it and thought “what a pro”, and never thought he’d be interested. 2 or 3 weeks went by and I see an ad for his session work. I thought, that’s twice I’ve seen this guy so, what the Hell and sent an email. We sent some emails back and forth and I finally sent him two songs for drum tracks. He sent them back in just a few days and I knew I was on to something. He’s a great guy and more so a killer metal drummer! He makes this album what it is! Smokin’!!!!
Even though The Mighty Swine started as a power-trio it changed along the way. Do you feel that this “new shape” is the best and the more expressive for the band?
M: I’ve always wanted a duel guitarist band. Other Swine guitarist’s never wanted a second player. Ego thing I suppose. David T has always told me “the fewer - the better”. That’s fine for a recording situation but I like harmony leads and a backing guitar, especially in a live performance. Jeff play’s rhythm/harmony/lead guitar and sings backing vocals also which fills in the shallow parts. It also gives the crowd a little more to look at than just myself pulling double duty on bass and vocals. Don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of great trios out there!
So, talking about the new album, what does the “Last Man Standing” talk about? How did you come up with that title for the album? Who is the “Last Man Standing”?
M: Here in the United States we have a real and growing problem with our Constitutional rights being infringed upon. It’s turning into more of a police state every day. Americans historically have and will fight and die for freedom. Foreign or domestic, we’re not going to sit and take it lightly. The song addresses these issues and according to some of my friends (and family) in law enforcement, makes a damn good point. (Yes I’m catching a little Hell from some people). It’s supposed to be and it is controversial.
Stacey walked in the studio one day and said: “That’d be a good title track”. I said, OK – Let’s go with it. Why not. Does that make Stacey the “Last Man Standing”?? To be honest I almost shelved the song till he talked me out of it.
I think a track by track explanation by you would be most accurate for the readers…
M: Most if not all of my inspiration for lyrics comes from my own real world experiences. Truthfully I’m really a happy person, love and respect all of life so sometimes I have to look very deep inside myself for dark, angry or controversial issues. I’d rather leave my lyrics for the listeners interpretation whether their real or fictional. Some people close to me will get some of the content.
How did you choose to make a cover for Judas Priest’s “Hell Bent for Leather”?
M: I was cruising in my pick-up truck one afternoon and it came on the radio. Rob Halford has always been one of my favorite singers. I thought what a great old Priest song... I asked Stacey & Rory about it and they thought it was a good idea. \m/
I also read that the final track “Pool of Emptiness” is the original demo which was given to the label in 2009. How come you didn’t make it a “proper track” for the album? I mean it’s so good and it needed to have a better sound and treatment imo.
M: The label’s owner has always liked this song. It was actually supposed to be on the first CD but for the drummer couldn’t pull it off. That is actually Les Sharp (CJSS) playing drums on that demo. We thought about re-recording drums with Rory but it was finished so we let it go.
You do know that owing to your voice a comparison with Megadeth is inevitable. Apart from that your songwriting has a Megadeth, Metallica, Judas Priest etc. touch… don’t you think?
M: Vocally I’ve been compared to Mustaine – Oliva – Ozzy and a few others. I don’t try to sound like anyone but I guess some of my influences come out in the studio. What can I say, I love all those bands.
How would you describe the album’s sound to someone that has never heard of the band before?
M: Classic – Traditional – (somewhat) Progressive – Metal... maybe Hard Rock.
How did the cooperation with Rob Nadler come about? Have you worked with him in the past? Do you like the album’s production? I think it’s a bit sharp but rather heavy & punchy.
M: Rob and I go back 30 years. He’s been in the recording business at least 20. He takes great pride in his work and knows what my band is looking for. We’re very happy with the production results.
When did the negotiations with Broad Horizon Records start and when did you actually sing with them? Are you satisfied by your cooperation so far?
M: We have a great relationship with our label. They believe in us. Sometimes that’s all that counts.
The video for “Last Man Standing” has already premiered as we speak. What do you think of it? Will there be any other videos in the next months or at least a lyric video and for which track?
M: Well of course I think it’s good. We’ll see what the public thinks as time goes by. We have a video for the song “Two Graves” in production as we speak. Due out in July 2014.
Being part of Chastain which was a big metal name of the 80s, what do you wish to accomplish with The Mighty Swine in the next years? Will you be ready to leave Chastain for the sake of your own band & why?
M: I’d like to do a world tour with The Mighty Swine and at least one or two more albums. I have no intention or reason to leave Chastain unless for only time constraints. David T has been a great supporter to my band. Even when I was out of his band we never lost touch. I was thrilled when he called me for “Surrender to No-one”.
Are there any confirmed dates for shows yet?
M: We’re working hard on the coordination of a tour here and abroad.
M: Thank you very much. Thank you kindly for having me.
First things first. Why did it take you 5 whole years to come up with a new album? Did the line-up changes play a major role on that?
M: Yes & no. We spend a few years supporting the first release touring and such. We did release two singles and the video “Lust” in 2012 but I was never satisfied with the results or productivity. I wanted harder & heavier but it was never and couldn’t be achieved. The line-up at the time all had different visions and some with serious personal issues so, it never worked in the long run. Writing only 3 songs in a year will get you nowhere. I decided that if I was going to put out a real metal album I’d have to find serious players with the same goals. In late 2012 and early 2013 I also took some time off from music as I was dealing with the loss of my father.
How did you pick up the new guys, Stacey Donahue and Jeff Tong on guitars and Rory Faciane on drums to accompany you on the band?
M: Stacey and I have had a rapport for many years. He could of and damn well should have been the bands original guitarist. Think of the records we’d have completed by now... We talked about myself joining an original band of his back in 2006. Never worked out for whatever reason but we crossed paths again and here we are. Jeff was brought in by Stacey and they are good friends. Rory I happened to come across on YouTube. While looking at a drummer that was interested in an audition for the band Rory’s instructional video came up. I looked at it and thought “what a pro”, and never thought he’d be interested. 2 or 3 weeks went by and I see an ad for his session work. I thought, that’s twice I’ve seen this guy so, what the Hell and sent an email. We sent some emails back and forth and I finally sent him two songs for drum tracks. He sent them back in just a few days and I knew I was on to something. He’s a great guy and more so a killer metal drummer! He makes this album what it is! Smokin’!!!!
Even though The Mighty Swine started as a power-trio it changed along the way. Do you feel that this “new shape” is the best and the more expressive for the band?
M: I’ve always wanted a duel guitarist band. Other Swine guitarist’s never wanted a second player. Ego thing I suppose. David T has always told me “the fewer - the better”. That’s fine for a recording situation but I like harmony leads and a backing guitar, especially in a live performance. Jeff play’s rhythm/harmony/lead guitar and sings backing vocals also which fills in the shallow parts. It also gives the crowd a little more to look at than just myself pulling double duty on bass and vocals. Don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of great trios out there!
So, talking about the new album, what does the “Last Man Standing” talk about? How did you come up with that title for the album? Who is the “Last Man Standing”?
M: Here in the United States we have a real and growing problem with our Constitutional rights being infringed upon. It’s turning into more of a police state every day. Americans historically have and will fight and die for freedom. Foreign or domestic, we’re not going to sit and take it lightly. The song addresses these issues and according to some of my friends (and family) in law enforcement, makes a damn good point. (Yes I’m catching a little Hell from some people). It’s supposed to be and it is controversial.
Stacey walked in the studio one day and said: “That’d be a good title track”. I said, OK – Let’s go with it. Why not. Does that make Stacey the “Last Man Standing”?? To be honest I almost shelved the song till he talked me out of it.
I think a track by track explanation by you would be most accurate for the readers…
M: Most if not all of my inspiration for lyrics comes from my own real world experiences. Truthfully I’m really a happy person, love and respect all of life so sometimes I have to look very deep inside myself for dark, angry or controversial issues. I’d rather leave my lyrics for the listeners interpretation whether their real or fictional. Some people close to me will get some of the content.
How did you choose to make a cover for Judas Priest’s “Hell Bent for Leather”?
M: I was cruising in my pick-up truck one afternoon and it came on the radio. Rob Halford has always been one of my favorite singers. I thought what a great old Priest song... I asked Stacey & Rory about it and they thought it was a good idea. \m/
I also read that the final track “Pool of Emptiness” is the original demo which was given to the label in 2009. How come you didn’t make it a “proper track” for the album? I mean it’s so good and it needed to have a better sound and treatment imo.
M: The label’s owner has always liked this song. It was actually supposed to be on the first CD but for the drummer couldn’t pull it off. That is actually Les Sharp (CJSS) playing drums on that demo. We thought about re-recording drums with Rory but it was finished so we let it go.
You do know that owing to your voice a comparison with Megadeth is inevitable. Apart from that your songwriting has a Megadeth, Metallica, Judas Priest etc. touch… don’t you think?
M: Vocally I’ve been compared to Mustaine – Oliva – Ozzy and a few others. I don’t try to sound like anyone but I guess some of my influences come out in the studio. What can I say, I love all those bands.
How would you describe the album’s sound to someone that has never heard of the band before?
M: Classic – Traditional – (somewhat) Progressive – Metal... maybe Hard Rock.
How did the cooperation with Rob Nadler come about? Have you worked with him in the past? Do you like the album’s production? I think it’s a bit sharp but rather heavy & punchy.
M: Rob and I go back 30 years. He’s been in the recording business at least 20. He takes great pride in his work and knows what my band is looking for. We’re very happy with the production results.
When did the negotiations with Broad Horizon Records start and when did you actually sing with them? Are you satisfied by your cooperation so far?
M: We have a great relationship with our label. They believe in us. Sometimes that’s all that counts.
The video for “Last Man Standing” has already premiered as we speak. What do you think of it? Will there be any other videos in the next months or at least a lyric video and for which track?
M: Well of course I think it’s good. We’ll see what the public thinks as time goes by. We have a video for the song “Two Graves” in production as we speak. Due out in July 2014.
Being part of Chastain which was a big metal name of the 80s, what do you wish to accomplish with The Mighty Swine in the next years? Will you be ready to leave Chastain for the sake of your own band & why?
M: I’d like to do a world tour with The Mighty Swine and at least one or two more albums. I have no intention or reason to leave Chastain unless for only time constraints. David T has been a great supporter to my band. Even when I was out of his band we never lost touch. I was thrilled when he called me for “Surrender to No-one”.
Are there any confirmed dates for shows yet?
M: We’re working hard on the coordination of a tour here and abroad.
Do tell us… how did you come up with the name The Mighty Swine?
M: I had friends over for a cook out. I made pork tenderloin on the smoker. One of them said, “That’s some mighty fine swine”… the rest is history.
Time for our weird questions!!! Name your 3 favorite metal bands of all time…
M: Just 3? hmmmmmm... Megadeth - JP - Sabbath come to mind but certainly that’s not all of them. Deep Purple, Rainbow, Accept, Scorpions... I can go on & on.
Do you think that funding platforms like Kicksatrter, Indiegogo etc. can give any kind of solution to the “legal downloading” matter? Can bands/artists only be supported by their fans in order to make music?
M: If only we had a crystal ball. The business of music is one fickle’d bitch! I have no real answers to all that. So, I’ll just writing and recording. See where it goes. Nothing ventured – Nothing gained.
Sex, drugs & rock & roll! Do they have any influence on today’s new bands or things are totally different? What should the rock music motto be? Views, tweets & Likes?!!
M: Sex, drugs and rock and roll has an influence on everything! Good or bad, it’s human nature.
How do you see the “free downloading issue” of our time? In a world where people easily download music for free and hardly pay for it what can we do in order to change things? Is it different now that you can see things on the inside?
M: If people only realized the costs involved in music production they’d think twice about pirating music or asking for free CDs and T-shirts. If the fans truly value music, then they’ll pay the minuscule price for a CD. Every time someone asks me for free merchandise, I pull $10.00 out of my wallet and hand it to them because that’s basically what they’re asking me to do. They give me a deer in the headlights kind of look but it gets the point across. Then I grab my $10.00 dollars back!!!!
Can metal music be considered as the classic music of the 20th & 21st century and why?
M: True metal is classical. Plain and simple.
Is music art? Or it used to be? How can those mainstream hit songs we repeatedly hear on the internet, radio & TV be taken as music art?
M: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Porn stars vs Rock stars? Who wins & why?!
M: Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhggggggggggggg!
Imagine that your girlfriend is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react?
M: My girlfriend’s album collection is larger than mine. She can sell her own! Actually neither one of us like diamonds because of the human suffering involved to obtain them... so, no worries there.
Finally, we have come to an end Mike. Thx for rockin’ us! Stay metal! Any last words? Take care dude…
M: Thank you Thanos for your support of The Mighty Swine’s music. It is greatly appreciated!
M: I had friends over for a cook out. I made pork tenderloin on the smoker. One of them said, “That’s some mighty fine swine”… the rest is history.
Time for our weird questions!!! Name your 3 favorite metal bands of all time…
M: Just 3? hmmmmmm... Megadeth - JP - Sabbath come to mind but certainly that’s not all of them. Deep Purple, Rainbow, Accept, Scorpions... I can go on & on.
Do you think that funding platforms like Kicksatrter, Indiegogo etc. can give any kind of solution to the “legal downloading” matter? Can bands/artists only be supported by their fans in order to make music?
M: If only we had a crystal ball. The business of music is one fickle’d bitch! I have no real answers to all that. So, I’ll just writing and recording. See where it goes. Nothing ventured – Nothing gained.
Sex, drugs & rock & roll! Do they have any influence on today’s new bands or things are totally different? What should the rock music motto be? Views, tweets & Likes?!!
M: Sex, drugs and rock and roll has an influence on everything! Good or bad, it’s human nature.
How do you see the “free downloading issue” of our time? In a world where people easily download music for free and hardly pay for it what can we do in order to change things? Is it different now that you can see things on the inside?
M: If people only realized the costs involved in music production they’d think twice about pirating music or asking for free CDs and T-shirts. If the fans truly value music, then they’ll pay the minuscule price for a CD. Every time someone asks me for free merchandise, I pull $10.00 out of my wallet and hand it to them because that’s basically what they’re asking me to do. They give me a deer in the headlights kind of look but it gets the point across. Then I grab my $10.00 dollars back!!!!
Can metal music be considered as the classic music of the 20th & 21st century and why?
M: True metal is classical. Plain and simple.
Is music art? Or it used to be? How can those mainstream hit songs we repeatedly hear on the internet, radio & TV be taken as music art?
M: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Porn stars vs Rock stars? Who wins & why?!
M: Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhggggggggggggg!
Imagine that your girlfriend is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react?
M: My girlfriend’s album collection is larger than mine. She can sell her own! Actually neither one of us like diamonds because of the human suffering involved to obtain them... so, no worries there.
Finally, we have come to an end Mike. Thx for rockin’ us! Stay metal! Any last words? Take care dude…
M: Thank you Thanos for your support of The Mighty Swine’s music. It is greatly appreciated!