10 Things You Didn't Know About Bop Skizzum

Each week, we will be profiling one of our top artists who will be performing in front of the legendary Don Was!

This week we had the chance to catch up with Bop Skizzum members Andy and Serafin.

Originally from Denver, Colorado, Bop Skizzum takes full advantage of the fact that music has the power to get people dancing. Gathering inspiration from every corner of the record store, the band meshes their alternative pop rock vibe with groove-based funk, rock, and dance music to create an invigorating blend of unique instrumentation with phenomenal vocals to complete their sound. To truly experience Bop Skizzum, just sit back, get strapped in & enjoy the ride!

Bop Skizzum

Read our exclusive interview below, and discover 10 things you didn't know about Bop Skizzum!

GTG: Where was your live performance on the Gimme the Gig II Focus Tour?

Serafin: It was last summer in Denver at the Taste of Colorado.

GTG: While you guys were there, did you get the chance to sit and try out the new Ford Focus?

Andy: Yes, it was awesome. The best feature was definitely the Auto Parking (Active Park Assist). If I had money I would totally buy it.

Serafin: There are some geniuses that designed that car.

GTG: What is one thing about your band we would never guess?

Andy: We listen to a lot of different kinds of music; Indie Rock, Metal, R&B, Soul, Pop. Our range of music listening is pretty wide.

GTG: How did you guys come up with the name of your band?

Serafin: Andy came up with the name; Bop Skizzum, 11 years ago when the band first started. It’s onomatopoeia, kind of like Bill Cosby’s type of speech. It doesn’t relate to a specific kind of music which is nice for us because we play a lot of different things. It’s more like a vibe.

GTG: What’s the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to your band on stage?

Serafin: We played a huge show up at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO; our old lead singer accidentally announced the rival school’s name and we got booed by 3000 people. (laughs) But the show went well after that, so it’s all good.

GTG: What’s the hardest thing about being in an independent band?

Serafin: The hardest thing would be trying to mix the business aspects of what you are doing with the artistic aspects of what you are doing, and trying to make both of those things really effective.

GTG: Do you have any guilty pleasures?

Andy: Chocolate little donuts from gas stations and Julie likes the powder ones.

Serafin: Hostess cherry pies.

GTG: What’s your band’s favorite album of all time?

Serafin: Thriller! The songs are amazing, production is amazing and it’s just a legend.

GTG: Any words of wisdom to other inspiring musicians?

Serafin: At the end of day, it all comes down to your craft. Just be the best in the planet at whatever skills you are going to be professionally.

Andy: Decide what you are; are you an awesome guitar player who happens to be a mechanic, or are you an awesome mechanic who happens to play the guitar. Never give up!

GTG: There are some pretty awesome skating pictures on your Facebook page; are you guys full-time musicians and part-time skaters?

Andy: Actually, we were just messing around at a photo shoot with skateboards; it was a super fun shoot. We were just trying to be cool for a day. (laughs)

Check out a video message from Bop Skizzum to Gimme the Gig and their fans!

Make sure to check out their newest single “Still Time” available now.

You can “Like” them at http://www.facebook.com/bopskizzum and you can follow them at http://www.twitter.com/bokskizzum. If you are a fan, give them a shout out on the Gimme the Gig II Facebook page!