Matt Skiba

File:Matt Skiba WFth.jpg

Matthew Thomas Skiba is the lead singer and guitarist of Alkaline Trio. He has previously been a member of various bands including Jerkwater, Blunt and The Traitors. In 2002, Skiba recorded a split EP with Kevin Seconds. Now in 2006 Skiba has a new side project with F-Minus bassist Josiah (Josh) Steinbrick. The band, named Heavens, debuted the album Patent Pending on September 12th.

Biography

Born in Chicago on February 24, 1976, he moved to the suburb of McHenry, Illinois at the age of three. Playing drums at an early age, his first concert was Public Image Ltd. But in 1996, while working as a bike messenger, he decided to take up the guitar. Skiba dropped out of art college to form Alkaline Trio with drummer Glenn Porter and bassist Rob Doran. Skiba has declared himself an atheist while also being a card carrying member of the Church of Satan. He states in an interveiw with Guitar World magazine that he uses his membership card of the Church to "watch people squirm".

He now resides in California with his wife, Monica Parker, whom he married on August 7th, 2005.

Skiba's latest project Heavens released their debut album "Patent Pending" on Sept. 12, 2006. [1]

His mother, Joan Skiba, is a 4th Grade teacher in Crystal Lake, Illnois.

Career

Skiba remains the only original member of the Trio (they suffered several lineup changes that ultimately resulted in the addition of bassist Dan Andriano and drummer Derek Grant). Alkaline Trio signed with Vagrant Records in late 2000 and released From Here To Infirmary in 2001, Good Mourning in 2003, Crimson in 2005, and "Remains" in 2007 to mixed reviews.

Skiba is also an active solo artist; in addition to the split with 7 Seconds' Kevin Seconds, he contributed to Fat Wreck Chords' 2005 compilation Protect: A Benefit For The National Association To Protect Children with the song Demons Away.

In September of 2006, his side project "Heavens" was released and started to tour.

Also in 2006 Skiba contributed to the "Rock 'n' Roll High School" track that appears on the "Brats on the Beat: Ramones for Kids" tribute album released on Go-Kart Records.

Trivia

• Skiba cites Joey Ramone and Social Distortion as huge influences.
• In 2005, Skiba told Guitar World magazine that he is a card-carrying member of the Church Of Satan. He bought memberships for himself and Derek Grant ironically as Christmas gifts. In the same interview he clarified that he is an atheist, and the reason behind the membership was the ability to "pull out the card and watch people squirm".
• Matt Skiba is a vegan.
• Matt Skiba has broken both arms at different times. (2005)
• Matt sings on the New Found Glory song "Forget My Name" off their album "Sticks & Stones"
• Matt sings on the Avoid One Thing song "Pop Punk Band"

Sample

• Matt Skiba solo song "In Your Wake" at asianmanrecords.com

See also

• Dan Andriano
• Derek Grant
• Alkaline Trio
• Heavens

Footnotes

Link to The Traitors Albums Featuring Matt Skiba on Drums

External links

• Official Alkaline Trio website