It has long been known throughout the history of time that music brings people together. Whether singing songs, playing instruments or merely talking about favorite tunes, music creates a bond that is difficult to put into words. In fact, according to a 2014 study conducted across four different cultures, it was found that music strengthens family and peer relations, improving social and emotional well-being.
A local punk group is proving that families that play together do in fact stay together. SKUNKPUNK is a four-piece talented youth alternative/indy/rock/punk band that started with cousins and quickly became a family affair, adding the support of parents who had years in the business.
Cousins Elvis Simodoni (bass/vocals) and McKade Hancock (drums) started the musical adventure, adding Oli Wenham (guitar/vocals) and now Joby Merril (guitar). These talented teens, with the support of their musical families, have recently shared the stage with local band Monkey Friday at the Here Comes the Sun music festival in Payson and at Java Junkie in Provo. Oli’s father, Ray Wenham, sings in Monkey Friday and is currently coaching SKUNKPUNK in this student band program.
As young as the bandmembers are, they, too, have years of musical training under their belts. Elvis Simondi has nearly a decade of experience developing in the Real Rock Band program out of Olde Main Studios. She has also spent years developing her vocals, and with the help of her mother’s bass guitar, she has become an exceptional bassist. Elvis is a well-rounded musician, and has also been known to play keyboard and guitar on occasion in past bands, but for now, she is holding the groove down on bass and keeping some smooth melody lines on vocals. Her parents, Mark and Andrea, have consistently supported her and the program volunteering with concerts, parade floats, and wherever needed.
When occasion permits, drummer McKade Hancock likes to add a little of his school jazz band influence into SKUNKPUNK. Impromptu jazz jams between songs on stage is the result. McKade’s family is also a big support at all the shows and rehearsals, helping carpool and volunteering where needed. McKades’s mother Whitney is heavily involved with the Spanish Fork Arts Festival, the Friday night food trucks with live music in Spanish Fork, and other musical themed events in the city.
Adding yet another family heirloom to the band’s repertoire is guitarist Joby’s US Gibson Les Paul guitar that came from her grandfather. With that guitar (and likely without), Joby adds a very nice second layer of guitar to the music of SKUNKPUNK. And much like her badmates, Joby brings with her a very supportive family who often travels from Salt Lake County to support her and the band.
Watching SKUNKPUNK perform onstage with the support of each other and their respective families shows the magic of music and how it brings families closer together – and can even turn strangers into family. The bond created through music is one of the most unifying things in this world.
SKUNKPUNK and multiple other youth bands from Real Rock Band can be seen performing on September 5and 6 at The Angelus Theatre in Spanish Fork. More concert info or Real Rock band info at angelustheatre.com or oldemainstudios.com. You can also follow SKUNKPUNK on Instagram @skunkpunkofficial and Monkey Friday on Instagram @monkeyfridayband for show updates.Â
