Step into the immersive world of reggae-infused rock and gritty vibes, where the Skumbudz trio—comprising Kade Long as the lead singer/guitarist, Colin Eggface on bass, and Christian Shupe on drums—unveil their tales straight from the beating heart of Salt Baked City. Amidst the swirling haze, their journey takes shape against the breathtaking panorama of Sundance Resort, a place where fate wove their destinies together. What commenced as a simple quest for a ski pass evolved into an unbreakable bond, forged through shared experiences of cannabis-infused exploration, heart-racing powder runs, and the birth of a unique musical synergy that has withstood the test of seven years.
As we kick off this Kush Conversation, we not only venture into the unique sound that defines Skumbudz but also uncover the pivotal role cannabis plays in shaping their creative process. Navigating the dense foliage of discussion, we discover why cannabis is more than just a companion for Skumbudz; it’s a muse that intricately weaves through the fabric of their friendship and the music they create together.
So, grab your favorite cannabis-smoking utensil, reach for that jar of herb or concentrates, and settle in for another Kush Conversation. As we spark up the conversational joint, be prepared to immerse yourself in the harmony between Skumbudz, their profound connection with cannabis, and the captivating notes that echo through their enduring musical journey.
SBC: Where did the Skumbudz meet?
Christian: We all met at Sundance (resort) when we were teenagers. I was a lifty, and Kade and Colin worked in the kitchen at the lodge. I’d buy lunch from them every day, and we started to ride the mountain together.
SBC: Did cannabis help bond this friendship at the resort?
Collectively: Oh yeah (laughter ensues)
Kade: There was a shed at the top of the hill we would blaze in most days. We’d get there before anybody else in the morning and then get fresh tracks on the way down. It was a pretty epic job.
SBC: When did you guys start playing music together?
Kade: It was in 2017. I think we played a house party. Was it a toga party?
Christian and Colin: I think so. (laughing)
SBC: How would you classify the Skumbudz’ sound?
Christian: We came up with this cool phrase. What was it? Mountain Rocking Reggae or something like that (all laughing as if the weed is starting to kick in)
Colin: That’s sooooo stupid! (laughing)
Kade: It’s really evolved over time. At first, we didn’t really know what our sound was. Now, after seven years of playing together, we’re starting to figure it out. We’re not just a regular reggae band. I wouldn’t even say we are a reggae band, really. It’s definitely had an influence on us though.
Christian: If we were to open or tour with a band we’d fit in super well with, it would be RX Bandits. They’re a band I like from California.
Kade: Collectively, I think Sticky Fingers, Stick Figure, Slightly Stupid are comparable to our sound. Also different shit like Turnstile and Rage Against the Machine. But really, they’re just bands we really dig.
SBC: How does cannabis play a role in shaping the band’s sound and lyrics?
Christian: It influences everything (collectively laughing). It really helps bring us together as a band. It’s kind of a tradition before we practice to bust out a joint and pass it around. I mean, I hope there’s a joint there (collectively laughing). That really brings us together as a group.
Kade: It would be a lot cooler if there was (in his best Matthew McConaughey)
SBC: You guys just dropped a new self-titled album called Skumbudz. Where did you record this?
Kade: We recorded with Lou Dog in Costa Mesa, California at 17th Street Recording Studio. He’s recorded with bands like Dirty Heads, Slightly Stupid, Sublime and Rome, and a big reason we wanted to work with him. I think he did a great job bringing our fucking sound to life in the studio.
SBC: What strain were the Skumbudz smoking while recording?
Colin: He got us high as shit! We weren’t smoking flower, though. He told us we were children for smoking weed and busted out the concentrates. (laughing)
Kade: Yeah, Lou Dogg is more of a dabber, so we were taking dabs with him in the loft of the studio all night. It gets wild in Cali. (laughing with Colin)
SBC: Although I love the synergy from the new album, my favorite Skumbudz song of all time is Coffee and Kush. It’s quite literally the soundtrack to my morning routine. Who wrote this and what inspired it?
Kade: I wrote Coffee and Kush. Simply put, it’s the best way to start the day. Period.
SBC: I agree with this one-hundred percent.
SBC: I heard you made another connection while recording down in California. Tell me about the new Dad’s Elixir Skummy Bear flavor.
Kade: Our friend Josh Heinrichs (reggae artist) linked us up with the Dad’s Elixir guys while we were in California.
Christian: When we were touring California, the Dad’s Elixir guys let us crash on their couch in between shows. We smoked a blunt when we got to the house, and they gave us a bunch of free shit. They were super nice, and the dog, Munch, was the coolest dog ever. I think that’s where the Skummy Bear idea was brought up.
Kade: Yeah, a year later they hit us up and said it was released. We just got our hands on some Skummy Bears Dad’s Elixir. Our fans, or whoever, can order it online now.
SBC: How has Skumbudz’s relationship with cannabis evolved over time, and do you foresee it continuing to be a central theme in your creative process in future projects?
Colin: I think music and weed go hand-in-hand. I can’t see a future without either of these things. I don’t smoke every day. Well, sometimes I do (laughing) but I take breaks when it’s needed. Sometimes I just don’t want to smoke, but I definitely can’t see a future without music and weed.
Kade: I relate to how Seth Rogen described why he smoked weed in an interview. He said weed is like shoes. Sure, you can go walk outside barefoot if you wanted to and fuck up your feet in the process, or, you can put shoes on and feel far more comfy. Weed is life’s shoes (collectively laughing).
