When thinking about the concept of a subscription box, I think they combine two things people enjoy – being surprised and getting mail. At my house for instance, there’s one of three different subscriptions boxes that make an appearance on our door step in any given month. At this point, subscriptions boxes are so popular, you really can find one for just about any of your interests.
A New Challenger Enters The Arena
Enter SKA BOX. Recently celebrating its first anniversary, SKA BOX offers up ska fans a box of goodies each and every month. After looking at the types of goodies you can find each month, SKA BOX really is an essential purchase for the ska fan in your life. One of the other cool things about it is that the items you get each month are purchased from the included bands. The ska community is incredibly supportive of each other these days, and this is just another way the show it. It’s really cool to see if you ask me.
While working on getting the April SKA BOX in the mail, SKA BOX founder Cassie spent some time giving BGM the low down about ska music, and what influenced her to start SKA BOX. Take a look at what she had to say below … and then click the links at the end to sign up for your very own box!
Before we get into SKA BOX, we need to know what drew you to ska music. So, what is it about ska that made you a fan?
I grew up as a weird kid in small-town California. When I moved to the Sacramento Valley in 7th grade, I found a few friends in the skate punk scene. One girl in particular was super influential on my music taste. She showed me bands like Fishbone and Mustard Plug and my interest in ska just grew from there.
I was quickly drawn into the world of ska-punk and the lyric-driven, fast-paced energy of bands like Save Ferris, Less Than Jake, Skankin’ Pickle, and Reel Big Fish. As I got older, I delved more into trad ska and two-tone, falling in love with artists like Desmond Dekker and Bad Manners.
Ska just hits different. Live ska shows are unlike anything else in the punk-adjacent scene. I can wear whatever I want- whether it be a banana costume, two-tone rude girl attire, a punk rock get-up, or jeans and a band tee- and fit it. I can dance my ass off and no one cares about what I do or how I do it. Nothing compares to live ska music.
For the uninitiated, what is SKA BOX?
SKA BOX is an all-ska subscription box. We ship music and merch out to subscribers on a monthly basis. Each month has a different theme, different bands, and different items.
We focus primarily on diy and independent bands and artists, but welcome any band that wants to work with us!
SKA BOX is $35 a month with free domestic shipping. International shipping is $15. We have monthly subscriptions and one-time purchases available.
What gave you the idea to combine ska music with subscription boxes?
My old partner and I used to go to a lot of shows pre-COVID. She always ordered a lot of subscription boxes and her car was full of them.
We were talking about all of the stuff that merch tables were missing and I was teasing her about her box mess, and it just kind of clicked. We thought, “Why isn’t there a subscription box for ska?” And then I pretty much jumped in with both feet. I created a logo, designed the box, made social media accounts, and went from there. These days, I run SKA BOX solo with the help of family and friends.
What are some of the more unique things you’ve been able to offer in the past?
We have been able to pack everything from water bottles, candles, and magnets to records, flash drives, and posters.
One of my favorite things to ship is custom or exclusive records. Revolution Vintage made us some really rad Stop The Presses vinyl around the holidays last year. And we are working with Courtesy of Tim to get some exclusive variants of their recent split with Meskales.
I also love sending out comic books. We have sent out comic books from Fake Publishing Millionaires and are currently waiting on comics from The Inevitables.
If a band wants to participate, what’s the best way for them to reach out?
Bands can reach out to us on Instagram, Facebook, or via email- skaboxrox@gmail.com.
Is there a band that you just have to have represented in a future box? If so, who is it? Let’s signal boost!
I would love to have more of the Bad Time Records family in the box. I love Catbite. We got to work with them last year. We got some stickers from Joystick! We have also worked with Dissidente. But there are others that I would love to work with too!
Skatune Network is fantastic and I love them so much. Bad Operation is so, so good. Kill Lincoln is awesome. Really, the whole Bad Time roster is excellent.
With everyone staying home for the most part during the last year, have you seen an increased interest in SKA BOX?
We have definitely grown over the last year. Although, I think people are still feeling a bit income insecure. We have peaks and lulls. I am hoping that we will see more activity once shows come back and people are able to get back to work, etc.
Are you able to make a living with this project, or is it more of a passion project right now?
It is more of a passion project right now. So, I also work full-time! It is absolutely getting there though. We expected a rough first couple of years, so I have honestly been pleasantly surprised.
If someone is interested in subscribing, how do they do that?
If someone wants to “pick it up,” then they can head over to our website!
It really feels like ska in 2021 is more community-oriented than it ever was in the past. How have the bands and labels embraced you and your vision?
The ska community is so rad. Bands and labels have honestly kept us afloat. The support of the community has been unreal.
Labels like Allegedly Records have been unbelievably kind. Their compilation albums have been an absolute hit with subscribers. They are the raddest, most supportive group of people that I have worked with.
Bands have been incredible. We buy merch directly from our bands, so our intention is to help support the ska scene. But bands do everything from sending kind thank you notes and promoting for us, to offering discounts and sending free merch. Bands like Flip The Switch and Half Past Two supported us early on and I am so thankful for them and their love. Bands appreciate us in a way that I never expected and I am grateful for that.
Podcasts have been a huge part of our success as well. Their help with promoting through interviews and unboxings has brought us several new subscribers and supporters. People like Bryan from Read Junk and Brian from Rudie Librarian were some of the first to support us. Podcasts like 23minofska, On The Upbeat and Checkered Cast, and radio play from people like Tazy from Ska Parade, have helped us grow to where we are now. For that, we can’t thank them enough.
We have some great artists in our community too, like Brian Burks! He has really helped us to become a well-rounded brand. He designed many of our custom and exclusive shirts, like our “Brain on Ska” logo that we got to send to Mustard Plug!
What’s the coolest thing that’s happened to you due to SKA BOX?
The coolest thing that has happened due to SKA BOX is working with bands that I grew up on. We got to work with Vinnie Fiorello on The Inevitables merch orders, and are currently working with Fishbone and Mustard Plug. We also got stuff from Reel Big Fish earlier this year.
When the world is back to “normal,” what one band are you most excited to see live first?
I would love to see The Pietasters. I haven’t had a chance to see them live yet! I really want to see some of my locals too. Half Past Two, Monkey, Flip The Switch, and Soul Ska. I miss live music so much!
Any last words?
I love our scene. I appreciate the bands, artists, podcasts, and labels that have befriended and supported us! Thanks so much for having me!
SKA BOX LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube