Having formed in 2011, Plastic Orange are a group of friends who met through work and their local church community and have built a loyal fan base putting on some of the most exciting and engaging shows across Kent.
The current line-up which has remained the same since 2013 consists of: Heather Skelton, 48, on vocals, alongside husband Nathan Skelton, 49, on lead guitar and vocals; Charlie Cooke, 37, on vocals; Mark Smith, 49, on keyboard and vocals; Andy Cooke, 39, on bass guitar; and Joel Dickinson, 28, on drums.
CommunityAd were lucky enough to catch up with Nathan to peel back some of the band’s history and talk about their zest for the local music scene.
What are some of your earliest memories and experiences with music?
“As members of Plastic Orange, I think we all have a desire to play, entertain and make music from an early age.
“Heather and I formed the band and have been playing together in various bands since 1992, marrying in 1995. Together we estimate that we have played over 1000 gigs together as a couple, in doing this have gained some valuable experience on how to entertain a crowd with live music. We all enjoy playing music and try not to get to serious about it and just want to have a bit of fun together.
“We are friends so playing together is just an extension of our friendships so it feels like we are hanging out together and having a night out with mates.”
The band play rock/pop and funk from the last five decades, catering to a very wide audience, and the fact they have four strong vocalists means they can swap vocal duties on different songs and keep it sounding fresh.
With a style likened to Fleetwood Mac, it’s no surprise that the British-American rock band remain one of Plastic Orange’s greatest inspirations alongside the likes of Queen, The Killers and Muse to name but a few.
What is the best advice you’ve been given and would pass on to young musicians?
“Find likeminded musicians and band members that don’t get too serious and know how to have fun and enjoy whatever crowd you play to, be it two people or 20,000. Hold everything lightly and be mindful of everyone’s different walks of life in the band.”