Skinny Puppy to split up for good after 41 years according to new interview
Skinny Puppy to split up for good after 41 years according to new interview
According to an interview with the Canadian industrial music pioneers, Nivek Ogre and cEvin Key, in LA Weekly (published on November 30), Skinny Puppy will split up after this tour. Skinny Puppy formed in Vancouver in 1982. The group is among the founders of the industrial rock and electro-industrial genres. Initially envisioned as an experimental side-project by cEvin Key (Kevin Crompton) while he was in the new wave band Images in Vogue, Skinny Puppy evolved into a full-time project with the addition of vocalist Nivek Ogre (Kevin Ogilvie).
Key acknowledges internal conflicts but emphasizes the joy and special nature of their last performances. Ogre from his side dismisses any notions of a future reunion: “People thinking that we’re gonna come back for a money grab in 10 years – it’s not gonna happen. In 10 years, I’ll be 70, so it’s definitely not gonna happen. But in five years or three years or whatever, it’s not gonna happen.”
The interview also reveals the complex dynamics between Ogre and Key, hinting at strained relations despite their mutual respect and admiration for each other’s talents. In the interview Key reflects on the band’s journey, expressing surprise at their longevity and satisfaction with their final tour. “I clearly remember saying in interviews back in the ’80s that there’s no way we’re gonna be doing this when we’re 60. So now we’re 60-plus, and it’s bizarre that we’re still going. (…) We have spent 40 years running that fine line between acrimony and getting work done.”
Talking about the past Key is quoted saying this about his work with the late Dwayne Goettel: “I only got to work with Dwayne for nine years, but we did manage to make a number of albums through that time. But the memory of working with him is unsurpassed.” As for highlights he mentions albums like “VIVIsectVI,” “Too Dark Park,” and “Last Rights” as creative high points.
Discomfort with the ‘industrial music’ label
Ogre shares his evolution as an artist and person since the band’s inception in 1983. Discussing the authenticity of his early work, he seems to be disillusionised with the current state of music, which he feels often prioritizes commercial success over genuine emotion.
Ogre and Key also discuss their discomfort with the ‘industrial music‘ label, noting how the genre has evolved and diverged from its original ethos. Ogre says more precisely this: “As far as the scene goes, it seems to have devolved into more of a metal vibe, for the most part. All of the stuff that I loved about industrial music that came out of Genesis, with industrial records, or even going back to Stockhausen, all of that kind of, just freedom to do whatever with whatever. That’s the thing that’s missing in industrial music.”
Despite their imminent split, both Ogre and Key have future projects lined up. Ogre is collaborating with Paul Barker and others on a new project, while Key has completed scoring for the video game “Silent Hill: Ascension” and is working on a new album with Bill Leeb.
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