Take the inspiration of musical greats such as the Beatles, David Bowie, and the Ramones, add the courage to get up on stage, mix it with raw talent, and you’ll have a glimpse of why Jack Skuller, at the young age of 13, surpassed other talent show contestants to win first place in the teen division of the Big Joe Jersey Talent Show in Point Pleasant Beach last Sept. 6. The contest was sponsored by 101.5 FM, New Jersey Radio.
Since then, the young singer/songwriter/guitar player has been invited to play at the next Loser’s Lounge tribute to David Bowie at Joe’s Pub in New York City, and at the Hoboken Arts and Music Festival. Jack will perform on the Sixth Street stage in Hoboken next Sunday.
Chances are he’ll be singing the song that helped him win his contest, “Love Is a Drum,” a lighthearted rock-and-roll tune written by Jack that describes the feeling of being pounded like a drum when encountering romantic heartache.
“If you think about it, every single detail is something to write about.” – Jack Skuller
________
“Last year he started writing songs on his own, and I said, ‘These songs sound really sophisticated for your age,’ ” said Jack’s father, Eddie Skuller, who has been a pillar of musical encouragement for young Jack.
Jack said, “Music has always been around me. I went to my dad’s gigs when I was in a stroller.” Then he laughed and added, “I just feel like music is a natural thing to me.”
Skuller’s father, who has jammed to tunes of blues and jazz in the past, said that he supports his son’s drive to perform.
“Maybe because he’s got a youthful energy and he’s serious,” Eddie said. “People seem to like what they hear with him.”
Eddie Skuller then reminisced about the time when new fans noticed Jack walking around and shouted to him in support, “Love Is a Drum!”
The iMac taught him guitar
Though the young Skuller took piano lessons as a child, it is really the guitar that Jack feels most comfortable with. He nearly self-taught himself through an iMac computer program designed to provide guitar lessons.
“It helped me a lot; you can go at your own pace. It was easy to learn. It was fun,” said Jack.
Jack also said he quickly developed an ear and the finger maneuvers necessary to play the right chords.
“I kept playing and practicing. Now I can accompany myself on stage,” said Jack.
Reaching for fame
Jack is now aiming for a full fledged music career. He’s made connections with Daniel Rey, known for his involvement with the legendary punk rock group The Ramones. Rey produced a three-song demo with Jack, who will be in contact with record labels in October.
Asked what advice he would give to other kids who might want to reach out for fame, Jack responded, “If you really want to do it, you always have to put that extra step and just do your best.”
To learn more, visit his website at: www.jackskuller.com
Melissa Rappaport may be reached at mrappaport@hudsonreporter.com