Kevin Ski and his Loop Machine

Ok. I’m just going to come right on out and say that I’m likely going to be very excited about every musician/band that I speak with. Amelia River Cruises’ has fantastic taste once again by hiring Kevin Ski and his Loop Machine.

But COME ON!! Kevin Swenszkowski is someone you HAVE to come watch. This man’s got raw talent that all of us would kill for an ounce of. (well, I’m guessing all of us. I mean you are reading an article on a musician sooo… I’m guessing you like music.)

Life Changes and The Pizza Palace

Kevin’s story is one that many of us can relate too. Born and raised in Jacksonville, he married to his high school sweetheart, Jennifer, and began their married life working as a general contractor. With this job Kevin had a pretty stable work/family life balance. Then, in 2008, the economy tanked. No one was building, getting additions, or otherwise updating their homes – So, Kevin had to look for work elsewhere.

Instead of taking the first thing that popped up, Kevin decided to take a chance on something he loved. His music.

Starting 10 years ago, sitting on a bar-stool at an open mic night, Kevin was offered his first paying gig. At the Pizza Palace.

His payment? $25 and a slice.

Let the good times roll…

Starting a New Career

But he was doing what he loved. Kevin went on to call establishment that had an open mic night in his area.

“The managers all said the same thing, ‘Come play. If we like what we hear we will book you. Now they call me.”

By maintaining the work ethic and professionalism he was known for in the construction business, Kevin was able to get his name out and started booking gigs fast. Still he says that establishments can be hard.

“If musicians want to be successful, they have to understand that this not all fun and games, it’s a business and needs to be treated as such. You have to keep up with the trends, play music you don’t like, and always remember you are a performer. Hired to make the crowd happy. People in the crowd don’t always start the show in a good mood. They had a bad day at work, got into a fight at home, are reeling from a recent loss, but you have the opportunity to change that. That’s pretty amazing and is something that should be taken seriously.

One of the places I have played at said I was one of the most professional they have seen – That meant the world to me – I can do doubles 4 nights a week and not miss a beat. You don’t drink, do drugs, or get wrapped up in the drama. You show up and bring your A-Game. Every Time. And if you screw up. You apologize and learn from it. I have only messed up once in my career but it hit me hard and making sure it doesn’t happen again is something you need to take very seriously.”

Kevin Ski and his Loop Machine

Along with his shear talent, Kevin’s style sets him apart from other solo artists and bands. He utilizes a machine called a Loop Machine. This is something that I could not understand over the phone – Sorry Kevin- but, from what I could gather, it allows him to become a one-man band. He combines beat-boxing and bass guitar, then performs guitar and vocals live. (He might be able to do all this live. That is where he lost me. Seriously people, I had to move to Michigan. Can someone PLEASE FB live this for me! It sounds amazing.)

Kevin’s style has evolved over the years. He started by singing rock ballads. “I would imitate the singers; but then I found my voice and I put my own spin on things.  I stepped up my game when I got a looper and adjusted my set list when my wife told me, ‘you have to get the girls up and dancing! When the girls dance, the guys dance. Then they start spending money. Jennifer is my biggest supporter.”

Listening to his wife’s advice (as all husbands should), he greatly expanded on the number of songs he could play. Kevin now calls himself “The Human Jukebox”. The man knows about 1500 (!!!) songs – country, rock, pop, rap, oldies, do-op – and he is always up for trying something new.

Try to stump him. I triple dog dare you.

My Wife, My Love, My … Pimp??

As far as challenges, Kevin says that watching his wife have to balance his new – sleep during the day and awake all night – schedule has been very hard. He spent his first 15 married years with a normal schedule. Switching definitely was an adjustment. But it was one she was happy to make.

“She is my biggest supporter. Still, I have to admit, she treats me a bit like a prostitute now. [laughter] For example, she comes to my outdoor gigs and brings our adorable French Bulldog. All the girls stop by and want to pet our dog; but she’s all ‘Ladies forget the dog! Do you see that hottie up there?!’ Fast forward to me asking her to grab me some water later in the night and all the girls’ eyes getting huge.” Kevin laughs. “She’s amazing.”

Book it!

So, what can you expect on your tour on Amelia River Cruises?

A whole lot of fun, that’s what!

Seriously though, Kevin loves his gigs on Amelia River Cruises.

“The Captains and Mates are awesome, staff overall is phenomenal, and the small crowd really allows me to have a connection with the audience that I don’t get at bigger venues.

Amelia River Cruises also provides me with a new challenge. Being on a cruise is not like other gigs. It’s far more important to watch everyone’s reactions and make sure that all on board have a great time. Every. Last. One.”

To do this he takes requests and tailors every performance around the group he is playing for. And at the end of the night, Kevin always performs the National Anthem to show his support of our Nations Veterans.

If you haven’t gathered, I think Kevin’s act is pretty amazing. Something everyone should add to their to-do list this summer.

If you would like to heed my recommendation and book on Amelia River Cruises with Kevin Ski this summer click BOOK SKI now.

For more information on Kevin including upcoming performances, check him out on Facebook at Kevin Ski.

Categorised in: Cruises & Events