MEL TEPID & THE SOUL SKA FARMERS STEAD FAST CD

Mel Tepid, godfather of Minnesota ska, began playing ska in 1995. As he found his rock band at the time running out of steam, one night he dreamt that one of the guitarists left the band. In the dream, he suggested to the two remaining bandmates that they form a ska band. Strangely enough, within a week, one of the guitarists did indeed quit the band and Mel formed Umbrella Bed with his two remaining bandmates.

Mel soon built his ska credentials opening for such noteworthy acts as The Specials, The Selecter, The Beat and even the legendary Skatalites at the equally legendary Minneapolis venue, First Avenue.

Over time songs written by Mel were included in dozens of videos, movies and CDs eventually influencing the next generation of Midwest ska musicians.

Mel has played around the U.S., U.K., and mainland Europe having spent hundreds of nights playing to sweaty, crazed, dancing fans.

Mel’s newest project, Mel Tepid and the Soul Ska Farmers, combines the foundation of two tone ska, with a smooth melodic layer of 1960s & 1970s soul, and an extra kick of early punk with his debut CD, Stead Fast, released on Mad Butcher records.