Music Bugle Exclusive – Q & A – Zack Miranowic Of Sekond Skyn

By Nicholas Jason Lopez

New Jersey-based hard rock/metal outfit Sekond Skyn recently dropped their new album ‘Letting Go,’ which spans three singles, one of them being the notable mismatched love anthem “Wounds.”

The ferocious 10-track release – which also features a daring cover of Chicago’s “25 Or 6 To 4” – was recorded and mixed by Mike Orlando (Adrenaline Mob).

Over time, the mighty five – comprised of lead vocalist Jesse Shar, guitarist Mark Monjoy, guitarist Zack Miranowic, bassist Brian Jennings and drummer/backing vocalist Tommy Spano – have played alongside acts like HELLYEAH, Sponge, Life Of Agony, Monster Magnet, Ellefson and Stone Temple Pilots.

The Music Bugle had the opportunity to talk with Miranowic about his favorite experiences while onstage, what it was like putting together ‘Letting Go’ and much more, which you can check out below.

Music Bugle – What inspired the “Sekond Skyn” name?

Zack Miranowic – Since I’m not an original member, I can’t really say how the name came about. I’ve always understood that “Sekond Skyn” is an alternate persona put on when performing or what comes through in our music.

Music Bugle – What made you want to put out “Wounds” as a single?

Zack Miranowic – I think the sheer energy of it was enough to warrant it as one of our singles for this album. It’s by far one of our heaviest tunes and we kind of wanted to come out swinging in a sense. Jesse’s vocals are lyrically killer and in delivery is on point. I also think the riffs are among some of our best and heaviest.

Music Bugle – What was it like putting together your album ‘Letting Go’?

Zack Miranowic – It took us a few years to really compile these 10 songs, but it wasn’t because of a lack of ideas. If anything, it was because we have so many ideas and have to sift through them all to get to the best ones.

Music Bugle – What excites you the most about your style of music?

Zack Miranowic – I really like that we are not pigeonholed into one genre of rock and metal. We like to throw a little bit of everything in there while maintaining the core of Sekond Skyn’s sound. We all have different influences ranging from stoner rock, southern rock, grunge, thrash metal, etc.. When you put it all together, you get something totally new and exciting.

Music Bugle – How would you describe New Jersey to someone who has never been there before?

Zack Miranowic – New Jersey is the place where you will experience all four seasons in one week. It’s hot, it’s cold, or it’s nice out. Another thing is you can be in one town and it feels like a totally different state the town over.

Music Bugle – Who are you listening to right now, music-wise?

Zack Miranowic – I’ve been listening to a bunch of stuff. These days, I mainly listen to Mastodon, Gojira and Opeth, but then I always go back to my go-to bands like Metallica, Alice In Chains and Pantera.

Music Bugle – What’s been your favorite experience while onstage?

Zack Miranowic – My favorite experience on stage is when you are performing and you notice the person watching right in front of you is really into what you and your band are doing. You interact with them and make a connection. It’s really all about the energy. When the energy is running high, we play even better.

Music Bugle – Does social media help or hurt musicians?

Zack Miranowic – I think social media is a great tool for musicians because it allows you to connect with potential fans that you normally wouldn’t meet or interact with. The only problem is that everyone and their mother’s band is doing it. You really must dig deep to find that niche that makes you stand out from the rest.

Music Bugle – What shows are you currently binging on in your free time?

Zack Miranowic – When I have time for TV, I’ve really been into “The Witcher” on Netflix.

Music Bugle – What’s a quote that motivates you to keep doing what you do?

Zack Miranowic – I don’t remember the word-for-word quote, but it was something Jimmy Page said in one of his interviews. It was something along the lines of like, “I don’t believe in myself, but I believe in the music we play.” I find that I feel that way a lot and that I’m not good at a lot of things, but I do know that my band and I play, what I believe to be, great music that comes from the heart and soul.