Don't Call Us Ska

Don’t call them a ska band. The La Jolla-based band Neveready is much more, members say.

Although their mix of guitars and brass may at first sound like ska, they draw from various influences such as jazz, rock and Dixieland. If you ask the group, they can’t even decide on one genre. They describe their music as ambiguous.

The band members—five guys who come off as unexpectedly self-aware and confident for a group of 17- and 19-year-olds—say they always make sure their lyrics mean something to them. Otherwise, their lyrics won’t mean anything to listeners.

“When Justin Bieber says ‘baby’ over and over again, it doesn’t mean anything to him,” said guitarist/vocalist Christian Clark.

Instead they write their songs based on personal experiences or inside jokes. Like the song Code 8, which was based on sax-player Pat Hallahan’s experience as a lifeguard. For those who don’t know, a “code 8” is when a lifeguard needs another lifeguard to take over his post in order to go use the restroom. The band laughed as they describe the lyrics referencing a lifeguard who eats a burrito before his shift and then “my stomach starts to scream.”

Potty jokes aside, they strive to put musicianship and soul into their music, which they feel is lacking in a lot of today’s popular music.

The band has played venues and events in San Diego. Right now they’re focused on earning the opportunity to play at the legendary Casbah. And they’re hoping they can get help from people they know, such as drummer Declan Halloran’s dad who worked for local radio stations including 91X and FM 94.9.

Although some members are heading off to college, they still hope to continue together and make a career of their band.

Don’t expect Neveready to stay the same though. Their music is always changing and evolving, as their name suggests.

“I feel like we’ll finish when we’re dead,” Halloran said.