Skeleton Key (band)
Skeleton Key is an American rock band based in New York City, United States. The band was conceived in 1994 by bassist and singer Erik Sanko, the only constant member of the band. His intent was to create a sound "luxurious, yet affordable," using antique microphones, primitive guitars, and unconventional percussion. History. The band’s first release was the "Human Pin Cushion" single with Dedicated Records. In 1996 the band released an eponymous EP on Motel Records that Rolling Stone said "shows how pop culture and high culture can bring everyone to the same place." The following  year saw the band release their first full-length album, "Fantastic Spikes Through Balloon", on Capitol Records. The album was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1998 for its Stefan Sagmeister-designed artwork, which featured holes punched through the booklet of liner notes and, for promotional copies, a steel spike housed within the spine enclosure of the CD jewel case. In early 2011 the band successfully raised over $9,000 on the online crowdfunding website Kickstarter, used to finish production of their next album. Later that year, they signed with Arctic Rodeo Recordings and announced an upcoming release. On March  7, 2012, a promotional video of the band in the studio was released via Visions Magazin. Awards. Independent Music Awards 2013: "Gravity is the Enemy" - Best Eclectic Album