Over a decade into their career, Skegss – now comprised of Ben Reed (vocals, guitar) and Jonny Lani (drums) – are still all about big riffs, loose energy, and relentless touring.
With their third LP, Pacific Highway Music, which received a positive review from Rolling Stone AU/NZ, they’re gearing up for Laneway 2025 – the festival that last time saw them shooting hoops with Denzel Curry.
“I love being in a new spot every day, a bit buggered and hungover,” Reed laughs. “That’s where the ideas come from.”
Ahead of their set, Rolling Stone AU/NZ caught up with Reed to talk festival memories, raw live energy, and why their next record is all about going harder and faster.
Laneway dates, tickets, and more info can be found via Laneway Festival.
Rolling Stone AU/NZ: Are you looking forward to playing Laneway this year?
Ben Reed: Yeah, definitely. We played it a few years back, and there are some pretty fun memories from it.
Any that stand out?
Denzel Curry was playing that year. We ended up hanging out a bit, playing a lot of ping pong and basketball with him and maybe a couple of other rappers. Also, Bill Shorten came to one of our shows – he was running for Prime Minister at the time. I think his daughters were fans, and he wanted to get a signed t-shirt or something. Not sure what his plan was, to be honest.
Anyone on this year’s lineup you’re excited to catch?
I actually don’t know a lot of the artists, but I’m keen to see them live. You definitely get a whole new appreciation and understanding of an artist when you watch them perform. The way you interpret their music can totally change.
Congrats on the new album, Pacific Highway Music! How’s the response been?
It’s been really positive. It’s cool hearing people’s interpretations of the songs. They usually pick up on exactly what we were trying to put down, which is always nice.
Has this album sparked any new ideas you’re keen to explore next?
Every time we finish a record, we learn a little more. We might mess around with some different instruments – maybe even some trumpet. It’s always a bit of a reset. A lot of these songs had been sitting with us for a while, so once they’re out, it clears the palette and makes room for something new.
Our next EP is shaping up to be more rock and roll – faster, more upbeat. I think Pacific Highway Music ended up a little less raw than our earlier stuff, which is cool, but we sound best when it’s raw, like how we play live. That album has its own place, though. It’s something you can throw on when you’re zoning out or driving solo.
Can we expect that EP to drop later this year?
Yeah, we want to get it out quick so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Albums can get complicated when you bring in producers and all that, but an EP feels more relaxed. You can just enjoy the process.
Any tracks from Pacific Highway Music that have been standouts live?
“Spaceman” and “Out of My Head” have been really fun. There are still a few we haven’t played live yet, so we’ll see how they go.
Does touring keep you inspired?
Definitely. You meet people, have weird conversations, and soak it all in. I actually love being in a new spot, buggered and hungover – it puts me in a weirdly positive state. That’s where you gather all the ideas, then you get home, settle in, and piece it all together.
Any shows after Laneway you’re excited about?
We’re hitting a couple of new spots in Spain and France, which will be sick. Also, keen to do more of the southern US. We’ve done California and the east coast heaps, but playing somewhere like Nashville, where there are hundreds of musicians just shredding everywhere, is unreal. You go for a walk, have a beer, and your mind gets blown by the talent. That’s a feeling I’m always chasing.
How does playing a homegrown festival compare to overseas?
It’s just cosier. When you tour overseas for ages and come home, it feels like you’re just hanging out with mates. But I reckon you have to keep throwing yourself into uncomfortable situations too.
Do you make an effort to push outside your comfort zone?
For sure. It keeps you sharp. You feel like you’re actually achieving something when you’re in that state of being a little bit scared.
