feature: brooklyn hip-hop-pop-rockers the skins catch up with afropunk contributor raymond hagans after their le poisson rouge show

The Skins played two sold out tours supporting the UK band The Heavy as well as a sold out tour with Jake Bugg and they blew audiences away at the Afro Punk festival two years in a row. Their songs have been licensed for tennis’s Australian Open on ESPN, an eight-week Cinemax ad campaign, and the soundtrack for the HBO film “Entourage.” The Skins signed a major label record deal with American Recordings and are currently working on their next release with Rick Rubin.

The Skins’ blazing 35 minute set at Le Poisson Rouge left the audience wanting more. Lead singer Bayli sings like she is possessed by a voodo woman’s spirit as she mesmerises the audience with her amazing voice. Bayli and her sister Kaya Nico (badass bass player), jam together not only by letting Bayli take over the bass while Kaya raps, but they danced to Rihanna’s ‘Work’ mid-set. During a Skin’s show the audience may be captivated by Bayli and Kaya Nico and not realize how seamless and tight the rest of the band members are. However, in a intimate venue like Le Poisson Rouge you are up close and you feel the symmetry in this great young band.

By Raymond Hagans*, AFROPUNK Contributor