SKOOKUM, "Rockstar Dreamers", June 2009, Independent Local indie/alt/hard rockers Skookum are set to release their second album. The title, Rockstar Dreamers, is fitting because, frankly, who isn't? Rockstar Dreamers is mostly an extension of a track contained within the album called New Age Rockstar, the lament of a wannabe rock idol that’s willing to do anything to make it. However, it also says a lot about the band itself. Lead singer Vanman sheds light on Skookum’s weekend warrior reality, which is striving to make a living at music while working less glamorous jobs to pay the rent. “Recently, we had this photo shoot where we did all the poses and showed all the swagger that goes along with a typical rock ‘n’ roll shoot,” he says. “But after we were done, some of the guys wondered if the shots misrepresented the band. We really don't take ourselves very seriously. There are no delusions of grandeur... Well, only occasionally.” If you’re wondering, the band kept the photos, but only for tongue-in-cheek purposes. As for the album, Rockstar Dreamers is a full-on, hard-rock exposition that’s influenced by multiple genres, from grunge to punk to stoner rock to heavy metal. Band favourites include Bender (“Drink 'til yer sick and like it”) and Jigsaw (“You were not born to fail, but you believe that you can”), both riff-heavy tunes with big vocals. Meanwhile, tracks like the softer Rollin’ Along, along with the clean-thumping groove of That Girl, are great examples of Skookum’s diverse range. Following in the footsteps of the band’s debut album, Big Phat Sounds, Skookum is excited to show off their latest effort. - Recorded at Columbia Recording Academy with engineer/producer Kyhan Smith.