By Crystal Harrell
The desert’s own underground rock force, Skitzo Attack, is crashing back onto the scene with a vengeance—and they brought their signature sound, killer riffs, and two Ethans. Coachella Valley Weekly got the chance to sit down with the band in their studio for a performance and candid conversation to reveal their musical evolution, and what fans can expect from their upcoming record.
The band’s origin story is as wild as their name. “We were sitting around smoking some weed and listening to 93.7 when this lady called in and said the station sucked,” frontman Jonathan Sweetnam recalled. “The DJ replied, ‘Hey lady, don’t have a skitzo attack,’ and we just looked at each other. That was it.”
Jonathan—who serves as the group’s songwriter, singer, and guitarist—soon brought in Ethan Vega, an explosive guitarist he met through local connections, followed by Ethan Olson on drums and, most recently, Tyler Russell on bass. The resulting foursome is a powerfully eclectic lineup that brings a mix of grit, precision, and experience to the table.
“People say we sound like the Minutemen, but it’s definitely more organized and melodic than our early days,” said Jonathan. Tyler’s polished technique, Olson’s percussion chaos, and Vega’s fiery guitar work help elevate the band’s punk-fueled foundations with a fresh energy.
Their influences are as varied as their personalities. From Queens of the Stone Age to System of a Down, Testament’s Alex Skolnick, and a solid foundation in blues, jazz, and metal, each member brings their own musical DNA. “I was a band nerd,” said Olson. “Marching band, ska, garage bands—I just want to play and have fun. And I’m having a great time right now.”
Fans have new material to look forward to. The band is set to release a new album titled Play Happy on Bone Dry Records, featuring tracks written during the pandemic and recorded in what Jonathan calls “the back bedroom studio era.” The band is already eyeing the next project, one that will mark a more collaborative chapter for Skitzo Attack.
“This new one will have songs from all of us,” Jonathan said. “Tyler’s written one, Ethan has too, and we’re getting Olsen’s vocals on it. It’s going to be something different.”
Over the years, Skitzo Attack has played stages ranging from legendary haunts like Whiskey a Go Go and the Rainbow Bar and Grill, to local favorites like The Hood Bar and Pizza and 420 Bank—the latter of which gave them a monthly residency that sharpened their live chops.
Listeners can catch Skitzo Attack’s upcoming show at The Hood with Flannel Rock and Alien DNA on Saturday, July 5, starting at 9 p.m.
The band is also stretching beyond the Coachella Valley with a show booked at Frogee’s Cocktail Lounge in Apple Valley—in addition to a slot opening for an Australian band at Little Street Music Hall. “We’re getting out there more,” said Jonathan. “We just want to play.”
Skitzo Attack’s music is set to hit Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora soon, with CDs also in the works via Bone Dry Records. For now, you can find them on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and SoundCloud at @Skitzo_Attack.
