MEET TINA
An Icon in her own right and one half of our beloved Vocals!
In your own words. Tell us a bit about yourself…
My name is Tina, I’m 56 and I’ve been in The Dekkertones for 11 years. I have 3 children - 2 girls (38 & 33) and a son (30). I also have a granddaughter aged 3, a Shire horse called Cloud and dog called Millie.
How did you learn to sing?
I have always loved singing but never dreamed I’d be in a band. It was Mick (our other singer) who asked me to join. I had previously been on an album with ska band called ‘skasouls’ and got up to sing with them a few times.
What inspired you to get into music and who are your biggest influences?
My friend Elaine said to have a go, but I wouldn’t say that I had any specific influences to do it.
What’s your favourite song to play live?
‘Hurts so good’. The amount of hits on YouTube at the 100 club is phenomenal.
What’s your favourite thing about being a Dekkertone?
Meeting new people and being part of a band family.
What’s the worst thing to happen to you at a gig?
Worst thing was turning up when we didn’t bring any equipment.
What’s your favourite lyric and how does it relate to you?
‘Nite Klub - “And the beer tastes just like piss”. It’s not that I’ve ever drank piss, but the fact that I don’t drink!
If The Dekkertones were stranded on a desert island, who would you sacrifice first?
Myself
What would you say to someone who thinks ska music is for old timers?
Ska is for everybody. There are some great tunes.
If you had to pick a different genre to play, what would it be and why?
I already sing in a Motown and Soul band, so this is the other genre that I love.
What’s your drink of choice on gig night?
J20 with lots of Ice and a cup of tea.
If you could collaborate with any ska legend, who would it be?
That’s a tough one…
If you could enforce any band rule, what would it be?
Respect and don’t take it to heart when someone gets the hump.
If The Dekkertones were a TV show, who would be the villain and who would be the hero?
I’d be the villain and Mick would be the hero.
What ska song would you be happy to never hear again?
My boy lollipop