Band of Skulls and Professional 101

Comprised of vocalist and guitarist Russel Marsden, bassist and vocalist Emma Richardson, and drummer Matt Hayward the group met at college and began practicing and honing their skills. Formerly of the moniker Fleeing New York, Band of Skulls’s earliest musical excursions came from playing gigs at night clubs in the London area. The band changed their name in November 2008 and began recording demos in Hayward’s father’s studio/shed.

These demos generated some online buzz and led to the band’s debut album “Baby Darling Doll Face Honey” distributed by Shangri-La Music. The album was released on March 6, 2009 to generally positive reviews and reached No. 50 on the UK Indie Chart. Band of Skulls supported the release with an international tour including a show at 2010’s SXSW Festival in Texas, U.S., and a tour of the midwest in support of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. The band’ subsequent UK tour included a sold-out show at London’s Electric Ballroom, and a support slot for The Dead Weather at the Roundhouse also in London, UK.

Ahead of their sophomore album, Band of Skulls released the single “The Devil Takes Care of His Own” in October 2011. Produced by Ian Davenport, the band’s second studio album “Sweet Sour” arrived in February 2012 and peaked at No. 14 in the UK albums chart. Also in 2012 the band appeared in a Channel 4 documentary, played at the 11th Annual Austin City Limits Festival.

2014 brought more appearances including on the shows Late Night with Seth Meyers and Later with Jools Holland. On March 31, 2014 Band of Skulls released their third full-length album “Himalayan” which peaked at No. 21 in the UK, No. 24 in Australia, and features the singles “Asleep At the Wheel” and “Nightmares”.