This weeks T.G.I.F. featured artist is Skyler, a 19 year old pop/rock singer from York, Maine. Learn more about Skyler from the Q&A below! Be sure to check his tunes out on his website.

SUR: How did the band come together?
Michael, Adam, and I were already writing songs together, so it was an easy fit for them to join the band. I met John at Berklee College of Music and became fast friends. We bonded over the fact that we were the only two guys at Berklee that really liked Taylor Swift. We started doing some shows together and he joined the band shortly after. We went through a number of drummers of until the Summer of 2010 when Mark joined the band.

SUR: How’d you come up with your name?
Skyler is my name. The name of the band is only used live, “Skyler and the Band of Thieves.” Kind of like Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band is only used at live shows.

SUR: What bands/artists are you influenced by?
The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, The Who, Green Day, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, etc.

SUR: How would you describe your music for people who have never heard it before?
A mixture of pop, rock, and country. The male response to Taylor Swift.

SUR: What makes your band different from all the other ones out there?
We bring a type of songwriting and performing that is currently underrepresented in Pop music.
LINK: http://straightuprandom.com/2011/03/26/t-g-i-f-artist-skyler/

Here's a brief interview with Skyler. Check it out.

HP: What got you interested in playing music? Who do you want to be compared to? And what are your biggest influences?
SKYLER: I've always been interested in playing music. I think it was the Beatles who inspired me the most, though. 

How long have you been into music? What instruments do you know how to play?
My first instrument was drums, then I learned how to play guitar, bass, and piano. Of course, I sing. 

What are some of your future goals? Any big plans for this new year?
I hope to keep on playing my music for bigger and bigger audiences. 

Is it hard doing a solo project? What obstacles have you gone through?
Although I may be a solo artist, I am fortunate enough to have a very supportive band behind me. My biggest obstacle has been trying to explain that I am a solo artist but I also have a band, like Bruce Springsteen or Tom Petty or Billy Joel. 

Have they made you stronger and more determined?
No... It just makes things confusing! But I wouldn't have it any other way. My band is what keeps me grounded.

What do you want people to know about you?
My music. 

Where can we find your music? And how many releases do you have for us?
"Long Gone" is available on all digital download retailers (iTunes, Napster, Amazon, Rhapsody). We have a follow-up release coming out in the Spring!


LINK: http://www.harmoniumpress.com/local-bands-you-need-to-know.html

We had the chance to talk with Skyler and here is what he day to say.

Please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your self.
My name is Skyler. I'm a songwriter, singer, performer, and multi-instrumentalist.

So how Long have you been playing music?
I've been playing music for as long as I can remember.

That is amazing. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Playing for as many people as I can.

What/who inspires you to write music?
Girls. What else?

At any point and time have you ever suffered from stage fright? If so, how did you overcome it?
I can't speak for my band, but I know that I haven't suffered from stage fright. My advice to people that do: fake it til you make it.

What has been the most creative gift you all got from a fan?
One fan read in an interview that I am gluten free (can't eat wheat). So, she brought me some homemade gluten free cookies at a show.

How would you describe your sound for new people listening to you?
Most people describe it as some form of Pop/Rock/Country. Someone just told me that my music reminds them of all of the best parts of '90s Alt Rock. 

What is one thing that fans do not know about you?
Surprise! I'm gluten free. (not by choice)

What are some bands/artists that have been your biggest influence so far?
The Beatles, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, The Who, Elvis Costello, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Kings of Leon, Coldplay.

Are your parents supportive of you playing music?
Yes, they are.

What got you interested in playing music?
I've always been interested music. I was just born that way....

What was the first album you bought?
Beatles for Sale-The Beatles.

What has been your most recent music purchase?
The soundtrack from Country Strong.

What can people expect from you in 2011?
Touring, a new release, videos, and much, much more!

LINK: http://musicangelpress.yolasite.com/interviews.php

Skyler - Long Gone
Reviewed by: alienantidote (02/26/11)
Skyler - Long Gone
Record Label – Sky-Hi Records
Release – June 16th, 2010

Author's RatingVocals 9.25Musicianship 8.75Lyrics 9Production 9.25Creativity 8.5Lasting Value 8.75Reviewer Tilt 9.5Final Verdict: 90%I think I just fell in love.

Maybe it’s like the chick flick genre of the music scene, but whatever it is, Skyler know what they’re doing. This five-track gem is fun, it’s poppy, it’s upbeat, and it says all the right things for a girl’s smitten heart. 

“I love the way you look when you’re holding my hand,” the opening track, oh so aptly titled “Hold My Hand” has worked its way into my head. Um, I’m never even met this kid, but I’m pretty sure I would adore holding his hand right about now. This is fairytale storytelling through music and a focus on the little things in life.

Flip over to “Stephanie” for desires of roadtripping to Mexico and swimming the Rio Grande. The track is a little bit slower and a little more country (Is that a fiddle I hear in the background?), but provides a perfect complement to the faster-paced openers.

Starting up in third grade most certainly provides this five-piece band with more than enough practice. What were you doing in third grade? Playing hopscotch? Maybe trading Pokemon cards or walking the dog with your yo-yo? Simply put, these guys have the experience and they know what they’re doing. 

Let’s say this is Taylor Swift in guy form. Hell yes, this is so sweet that I feel I may need to shelter Long Gone from the inevitable Disney-oriented audiences that are going to swarm this EP. Skyler’s got guilty pleasure written all over them in all the best of ways.

Recommended If You Likesugary sweet perfection with a hint of country, Ryan Cabrera, Taylor Swift, Jonas Brothers
 
LINK: http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=2192571

In this interview Andrea Charidemou catches up with up-and-coming Skyler from York, ME.
 
MNS: How did you discover your passion for music?
Skyler: Listening to my parents’ record collection when I was in preschool.

MNS: Who are your musical influences?
Skyler: The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Taylor Swift….

MNS: How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard it before?
Skyler: A mixture of pop, rock, and country. I’m often referred to as the male version of Taylor Swift.

MNS: Describe the writing and recording process of Long Gone.
Skyler: I wrote all of the songs with my songwriting partners, Adam and Michael Scharff. We went into the studio with and recorded the record with renowned producer, Jonathan Wyman.

MNS: What was your favorite part of making Long Gone?
Skyler: The late night, long distance writing sessions via Skype.

MNS: Any specific song off the EP you consider your favorite, and if so, why?
Skyler: I love them all.

MNS: What is your favorite lyric, either yours or someone else’s?
Skyler: “And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.” [The Beatles, "The End"]

MNS: Tell us about your favorite concert experience.
Skyler: I got to see Demi Lovato, front row, center in Nashville. I walked into the box office a few hours before the concert started and asked for the best tickets available.

MNS: The best show I’ve ever played was__________.
Skyler: Higher Ground in Vermont.

MNS: What do you think you would be doing if you weren’t playing music?
Skyler: Acting, probably.

MNS: What does 2011 have in store for Skyler?
Skyler: We’re about to head into the studio to record a follow-up record and we’re currently planning a summer tour!

MNS: Who is your celebrity crush?
Skyler: Taylor Swift.

MNS: What was the best compliment you’ve ever received?
Skyler: Nice hair.

MNS: Biggest pet peeve?
Skyler: Gluten.

LINK: http://musicneversleeps.net/2011/02/19/interview-skyler/

Skyler Interview
By Rachelle

The other day I had the privilege of watching a performance by up and coming artist Skyler, an interview was included as well. He may only be 19 but this guy is talented and will soon be tearing up radio airwaves all over the world. Keeping reading to learn more plus check out some pictures and a video.

When I showed up for my Skyler interview and show review I had no idea what to expect but I was in for a real treat. He is a singer, musician, and writer, yes he can do it all and let me tell you he does it well. Not only was he fantastic to talk to but he gave a kick butt performance that kept me enthralled the whole time. He was born to perform and you can see that the entire time he is on stage. Plus he is super cute to and looks good doing his thing up there.

I had a great chat with the guy that will soon be a household name and you can read all about it below.

Q. Did you always know you wanted to be a musician?
A. Ever since I was listening to my parents Beatles records at like age 3 or 4 I knew I wanted to be in the music business.

Q. How did you get started in the music business?
A. All throughout elementary school I tried to form groups or bands but I was in elementary school. By middle school I was playing the drums, guitar and I had been writing songs for years but I was still struggling to find people who wanted to be in a band. It wasn’t until high school that I finally found people who wanted to be in a group. Things kind of took off from there.

Q. So you started writing your own music at a young at then?
A. I actually began writing my own songs when I was in about third grade. My inspiration for songs at that age is kind of the same as it is now, girls.

Q. Have you recorded any of the songs you wrote from back them?
A. Nope not at all. I needed to write those songs to get to the good ones.

Q. How did you get started on the current tour you are doing?
A. I have been working with the guitar player Adam and base player Michael for a number of years. Adam the guitar player was actually my guitar teacher from about age 11 until I went to the Berkly College of Music, which is where I met John the fiddle player. When it came time to start a band it made sense to have Adam and Michael in it because they helped me write the songs and John just fit in perfectly. Then we found Mark the drummer and we all just meshed together.

Q. The band’s name is Skyler and your name is Skyler. How is it that your name became the band name?
A. Whenever I did anything solo it was always Skyler so now whether it is with the band or on my own it is Skyler so that everything is under the same name. I do some stuff on my own like going into schools to promote shows and to show kids what it is like to be out there doing stuff with a band. I personally love to be with the band more than on my own. You can do a lot more with the band.

Q. How would you describe your sound?
A. It is a mixture of pop rock and country. I get called the male version of Taylor Swift, which I think is really cool. I love her and think she is incredibly talented. I would be honored to do a duet with her someday, if things worked out that way.

Q. Who else would you like to collaborate with?
A. Most of my idols and inspirations are either dead or really old. The Beatles, The Who, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen. Those are the types of groups that I grew up listening to so anyone from those groups would be a dream to collaborate with.

Q. What do your parents think of this music journey you are one?
A. They are very supportive. I am from York Maine which is a big summer cities. We get a lot of tourists because it is right on the beach. So it is a different but they are supportive of my career choice.

Q. What is it like traveling so much?
A. It is really fun. The only tough part is navigating around the streets of New York City.

Q. if you could pick any venue in the world to play at where would it be?
A. I have always wanted to play Madison Square Garden. Ever since I was a kid and I watched a DVD of *NSYNC playing there I decided that is where I need to play.

Q. What is next for you?
A. We are currently promoting our EP of Long Gone, then we are about to go into the studio to work on another EP. The new one will be out in April. Beyond that it is just touring and playing as many shows possible to perform in front of as many people as possible.

Q. Anything else you want the world to know about you?
A. Times kind of suck now and when we wrote the first EP it was with the idea to give people a chance to escape from the hardships of the economy, politics etc. We wanted to give them something to help them shut it all out and I hope we accomplished that.

Q. Where can people follow you and your career?
A. People can follow me on Twitter @sklylertunes or Facebook under skylertunes. If people want to listen to songs from the EP they can go to the MySpace page which is also sklyertunes.

Make sure you check out the below video of Sklyer, interviewing him was amazing. I had a great time watching him perform as well as talking him before hand. He is one to watch my friends so keep your eye on him.

LINK: http://www.rightcelebrity.com/?p=11781