13 Days of Halloween: Horror Q&A: Skidders

Skidders (aka Steve Skidmore) is an English producer and guitarist who writes and records music in blues, rock and jazz genres. His motto “He can’t sing, but he can play the guitar”, whilst borders on reality, means most self-penned songs are instrumental allowing him to showcase his unique style and sound. This also ensures compositions are well suited to TV and Film ‘sync’ use.

Projects and ventures are numerous and eclectic. He’s half of duo Bukechi, who were BBC Introducing’s Band of the Month (see article here…), played alongside Dexy’s Kevin Rowland and supported the likes of Midge Ure, Roger Chapman (Family), John Power (the La’s); The Feeling & Jon Gomm.

After completing his third album, ‘Friends & Family Vol. 2′, current work includes session guitar work for artists including Cotswold’s legend Andrew James and composer Kylolus. Although playing live has been put on the back burner somewhat during the Covid pandemic, Skidders’ fourth album, ‘Feckem Hall’ will be a long term project starting in 2022 and geared towards playing live.

Halloween Horror Q&A

1. Happy Halloween! Tell us, what is your perfect Halloween night?

I spent Halloween in Salem about 20 years ago. Being English, I didn’t know what to expect. It was good, but looking back, I would have thought it would have been a lot bigger. Anyway, it’s something to brag about!

For the perfect evening, I would have my family round – jacket potatoes and a big bonfire, all sipping mulled wine. It would be dark and cold, but no wind or rain! Snow would be ok and there’d have to be some owls hooting in the darkness.

2. What is the perfect Halloween horror to put on?

“A Nightmare on Elm Street”. It’s a great film and is Johnny Depp’s debut. And the first of many!

3. In our best Ghostface voice – what’s your personal favourite scary movie and why?

“The Omen” is scary as it follows the bible and is prophetic. You have to turn all the lights off though and turn the volume up high.

4. What’s your earliest memory of seeing a horror movie?

When I was a kid, I used to love buying children’s horror comics. There used to be the Mummy, Frankenstein and the Phantom of the Opera in there amongst others. I was fascinated by them and at that point, hadn’t seen a horror movie. Eventually, the first actual one I saw was a Hammer House of Horror film, Dracula with Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing.

5. Have you ever experienced something unusual or unexplainable in real life?

Yes I saw my father shortly after he passed, smiling at me through the window of his bungalow. It was daylight and 100% clear.

6. What’s the best modern horror you’ve seen recently?

Willy’s Wonderland. Nicola Cage is great in it, bashing the hell out of all the baddies.

7. What is your favourite type of horror?

I like horrors that are not too far from fact, as it can be more scary. The Blair Witch Project is very scary because of this and leaves you wondering if it was actually real (well, not really).

8. What’s a horror cliché that you just can’t stand?

I don’t like inevitable outcomes when a victim can clearly see what’s going to happen but doesn’t do anything about it. It’s too cheesy!

9. Freddy, Michael or Jason? Who is your favourite and why?

Freddy – the original and best. I like original things, like the Telecaster! Freddy can get you anywhere – in dreams or real life.

10. 70s sleaze or 80s cheese. What’s your poison and why?

Well, the Omen was from the 70s, so I have to say the 70s. And of course, you’ve got the inspired Exorcist. What can beat those from the 80s?

11. Would you rather: spend a night in 112 Ocean Avenue (Amityville) or Hill House (The Haunting/The Haunting of Hill House)?

Definitley The Haunting, as Amityville is based on actual facts and I’d rather risk myself in a fictional situation. Having said that, The Haunting has some really scary ghost kids.

12. Would you rather: ‘play a game’ (Saw) or be ‘shown such sights’ (Hellraiser)?

I definitely stay well clear of Saw. Also, I reckon I could have reasoned with Pinhead in Hellraiser.

13. Would you rather: have a good guy doll (Chucky) or an Annabelle doll (Annabelle/The Conjuring)?

I’d take either on with a can of petrol and a box of matches. Alternatively, saw them up and make them into a guitar stand. I’d take no rubbish from bit of talking wood.

14. Would you rather: be stuck in the Burkittsville, Maryland woods (Blair Witch) or stuck in the caves of the Appalachian Mountains (The Descent)?

The Blair Witch project was too mind meddling, so it’s the Appalachian Mountains for me. At least you have something tangible as your foe and being English, if it was where the film was made, I’d be more suitably adapted to the terrain.

15. Would you rather: be hunted by the Predator or by the Alien?

No way the Alien. Have you seen what happens to your stomach! Ok, you can’t always see the Predator, but it does have vulnerability, unlike the Alien.

16. What character would you be in a traditional slasher movie (the nerd, the jock, the cheerleader, the final girl etc)?

I would be Jack Torrance from The Shining, so I could scare the living daylights our of everyone whilst axing down doors. Also, Jack Nicholson is blummin’ brilliant!

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