LAKE COUNTY — Dreams can come true, especially when you combine talent with perseverance. Ask SK2, they”ll tell you.
The four-piece rock ”n” roll band, hailing from the northshore of Clear Lake, is looking forward to the release of its debut album, due to hit the record shelves Tuesday, Nov. 20. The self-titled album is a collection of 11 songs touching on signs of the time, corporate evils, political influences and the state of the world in general. It contains all the universal themes all people can relate to, even those “love/hate” relationships.
From playing in the symphony as high school students of Clear Lake High School in Lakeport to playing in a rock ”n” roll band, SK2 is realizing its dream as opportunities seem to be presenting themselves with every dawn of the new day. Jay Johnson (vocals/guitar), Kirk Lyons (vocals/guitar) and Mark Johnson (drums/vocals) spent their initial years under the direction of Lake County”s own renowned instructor John Parkinson. “He just taught us all how to play our instruments and he taught us music theory,” said Lyons. “He gave everyone the encouragement to keep playing.” Lyons added that bassist/keyboardist Alex Land also played music at Clear Lake High School but just missed playing under the direction of Parkinson.
Konocti Presents ? and Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa President/General Manager/Promoter Greg Bennett in particular has been extremely instrumental in advancing the band. SK2 was given the opportunity to share the stage with the hottest tickets Bennett had going last summer when they opened for Kid Rock and for Alice in Chains during BoardStock XI in 2006. And what”s even more exciting is that SK2 opened for this summer”s hottest act, Aerosmith, which has also been deemed as the biggest thing to ever hit Konocti Field Amphitheater.
“Opening for Aerosmith has been the highlight of our career,” said Lyons. “We got two encores that night and that was really important to us as a band. We really appreciate all the support we”ve received from Greg. He”s very knowledgeable and has great insights. He”s always given us the right direction.”
It appears that SK2 is headed in the right direction with its debut album due to hit national distribution on Nov. 20 under the Las Vegas-based label 3BN Records. The band is currently in the process of mastering the CD to bring a finished product to fans that they can really grab hold of.
“We”ve got a modern sound with a solid tie to the history of rock ”n” roll. We know what works and how to get a reaction from the crowd,” said Jay Johnson. “The trick is making something that the audience can connect with.”
SK2”s new album will bring back something the band feels has been missing in rock music of late. “Harmonies are a long lost art in the rock music business,” said Lyons. “We have two great lead singers and put that into three-part harmony and you have something we think today”s rock music has been missing.”
The recording is a reality-based album capturing the influences that have assisted in shaping the band. Songs reflect on common issues today”s people share. “You have to listen to the world around you. Music always describes the times,” said Lyons. “Music is an integral part of everyone. Music is in everyone. It frees the spirit. If I”m not in balance with my music I”m not in balance with my life.”
Being from a small resort community where there”s not much more to do other than play music or find some trouble, SK2 realizes the importance in encouraging music in youth. “There”s not a lot for kids to do around here,” said Johnson. “You have to give them something positive to focus their energy on. We found music.”
Ultimately, SK2 would like to help foster local talent and plan to seek out and possibly produce young bands. “I really think there is a lot of talent in Lake and Mendocino counties and we want to nurture and help them,” said Johnson. To the kids, Johnson advises this: “Focus, practice and progress. You”ve got to dedicate yourself to get where we are. There”s a lot of competition out there and you”ve got to be determined to compete.”
“SK2” will hit national distribution on Tuesday, Nov. 20. The CD will also be available on several online outlets such as amazon.com, itunes and more. Listen for the first release off the album, “Take Me Out,” on local radio stations such as The Fox, KWINE and KXBX or visit the band”s Web site at www.sk2online.com to hear it now.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
