Hamilton band’s new song gets personal
Devilskin’s new song talks openly about endometriosis
Internationally acclaimed Hamilton band Devilskin have released a new song about vocalist Jennie Skulander’s struggle with stage 4 endometriosis.
The four-piece band are currently touring the country and Kiwi audiences got to hear the song ENDO before its video release on Friday.
The dynamic twists and shifts of the song are intended to reflect Jennie Skulander’s rollercoaster experience with the disease.
“ENDO is based on my surgery for Stage 4 Endometriosis, something I was unaware I had. The lyric “break the mass up” is about having an 11cm cyst (Endometrioma) on my ovary removed.
“This disease effects so many women worldwide, I really think it’s time we talked openly about it,” she said.
More than 120,000 girls and women have endometriosis in New Zealand and it can take more than eight years to get a diagnosis.
“The most important thing is to recognise the symptoms early and follow a recommended treatment plan to avoid symptoms interfering with schooling, career, relationships, quality of life or fertility downstream,” Deborah Bush CEO of Endometriosis New Zealand said.
The video was directed by Shae Sterling and was created in collaboration with the band. Devilskin bass player, Paul Martin, described it as “visually arresting” and significant.
“The subject matter demands attention and we are confident this video does it real justice,” he said.
He added a disclaimer. “It’s not for the faint hearted.”
The release comes in the middle of a 36-date tour of New Zealand, Europe and the United Kingdom.
The Hamiltonians were invited to support the Grammy Award winning US band Halestorm and will tour Europe with them in October.
“Halestorm are huge in Europe so it was an offer we couldn’t resist.”
The two bands originally connected in 2016 when Devilskin got the American group to join their summer tour of New Zealand and Australia.
“I guess they had such a good time they want to hang with us again so they’ve invited us to open for them.”
The bass player is looking forward to seeing Halestorm again and spoke of the bond the bands developed.
“That’s the cool thing about rock’n’roll. You meet like-minded souls, you form relationships and you get to travel and hang out with folks. It’s awesome.”
Before leaving for Europe Devilskin will play at Hamilton’s Altitude on September 13 with guests Written by Wolves.
