Hillbilly Skank rewrites the tune

IT’S fair to say hillbillies don’t always get the best rap in popular culture. Abe Stewart and his muso mates are out to change that with their band, Hillbilly Skank.

“Hillbillies, like all minorities, probably get a bit of a tough time,” Stewart says. “We will do our best to improve the hillbilly profile by using our manners and playing great tunes.”

It all began when Stewart’s wife gave him a banjo for his birthday. He spent much of the following year holed up in a shipping container on his property at Larnook, in the hills north-west of Lismore, teaching himself to play. Friends would drop in to check on him, and often end up joining in.

“Some would roll, some would pick, some would bow, but all would skank,” Stewart said.

In the early days, Stewart played banjo alongside a rhythm guitarist, and they began referring to the fast, offbeat rhythm as the “skank”. Over time, the term evolved into “hillbilly skank” – a nod to their bluegrass-leaning sound and to the fact they were on a farm surrounded by roosters, pigs, sheep and cows.

The current lineup includes Stewart on banjo and tenor guitar, Diego Baston on banjo, Jed Williams on guitar, Mal Winckle on fiddle and button accordion, Rohan Staples on double bass, and Phil Levy on mandolin.

Their repertoire blends bluegrass, folk and country, with songs about ladies leaving, hillsides, mountains and everyday conundrums.

“There are some more familiar pop tunes in there that we might try and turn into bluegrass tunes,” Stewart said. “We have all always had a soft spot for bluegrass and old-time music. I think it’s the characters and the stories that make it so great. The energy, the harmony and the honest stories are really very loveable.”

With most members based in the Northern Rivers, the band mainly performs at local venues and festivals. After a performance at the Lismore Christmas carols last year, they were invited to play at Rock Valley Hall, and have been asked back a couple of times since.

“It’s looking like it might become a semi-regular thing,” Stewart said. “No complaints here. It’s a great venue to play. The laidback, supportive audience are always a pleasure to play for and there are always great chats to have before, during and after the shows. The cakes are next level too.”

Their next family-friendly gig is set for Rock Valley Hall, kicking off around 3pm on Saturday 30 May.

Tickets cost $15 and can be purchased at Rock Valley Post Office and Store or via email [email protected]