Please list all members and their roles in the project.

It’s just me! (Ben Frascina). I compose, write, record, engineer and produce all of the music under the name ‘Skylab 3’.

How long has Skylab 3 been around? Were you in any groups/projects before?

I’ve been making music and working on my debut album under this particular alias since signing to Babygrande in late 2013, but before then I released a free EP called ‘Future Echoes’ under the name ‘Urban Spaceman’ and also recorded under the name ‘Altered States Of America’, but nothing too serious! I’ve played guitar and been involved with bands growing up, but never really performed or released anything.

What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?

The name I was using before ‘Skylab 3’ turned out to also be the name of an EP by another band, so I wanted to change it for more originality. The name ‘Skylab 3’ comes from the famous UFO sightings during the 1973, manned mission to the American space station, Skylab. I’ve always been fascinated by the subject of space, extra-terrestrial life etc, and the name just had a ring to it and seemed to fit nicely with the sort of music I make.

Who writes your songs? 

I write all of my songs myself using my laptop, usually starting by playing around with different synthesizers, samples, drum beats and building the track from there until it starts sounding good.

What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?

I don’t particularly set out to write a specific sounding song or base it on a theme, I just experiment with different sounds until the song starts to take its own shape and come to life. I’d probably describe most of the tracks I make as quite atmospheric, which I think is due to factors such as my overall taste in music, films that I’m influenced by and art in general. The themes for the songs in my album ‘A View from Above’ are mainly based around places I’ve been, science, space and pretty much anything the music reminds me of. In years to come, different life experiences may very well influence the type of music I make so these topics may change over time!

What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?

I’m currently listening to a range of different artists involved with different genres, who are all inspiring me and influencing what I come up with. I’m not that familiar with their most recent stuff yet but I love listening to bands like Porcupine Tree because of their instrumentation, experimentation and the sort of atmosphere they create, particularly during live performances. I’m also spending a lot of time listening to artists such as A Tribe Called Quest, Thievery Corporation, The Herbaliser and many more, all of which influence and inspire me.

What will your live show be like?

I’ve just got my hands on an Akai MPD232 controller, which I’ve hooked up to Ableton Live in order to trigger in sounds and play my songs live, with an element of improvisation along the way. I’m currently in the process of putting the set list together and ironing out the creases, so I’m hoping to take it to the stage as soon as possible. At the moment, it looks like it’ll involve a lot of dynamic soundscapes from the album, and the rhythmic elements in addition should really bring some energy to the show, so I’m really looking forward to it!

Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start making music?

As a child growing up in the 90’s I was exposed to a lot of music by artists such as The Future Sound Of London, Moby and Lemon Jelly, which although I may not have fully-appreciated at that age, have certainly played a part in what I listen to and create nowadays. My Dad has always made music too, so I feel that listening to his music and being around synthesisers at a young age was what got me started. The first band I saw live were Iron Maiden, and although my live shows will inevitably be completely different, it opened my eyes to a whole new dynamic to music on the whole when seeing an audience connect with the artists in that way.

What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

The biggest highlight of my career so far has been getting signed to Babygrande Records, being offered the opportunity to be part of their line up of artists and to release my first ever full-length album.

If you could tour with any artists, past or present, who would they be and why?

It’d probably have to be Pink Floyd- I’ve never had the opportunity to even see them live but the music, visuals and overall experience is something that I’d love to be somewhat involved with. They seem like an interesting bunch too, so it’d be cool to spend time with them in a touring environment.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thanks for taking the time to interview me, much appreciated. I’m really excited for my debut album ‘A View from Above’ to be released (on June 10th) and I’m glad to be able to share it with people, so if people like it I’ll be very happy. I’d also like to thank my management, record label, publicists, family, friends and everyone else involved who has helped and supported this so far!