Rock And Rules: Skunk Anansie

      Ground-breaking Skunk Anansie front-woman Skin…

      EMBRACE THE NEW

      We have a passion for music and creativity. Old songs only resonate well alongside new compositions. If you're solely focused on performing your old songs, it's akin to stating that your creativity was confined to your younger years, and that you no longer possess artistic innovation.

      It’s similar to repeatedly watching a movie. Once you’ve seen it – why would you want to see it again? It will remain unchanged. The only aspect that evolves is you. Since everything in your life shifts, why not mirror that evolution in your music?

      Being creative involves striving not to repeat oneself. It’s about constantly seeking new ways to express ideas or articulate thoughts differently.

      DON’T FORCE IT

      I realized early in my career that music doesn’t come effortlessly every day. It simply doesn’t operate that way. I don’t force myself to write a song unless I'm genuinely inspired. There’s no need to apply that pressure. I don't write every day; I don’t compel myself to create if I’m not feeling it. I write during those bursts of creativity, balancing it with various other activities. So when I'm not writing, I’m engaging in other creative endeavors.

      STAY IN TOUCH WITH YOUR FRIENDS

      After our first major tour as a band, which lasted around nine months, I returned home to find all my friends upset because I hadn’t reached out or sent them a postcard. That made me realize that maintaining friendships requires effort. It demands energy.

      BALANCE OUT FEEDBACK

      I recently read a study indicating that 80% of comments on Instagram are negative. As a society, we tend to tear things down rather than uplift others.

      I believe it’s beneficial for individuals to learn to manage this reality since it won’t change. A crucial aspect is to evaluate feedback wisely – if 99% of feedback is positive but you receive one negative comment, don’t let the negativity overshadow the positivity.

      BE YOURSELF

      Your uniqueness is what makes you intriguing. Avoid imitating others or molding yourself based on feedback that isn’t true to your essence. The wonderful thing about you is your individuality, and there’s no one else like you in the world. That’s the sound that should be recorded; that’s where your focus should lie.

      LISTEN TO AS MUCH MUSIC AS YOU CAN

      If you disregard what exists in the music world, you’re likely to become stagnant or merely reproduce yourself. If you’re not engaging with other artists, you're just rehashing what you've already accomplished. That lacks creativity and can quickly make your sound feel outdated.

      STAY FIT AND HEALTHY

      It’s essential to take care of yourself. Our work is enjoyable and fulfilling, but it remains a job that requires self-care. When I’m on tour, I stick to a strict routine. I don’t take it lightly. I perform my vocal exercises and warm-ups for my body. While on tour, I’m quite disciplined – because it’s work.

      DISCOMFORT CAN BE A GOOD THING

      Feeling uncomfortable while creating music can be beneficial. I’ve learned to let go and welcome a fresh perspective to shake things up. Experiencing insecurity and discomfort can motivate you to write better songs.

      DON’T RUSH

      Avoid recording something and immediately posting it online. Take the time until you are genuinely satisfied with it. Share your thousandth idea instead of your first.

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      Skunk Anansie will headline The Great Escape 2025 tonight (May 16th).

      PHOTO CREDIT: ROB O’CONNOR