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On the verge of the Fourth Wave? Here comes THE APPLE STOMP!

Dancing and drinking and ska bands...OH MY!

I recently had the pleasure of taking part in a fascinating Facebook debate on whether or not we are in or on the verge of a Fourth Wave of Ska. There were some more than qualified folks from great bands, folks from around the scene, and all around the country who weighed in on their opinions. What does a new "Wave" actually entail? There were comments about required innovation and fresh style. There were references made to The Aquabats show and the appearance on Yo Gabba Gabba by the Aggrolites. The fact that The Slackers never stopped making great music and touring around the world since the last "wave" hit. Discussions that maybe this resurgence of great shows the last three years or so is simply the swell before the wave.

For all we know, the next great scene shifting sound could be in a basement right now...

It was also mentioned that it could be coming simply due to the fact that there are heirloom tours again. Older bands coming back to remind us just how old we all really are when we try to dance like we did in the 90's, and realize our bodies are a lot more like rusty hinges than they used to be. I don't know if the fourth wave is here or not. What I do know, as an active member of this scene, is that you need to bust out the oil cans, kids...there is more on the way.

Asbestos Records is doing it again.

Bringing the ska shows to the masses in New York City! Last year they made heirloom ska band reunion history with their Skalapalooza tour, bringing back bands like The Pilfers, Spring Heeled Jack, and The Pietasters. Not that the Pietasters ever went anywhere. They have been here all along, but we all know they make any show better. The New York date of Skalapalooza took us back back, way back...and then threw us forward again with help from Sammy Kay and the Snails, Across the Aisle, and WOAH! Edna's Goldfish!

But THAT, my friends, was 2012. Old news. This is 2013...and there is all new news. And that news is The Apple Stomp. Already booked for May 31st through June 1st at New York City's Irving Plaza, it plans to be the ska festival that us tri-state area overgrown ska kids have been foaming at the mouth for.

Excited? I am. And here is why. The first confirmed band for this skanking extravaganza will be the reunion of THUMPER. Remember Thumper? One of the first bands to cross over into the third wave skacore scene with heavier guitar and bass and that distinct flavor that some of us grew to love back in those wacky 90's.

So who is next?

Keep your eyes peeled to the Facebook page AppleStompNYC for more details and updates. I will see you there...


Comments

  1. UnknownMarch 11, 2013 at 10:59 PM

    Really enjoyed this read; what will the Fourth Wave sound like? This is my biggest question... As a songwriter of ska/lots of other shtuff, I'm not even sure what my ska sounds like! Kudos, cheers, peace. Thanks for this blog, so cool.

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