I don’t quite remember who said it, but there’s a phrase that goes like this:
“If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”
I think that’s something Chris Reeves takes to heart. When not preoccupied with his day job, Reeves devotes his life to the love of ska punk music. In just a short time, he’s become a very influential voice within the ska scene. Through his podcast and his use of TikTok, Chris is on the frontlines of expanding ska’s awareness in 2021 and beyond.
Chris has a sweet spot for ska punk, and also takes a global point of view with his work. Seeking out bands that don’t have much exposure domestically, he’s able to give them a whole new audience through his podcast and social media channels. If you can’t find a new band to listen to after scrolling through videos of him skanking away with his dog on TikTok, then you just aren’t trying hard enough.
Later this Spring, he’s taking his love for international ska music to the next level by setting up some distribution deals. With everything he’s up to, it’s safe to say that Chris Reeves is one of the biggest ambassadors of ska music in the scene today.
Recently, Chris spent some time letting us know more about his podcast, as well as his distribution plans. Take a look at what he had to say below. And, once you’re done reading the interview, make sure you check out at least one band he mentioned. I can assure you, they’re all amazing!
Every ska fan has a ska origin story. What’s yours? How did you get hooked on ska music?
I first heard ska watching skate videos. There was a section in one (I think it was VG4) that had the live version of the Toasters “East Side Beat” right when it kicks in double time with the “ARE YOU READY ARE YOU READY” and I was like “YYYEEEAHHH!!!” I’ve been hooked ever since.
You host the Ska Punk International Podcast. What inspired you to start the show?
A few things. Primarily, it’s my love for ska. I’ve loved all the different genres of ska since I was 14, so if I’m going to do a music show, it’s of course going to be about ska. In terms of why do a ska podcast? I have a background in marketing and podcasting for my day job, so it’s a fun way for me to use skills I already had to help get the word out about bands I love.
What can folks expect from the show when they listen?
I initially launched using Spotify’s new tools that allow songs to be played directly in the podcast episodes. I thought it would be really fun to use that and structure the episodes more like a radio show where I play bands I love from around the world.
As the show has grown, I’ve also done a number of long-form interview episodes with songs relevant to the conversation played throughout. My goal is that no matter which episode type I put out that the listener learns about new bands, or learns something new about a band they already love.
Of all the bands you’ve interviewed, who surprised you the most with the stories they told?
That’s definitely when Joe from The Best of the Worst said they almost cut “This Morbid Life” from their new album. That’s my favorite song on the album and I’m still shocked it almost didn’t make the record.
You’ve also started to gain a following on TikTok. In your eyes, how is that platform changing music?
Yeah I love TikTok! It’s been really wild how my audience has grown so fast there. What’s so cool for bands and creators on TikTok is that every video that’s published could blow up. That means that every time your song is used by you or anyone else for a video, your song could take off.
It’s just so interesting to me to think how that starts to level the playing field for indie artists and smaller labels. There’s so many ways a band’s music can be used within TikTok that as long as your songs are there you never know what could happen.
@skapunkinternational##duet with @hi_bre 🤷🏼♂️♬ bre n mia laughing – bre
Any TikTok advice for bands who want to start using it?
Most importantly if your songs aren’t already on there, fix that. There’s a bunch of ways to get your songs listed using something like Distrokid. So get on that if you haven’t yet.
Second I’d say, if you haven’t set up a profile yet, do that too. Then just have fun.
Lastly, use your music in your TikToks as often as you can. Sometimes you’ll want to follow a trend and use the song with that trend, but any other ideas you have use one of your songs. You never know, that could be the one that takes off.
I could talk forever about do’s and don’ts when making TikToks, so I’ll stop there. I’m always happy to help anyone with more specific tips. DMs always open!
What interviews do you have coming up this year that you’re excited for people to hear?
Well sadly most of the ones I’m excited for I can’t talk about because they’re tied to unannounced projects. I have some real bangers coming up throughout the rest of 2021 though.
I can tell you though that I just booked O Leopardo from Brazil to be on the show in May to talk about their new EP. Their first single is really cool and they haven’t gotten much exposure here in the US so I’m really stoked to talk to them and put that episode out.
@skapunkinternational##ska ##skamusic ##musicrecommendations♬ Cerveja Gelada – O Leopardo
Which bands are on your interview bucket list?
There’s so many! Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, Sonic Boom Six, Voodoo Glow Skulls, Namba69, Panteon Rococo, Madness, Kemuri, Hey-Smith. Most of my favorite bands are from Japan and I need to learn way more Japanese before I can tackle those interviews. I’m working on it though!!
Jumping back to last question, I have booked some of the bands I listed for later this year. I wonder which?
One of the things about your online presence is the love you show international bands. If you could only pick one band from overseas that everyone must listen to, who would it be?
That’s easy. Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra. They’re such good musicians. They’re able to play all types of ska within the same album, sometimes even the same song. They seriously have something for any type of ska fan. They’ve been a band forever, but they keep pushing themselves to experiment with new sounds and subgenres. Their latest album is so freaking good. I’ve listened to it so many times already and it’s only been out a few weeks.
Sadly, I’ve never been able to see them. The two times I had tickets, the shows were canceled because of lack of ticket sales. They play giant shows outside of the US, not just Japan, Mexico too, but here, they barely sell tickets. It’s a travesty how much they’re overlooked by most ska fans.
Aside from the podcast, you’re also working on a distro company. What’s the scoop there?
Many of the bands I want to buy vinyl from are outside the US so shipping adds another $20-30 or more. Essentially, I’m working to solve that by importing from labels around the world like Pookout and TNS in the UK so that people here in the US can get access to their releases at regular shipping rates.
After the initial launch, I’ll continue to add more labels and releases from around the world. I’m also planning to do original releases with bands by the end of the year and transition into a full label to go with the distro. I’ll always do as many releases for charity as I can without going broke. It’s really important for me to give back as much as possible as I move forward with this.
How can folks pick up records from you?
The first set of releases will ship in April, so head to my website and join the mailing list to get the first shot at ordering.
What has been your favorite ska discovery of 2021 so far?
Definitely The Sobervials from Mexico. They only have two songs out so far but they’re really impressive. Their first single “Pegasus Fantasy Ska” has such a catchy hook and horn part, it’s stuck in my head for days every time I hear it. Definitely a band to watch this year.
Any last words?
The world is a mess right now, so do your best to improve it by doing what you can to stop racism, sexism and transphobia. Ska is supposed to be a music about spreading awareness of social issues, so if you’re a ska fan but you’re staying silent, or worse, spreading hate, it’s time to re-evaluate your priorities.
Also, wear a mask, wash your hands, and get the vaccine so we can get back to shows soon.