In between his job at AFL Cairns, Eddie Skiba is also a talented musician, writes Murray Wenzal

Those who go and watch Eddie Skiba at Tanks Art Centre tomorrow night will know quickly that music isn’t just a novelty for the Cairns man. 

His hectic life may only afford him the time that most side projects are allowed, but for Skiba, it’s much more than that.

Tomorrow’s Bullet de Bloom album launch is the culmination of more than two years of work, fitted in around all the other “important” stuff. The singer and guitarist moved to the Far North from Melbourne 12 years ago and has worked as a development manager and talent scout with AFL Cairns pretty much ever since. A dual degree, which he is almost finished, has also eaten into his hours.

But music is his real addiction and Bullet de Bloom represents his most committed and forward‑thinking effort yet.
“It’s not a novelty to me; it’s a big part of my life,” he says.

“But when you work in sport, everything else gets compromised.”

His five-piece band will offer up rootsy rock’n’roll, banged out with a touch of romance.

The lyrics are spawned from personal experience, but he admitted having a few interesting friends makes it a whole lot easier.

But having already played some of his new material at The Espy in Melbourne, and to a packed Cairns Esplanade on New Year’s Eve, the all-rounder is not biting his nails wondering whether it will be a hit or not. And he is no stranger to the stage, growing up playing at a packed Lorne Hotel and fronting In With Pando in a former life.  

“I’m in the real world. For me it’s about trying to play quality gigs, with quality people and have a good time with it,” he says.

“Being around footy for so long, it’s a real leveller; you don’t get away with being a d---head,” he laughs.

>> Eddie Skiba is at tanks Art Centre on Friday night. Gates open 6.30pm, tickets $10/$7 on the door only. 

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