The Bullbuckers

"The Bullbuckers' Ska sound has propelled them to the top of the Delaware music scene."

- Matt Amis, Out & About Magazine, Wilmington 2012
Part of a three page write up including a double truck photo. - Out & About Magazine - May 2012

"Those under the assumption that Reggae-inspired music has seen its apex, will find themselves quite wrong after a listen to The Bullbuckers. With a clear understanding of the genres they utilize, tight instrumentation and clever, approachable lyrical matter; they are carrying the torch for upbeat, fun, island-inspired music." - Skope Magazine

UK Honors for Bullbuckers Bassist - TSN Publishing, Out & About Magazine

Rating: 3.9 out of 4

The Bullbuckers are an incredible band and their latest release, When Push Comes To Shove, is just as amazing. I've heard a lot of bootleg reggae/ska bands in the past year, so I knew right away that The Bullbuckers were exactly what people mean when they say
that "the cream always rises to the top."

Unlike many of the aforementioned reggae/ska bands I've heard, I didn't have to skip around to find something that caught my ear; the first song hit me and I simply let it play all the way through on cruise control. Those who know me, understand that I'm hard on music, but still fair in my assessments and when it comes to The Bullbuckers' release I
found no issues.

I breathed a sigh of relief when I heard the live horn section of Daren't Polk (Trombone), Rob Barbarita (Sax), Jim Miller (Trumpet), and Zack Scudlark (Sax). Adding to the band's awesomeness is one of the best lead vocals in indie reggae/ska music, Kevin Tarzanin, who is also the band's bassist; and the amazing drum, guitar, and backing vocal section
of Steve Politowski (Drums and Vocals), Dave Segal (Guitar and Vocals).

Songs like Remedy, Appreciation, St. Patty's Day, and my personal favorite, Time, are The reason The Bullbuckers deserve the such high praise. member of the band plays his role in making The Bullbuckers a true pleasure to listen to. I enjoyed "When Push Comes To Shove", and I encourage you to check it out . - I Am Entertainment Magazine

"... absolutely blew me away and I heard similar comments from other ska fans at the show. They were tight as hell and had such great energy! I'm now adding them to my "instantly blown away" bands list"

-Michelle Ska, NYCSka.com 2013 - NYCska.com

"If you have the opportunity to see The Bullbuckers play... definitely do it--you'll have a great time!" - Steven Shafer, The Duff Guide to Ska

"mature and acute song writing" and "emotive and thought-provoking lyrics" - The Flinging Times

Meet one of the coolest bands this publication has come across in a long time. Introducing Indie Delaware Band, Bullbuckers, who are building up quite an impressive resume with their special blend of Ska, Reggae, & Soul that sets them apart from the average indie band. Easily, one of the most terrific sounding bands out there in the music scene, Bullbuckers has crafted several popular genres of musical influences into a powerhouse contender of bringing their music to the masses. Here is their story!

Isaac: Thank you for being a part of our weekly music interview spotlights. Let’s get started. The Indie Music Industry is an amazing beast. Many music critics have stated that Indie Music is on the rise with many new performers being discovered each day. Do you believe that indie music artists can rise to the level of stardom that their major music studio counterparts are able to now?

Bullbuckers: Anything is possible today.

Isaac: What do you feel has been your biggest contribution you have made to Indie Music Industry thus far in your career?

Bullbuckers: We’ve noticed a growing international interest in the band through our analytics but, I’d have to cite our largest contribution to date as regionally propelling the genre of Ska to a musical foreground through our performances, awards, and press, regionally.

Isaac: I am interested to know if you could go back and change anything about your own musical career, what would it be and why?

Bullbuckers: My previous band was offered an exclusive publishing deal that gave us a guaranteed placement in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” through Cherry Tree Publishing, we turned it down. We should have taken it. I’d also have started playing in a more Ska centric band rather than just teasing it earlier as I feel I’ve found my voice in the genre.

Isaac: I am curious to know do you feel that the music industry as a whole is surrounded by an endless pool of undiscovered talents or overcrowded with mediocre performers.

Bullbuckers: I believe a little of both is true. It’s never been easier to start a band but, as a talented band figuring out how to expose and market your sound to its niche is key. There are a great many talented bands out today however, there are a lot of hats you have to wear until you find the people you trust to wear them for you such as, Marketing, publishing, licensing, booking, distribution to name a few.

Isaac: Are you currently signed with any of the Indie Music Labels? If not, what are you looking for in any music label that you hope will complement your music?


Bullbuckers
Photo Courtesy of Bullbuckers

Bullbuckers: We’ve done a pretty good job here at the start, booking ourselves but, we could use help. We’re starting to gun for more festivals and are lining up our first multi-week tour. I’d love help in booking festivals and a European tour. Our genre of music is more appreciated as a whole overseas so; I feel that part of our goal should be to meet that market through live performances. We’ve recently signed two non-exclusive publishing deals with A&R Select and a local music lawyer Paula Savastino. Getting placement off of our first CD would greatly help in producing our second.

Isaac: What do you feel has been one of the biggest challenges for you to bring your music to the masses?

Bullbuckers: Our sound is a hybrid predicated largely on traditional Jamaican and Caribbean influences. Traditionally, these sounds have found more success outside the continental US. The fact that we’ve had success in our region is affirmation that we’re doing it right but we need to continue finding the right channels to promote ourselves internationally and begin touring with intelligent selection on a more national level.

Isaac: One of the best attributes for any performer to possess is tenacity. What is your professional and/or personal drive that has made you continue to make great music over the years?

Bullbuckers: There’s nothing I’d rather due than perform, write, and record. I was raised to follow my heart.

Isaac: How has living in your current city affected the way you look at the music industry?

Bullbuckers: Wilmington, DE lacks a true music industry; it’s difficult to find peers that have created a model of success on a more global scale. As a silver lining, the lack of diversity has allowed us to firmly claim our niche and genre within the region. It does force us to work harder to link in with our peers, mentors, and industry that supports our sound, which can make you feel a little like an outsider.

Isaac: We would love to see a music video from you! Do you currently have one that you can let our readers know about?

Bullbuckers: Check out youtube.com/bullbuckers. We have a few videos, nothing high budget or professionally done but, getting something out professionally is a future goal. We’ve been discussing the video “St. Patties Day” being placed nationally through A&R Select wh - Junior's Cave Online Web Magazine

"Top-notch musicianship is a hallmark of The Bullbuckers"

-Roger Hillis, News Journal - The News Journal

"The show (Trombone Shorty concert at the Bottle & Cork, Dewey Beach, DE) came with local flare thanks to the Bullbuckers, one of Delaware's most revered original bands (who) opened the show with an energetic set that had the whole crowd swaying to their set with a crescendo, performing their upbeat album track, 'Don't You Know'." - Spark Magazine

"There's this moment that happens at every (Spark Magazine Annual Birthday Party), right as we're introducing the band - the crowd tenses up and waits to see if they're going to stay and listen ... I think the Bullbuckers got about five notes into their first song before I heard a guy behind me say, 'Hey, they're really good.' Indeed." - Matt Sullivan, General Manager/Editor, Spark Magazine. - Spark Magazine

"...the most eagerly awaited set at the Delaware Music Festival." Ryan Cormier The News Journal April 2009 - The Wilmington News Journal

"It's bands like the Bullbuckers in particular that keep the Delaware Scene rocking." Rob Kalesse, Music Editor, Spark Magazine Sept 2009 - Spark Magazine

"The Bullbuckers are a fusion of soul-searing and foot-stomping music - ska like you've never heard it (unless you were living in the Islands in the 60s), soul and a tinge of hip-hop. It's a Wilmington sound that has roots - and fans - round the globe." Joan Davis June 19, 2009 - Examiner.com

"Last year, we dubbed The Note in West Chester "The Next Big Music Venue." And they have delivered. Backed by Donnie Moore (formerly of Rex's) and Bam Margera (Mr. Jackass himself), this spot has hosted both big names and local faves like The Bullbuckers" - USA Today