InDaSkies Release New EP The Last Chapter
By now, the name InDaSkies is familiar to many as a staple on the local reggae music scene for the past several years. The group of friends, who began playing for fun in a garage back in 2012, continue to grow their fan base in Texas and beyond with their distinct brand of experimental reggae.
The current lineup of Joe Serrato (rhythm guitar/vocals), Ryan Damian (drums), James Herrington (bass), Marcus Tabet (lead guitarist), David Rios (percussionist), Chris Ranew (keyboards) and Derrick Rosette (saxophone), have continued to witness an expanding fan base with their self-described “loco music,” which derives influence from several genres of music.
“Our group has grown in the past couple of years, since the release of our first EP Essential Vibrations (2017), and a lot of touring, and with those changes the music has really developed,” said Serrato, who is also a founding member of the newly formed reggae trio Ojos Rojos. “The music now has a more experimental feel, especially with the keyboards,” he said.
“It’s really fusion-based,” added Rios, who blends in instruments like the bongos and conga drums as the auxiliary percussionist. “It hones in on each individual, and what the bring to the table, and is sort of molded into a fusion with a reggae base. We’re very much integrating several genres,” he said.
And with this new sound comes a new EP, new local performances, and a summer tour in the works.
“Our new EP is called The Last Chapter, recorded at Slow Rolla Studios here in Houston and will drop on March 25, which is actually the anniversary of our first EP release. It’ll be on presale two weeks before with hard and digital copies in our online store, along with new InDaSkies merchandise,” he added.
But why the title The Last Chapter, if so much more is in the works?
“We called it that because it’s the last recording we have with Steve (McDonald, previously on drums), who with life was changing paths and for a good reason…but it was really in homage to that, the last thing he did in the studio with us,” Serrato said, noting that both EPs have been and will be available on every digital platform, plus as CDs and digital downloads at their upcoming performances.
To accompany the new EP will be numerous upcoming performances with other major reggae acts in the Clear Lake area and all throughout Houston.
“We’re really honored to share the stage soon with legends like The Wailers (on April 19 at Warehouse Live in Houston), which is going to be really nice with their full unit now back together,” Serrato said.
In March, however, fans can get a double-dose of loco music on St. Patrick’s Day at Palapa Bar in Kemah during the day, then at Lucky’s Pub in Houston (with Audic Empire) that night. Later in the month, InDaSkies will open for Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime at White Oak Music Hall in Houston on March 29.
Additionally, a tour is in the works for summer 2019, canvassing 11 states from Florida to North Carolina to Maryland from July 4 to 14.
“We are really excited about the summer tour, with our final ‘coming home’ show to wrap up the tour at Scout Bar on July 14. That night, there will be several great Texas bands on the bill as well,” Rios said. “InDaSkies will also be hosting a festival of all genres in late summer with several national bands and local bands, so stay tuned for details on that!” he added. Whether it’s here in Clear Lake, throughout the Houston area, or even from the East to the West Coast—whether it’s new members, or new EPs, however— one thing remains true for the band:
“It’s still our loco music straight up, but with new music and a fresh new experience with our performances,” Serrato said. “Unity through music, though…that is always the goal.”
So go visit www.indaskies.com or their Facebook page a “like” to check their new EP, previous music, updates, and latest performance dates—better yet, catch them live this month!
InDaSkies will bring their fresh new irie vibes next in the area at Palapa Bar in Kemah on March 17 to add to the St. Patty’s party—and when you go, make sure to tell them The SCENE sent you!
