Courtesy www.iuma.com

Sophmore Mike Mowry recorded ‘The Killing TIme EP’ in the residence halls of ASU. The ska album features three original songs by Mowry.

ASU student releases album of traditional ska
Mike Mowry’s solo album ‘The Killing Time EP’ blends Jamaican folk, Caribbean and American soul

Kevin DeLury - Entertainment Beat

The residence hall rooms of Appalachian State University may not seem like the best environment in which to record an album, but for Mike Mowry, they were just right.

Mowry, 20, has just finished recording his solo album entitled “The Killing Time EP,” on which he plays bass, clarinet, drums, guitar, percussion and vocals.

“I recorded on my computer in my dorm room,” said Mowry.

“The Killing Time EP” is a return to traditional ska music circa 1964: a blend of Jamaican folk music incorporating elements of Caribbean and American soul music. Sitting in on some of the tracks is fellow Appalachian State student Willie Lewis on soprano saxophone.
Mowry even has perfected the distinct pops and crackles of old vinyl ska albums.

The album includes three original songs, as well as covers of “You Belong to My Heart,” by Lord Tanamo and the Skatalites, along with “Night Food” by Baba Brooks and Duke Reid.

“The first ska CD I ever bought was Hepcat,” said Mowry on how he was introduced to the ska scene. “My biggest influence as of now is probably the Skatelites, the Slackers and Prince Buster,” he said.

Keeping in the spirit of independent music, Mowry has not only recorded his own album but has also established his own record label through which to distribute it. Mowry founded Lonely Ska Records in December 2001, as a vehicle to get the word out about his, as well as others, musical endeavors.

“I’d like to get the North Carolina scene on the map,” said Mowry. “I think we have a good place for a scene in North Carolina. It’s kind of small, but I think all it takes is one big show.”

Mowry, a sophomore, hails from Charlotte and before that, Seattle, Wash. Since the age of six, he’s been involved in music.

“I got my first piano lessons when I was in the first grade, so I’ve been playing ever since,” said Mowry. Along the way, Mowry has picked up a working knowledge of just about every instrument he needed to record his album.

Besides his solo project, Mowry also plays in another Appalachian State band called Las Cabriolas with Lewis. Las Cabriolas, along with Mowry’s solo project, are featured on Lonely Ska Records.

Support for his music scene doesn’t end with bands and an independent label, though. Mowry can be heard Sunday from 10 p.m.–midnight on 90.5 WASU. His show, “Lonely Ska Radio,” showcases music similar to that found on his album.

“It’s an all-ska show, with some early reggae too,” said Mowry.

To find more information on Lonely Ska Records, as well as hear MP3s from “The Killing Time EP,” visit the Lonely Ska website: http://MikeMowry.iuma.com.