Sledge from the Toasters

1997 - Tim

We caught up with Sledge after the Toasters came off stage at the NESF. Here is what our conversation sounded like.

Tim: What did you think about the New England Ska Festival, was it fun?

Sledge: It was very fun, it was good to see the kids out, having fun, dancing, Ska is alive.

Tim: What do you think about playing with greats such as the Skatalites...

Sledge:Aw, man, those guys (sarcastically) it’s nothing man. No, it’s really great, because we try to get around as much as possible, but with the scene really becoming popular it’s kinda hard to keep in contact, I mean, I’ve known the Skatalites for years, Jeff Baker and them, and the Pilfers and now that the scene is getting big and the bands are really, well it’s kinda hard for everyone to get together to see each other, but when we get the chance like this as a matter of fact there is Jeff Baker right there...

Django: I love the way you play the saxophone.

Sledge: Thank you, but I don’t play the saxophone you jerk off.

Django: That’s not what I heard.

Sledge: You heard wrong. GET OUT OF HERE.

Django: I was talking to Rolff over there and he asked who was playing, I told him the Toasters and he said ‘That’s why I hear a good Trumpet’.

Sledge: That’s cool.

Tim: Any words of advice?

Sledge: Whatever you are going to do do it, and do it to the best of your abilities. I don’t care what it is, whether it’s Ska-core, traditional, 2tone, 3rd wave, whatever it is, if you’re going to do it, do it well, don’t fuck around with it. If someone tells you ‘hey you can’t play ska-core because it’s not real ska’ play what you like to play. If it’s what you want to do, do it. Don’t listen to others, go for it.