Skipping Stone Interview

July 2023

Artist members/rolls?

Jordan Carlson – Vocals/Guitar
Thomas Hicks – Vocals/Guitar
Kelly Hood – Guitar
Patrick Robb – Bass
Dan Iles – Drums

Subgenre(s) of your music?

Hard Rock/ Metal

What was the story in forming the band?

Originally formed during the height of Covid, Skipping Stone came together with a purpose to create music that fits in between hard rock and metal. Radio friendly, yet still heavy. Skipping stone has stayed determined and consistently progressed in just a short amount of time. 2 EPS already released, and several singles in 2023 already with no sign of slowing down.

How did you come up with the band name?

The name was inspired by a song from another local band, Hidden Foundation. They are amazing and inspired us to get started!

What is the inspiration in your music?

A lot of us come from a musical background. Parents that were in bands, or music in some fashion. It just seems like destiny.

Favorite artist(s) (not yourself)?

Jordan – Karnivool or fair to midland
Thomas – Ice Nine Kills
Kelly – Polyphia
Patrick – Korn
Dan – Candiria

Favorite movie(s)?

I can’t speak for everyone, but Tremors is my favorite! – Jordan

What is a venue you always wanted to perform in? Why?

We would love to hit more regional places like THE LOUD or Manchester Music Hall. We really want to reach new people and make new friends

What artist(s) would you want to tour with?

I think we would do well with bands like Godsmack, Disturbed, Escape The Fate, Shinedown, or Atreyu. There’s so many bands that inspire our sound, and we would love the chance to play with all of them.

What brand instrument(s) and equipment do you play? Any favs?

Kelly is a die-hard Jackson fan. He also loves Charvels but will play just about anything he can get his hands on. Thomas is really loving his Schecter and Agile Guitars. Pat recently picked up some Jackson Basses he is loving! and Jordan plays his LTD guitar primarily. Dan plays a Taman kit!

What is a favorite story you’d like to share about the band?

Last year, when traveling through IN/IL on our way to a few shows, we had tons of people slow down to grab a photo of the van/mascot. We have the scariest looking van with a wonderful trailer hitch mounted stripper pole on the back. Our mascot, “Bona Lisa”, a skeleton in Skipping Stone merch, rides on the pole! she gets a ton of attention! not everyone always loves her, though. We caught some flack from the neighborhood we were staying in on that run. Good times!

What is the song of yours that means the most to you?

That’s hard to say. Trust Me is dedicated to a friend who passed away. There’s a lot of heart there.

Vertigo is about the loss of Jordan’s hearing due to a disease developed as a kid. It continues to deteriorate over time, so he’s trying to make the most of it now.

What was your most memorable performance?

Theres been a ton of really cool ones! Our Shows with Puddle of Mudd and Escape The Fate went really well. The crowd loved us! Can’t forget the time we had a Glow stick Circle Pit at our show with I Set My Friends On Fire!

Check out our review of Skipping Stone here!