Matt Skellenger

The South Ivy 3

When did you first get into music?

I grew up in a very musical household. My mom has played flute and piano for most of her life. There was always music playing in our house when we were young. I started playing Suzuki Violin when I was 4, piano when I was 8, and then discovered the Electric Bass, when I was 14.

Who or What inspired you to pursue a career in music?

The day I first played a bass at my buddy’s house in 8th grade I knew it was my passion. From that day forward, I haven’t thought of doing anything else. My parents were very supportive from the start. At the time, I started my biggest bass influence was Les Claypool from Primus. As I continued to learn bass, two people were incredibly inspirational and integral in my musical development: Ron Miles and Victor Wooten.

How has your music evolved since you first began creating music?

I grew up playing mostly rock music. As I continued to delve into the world of electric bass, I was influenced by a variety of styles and bass players. I started listening to more Jazz, Funk, Bluegrass, World Music, and other styles. I think live experiences also contribute to the music evolving. I’ve had many more years of live experiences since my debut solo album in 2003.

Matt Skellenger Trio From left to right: Dave Miller, Matt Skellenger, and Matt Reid.

Tell us about your album release,The South Ivy 3? How did it come about?

The South Ivy 3 is an album of Trio, Duo, and Solo arrangements featuring me on Electric Bass, Dave Miller on Drums, and Matt Reid on Trumpet Flugelhorn and Cornet. The album was recorded live at Mighty Fine Productions by Colin Bricker last July. Due to the unusual circumstances of the pandemic, we weren’t able to get the full group into the studio. We took advantage of this opportunity to record some of the favorite tunes from our past albums in addition to the new track; The South Ivy 3. The album will be released digitally on Friday June 11th, 2021.

Dave Miller

How long have you been working with Matt Reid and Dave Miller?

Dave and I have been playing music together since we were freshmen in high school. Dave introduced himself to me because I was wearing a Primus shirt. We hit it off instantly and have been playing music together ever since. We have played in numerous projects over the 28 years of making music together. Matt moved to Colorado about 5 years ago. He was playing with a mutual friend in Seattle who introduced us. He has become a great friend and is a perfect fit for the group.

Matt Reid

Where did you get your inspiration to write your new album?

In addition to performing with the full sextet, I have performed my music in a variety of formats over the years. We decided this would be a good opportunity to capture some of those smaller ensemble arrangements. The South Ivy 3 is the only unreleased track on the album. The title of the track and album came from my voice memos on my phone. I use my memos to record ideas while I am practicing. I thought The South Ivy 3 seemed like an appropriate name for the track given the trio arrangement. So the pandemic was part of the inspiration for this project. Also we wanted to do some multi camera videos of the session, so that was another inspiration to get back in the studio.

Does your music come from a place of passion or a place of necessity?

Definitely from a place of passion. From the first day I started playing bass, I have always had a passion for creating original music. I am incredibly blessed to make a living playing and teaching music.

What has been your biggest challenge as an artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

My biggest challenge is marketing and growing my fan base. I am a completely independent artist. I do all of my own marketing, booking, promoting etc... I am still learning how to be more productive at the business side, so I can continue to put energy into the creative side. Another challenge for artists like myself is making enough income to survive in a fast growing city like Denver. Teaching music and playing other gigs has been how I overcome that challenge. My other musical pursuits allow me to continue putting creative energy and money into my own project.

A common phrase in the industry is, “you must suffer for your art.” Do you agree with this statement? If so, how have you suffered for your art?

I disagree with this statement. I think artists thrive when they aren’t overwhelmed by stress or suffering. I think musicians make a lot of sacrifices to pursue their careers, but it doesn’t have to mean you are suffering. I think a better statement would be “you must be dedicated to your art”.

Matt Skellenger

What are the 5 albums that have helped make you the person you are today? And why?

Frizzle Fry by Primus - This album really got me hooked on the sound of electric bass.

A Show Of Hands by Victor Wooten - This album blew me away. Vic really opened my eyes to the possibilities of the electric bass.

Homogenic by Bjork - I love how eclectic her music is, and was really influenced by her world music collaborations.

Blossom/Stone by Ron Miles - Ron is one of my favorite musicians/composers/improvisers on the planet. I strive to make music like Ron’s.

Lateralus by Tool - Tool is one of my favorite bands. I love the rhythm in Tool’s music I could probably list another 100 easily. Just 5 is tough.

What is the best advice you have received?

Be yourself! Tell your story! These two nuggets have come from Victor Wooten. In general, I think spending time doing what you love leads to success. I can’t remember where I heard this advice first, but I think it definitely rings true.

What’s next for you?

I am taking some time off from teaching this summer to focus on writing some new music. Then the goal is to get the sextet back in the studio to record another album. I originally was going to do this last year, but the pandemic delayed the full group recording. The silver lining was The South Ivy 3 session though. I don’t think this project would’ve happened if we weren’t forced to rethink 2020.

How can fans-to-be gain access to your music?

The best way to hear/purchase my music is at: www.mattskellenger.com which forwards to my bandcamp page www.mattskellenger.bandcamp.com. By streaming and downloading from this site, you directly support the artist. All of my music is also available on the major streaming sites like Apple Music and Spotify.