I hadn't heard anything from the Berlin ska label Pork Pie for a while, but now the label has made a comeback. This time with a book.
SKA IM TRANSIT
The book, presented by Emma Steel and Matt Ska a.k.a. Matzge from Pork Pie, attempts to depict the development of ska in Germany before and after the reunification. Musicians and creators are interviewed, sharing their experiences in varying degrees of detail, providing a deep insight into the subject. The beginnings of ska in Germany are illuminated just as much as the unique situation after the reunification. For many, playing in the other part of Germany for the first time was a special event in many ways. The issue of Nazism, particularly in the eastern part of the republic, is also addressed, along with the sometimes painful experiences that were made.
Important and influential festivals, both then and now, are discussed, as well as the influences of the music.
The book does not claim to provide a complete or even music-historically relevant picture of the ska history of the last 40 years. However, it quickly becomes clear through the interview partners that there is concentrated ska expertise present. Thus, a often personal picture of the development of this music genre is drawn.
The concept of the book is based on asking the interview partners the same questions. This allows for comparison of the answers and highlighting differences. Whether the reader does this and to what extent is left to each individual. The book does not comment on the statements separately or place them in a historical context; rather, the personal perspective is meant to remain, making each interview a piece of history.
The concept is thus strongly inspired by the interview and photo book “Yesterday Kids,” which focused more on the punk history in Germany.
SKA IM TRANSIT has thus become a very personal book that, nonetheless or precisely because it is the only work to date about the development of ska in Germany, is both historically relevant and an enjoyable read.
Interview partners include musicians and band members from Dr Ring Ding to The Busters, Die Tornados, Skaos, Blechreiz, Mother’s Pride, Yellow Umbrella, as well as bookers like Mutti from Muttis Booking, labels like Grover Records, Pork Pie, fanzine writers, and concert organizers.
All in all, a very interesting book, not only for ska lovers.
