The Slackers are a New York ska band from Manhattan, active since 1991. They form in Brooklyn and become one of the city’s better-known ska groups, with a long history of touring internationally.

Style and sound

The Slackers work in ska, reggae and rocksteady, and are also associated with traditional ska. Early in their career they draw on two-tone and garage influences, then move towards a more traditional ska approach. Their sound develops further on later releases, where the band’s line-up and style become more settled.

Releases

Their first release is a self-released eponymous album, distributed on cassette by Moon Records in 1993. Their first full-length debut, Better Late Than Never, appears on Moon Ska Records in 1996 and marks the shift towards a more classic ska style. It is produced by Victor Rice, who also plays bass for the band at one point.

The band’s next album is Redlight, released on HellCat Records in 1997, and it further establishes their sound and line-up. Self Medication follows in 2008.

Members

The current line-up includes Vic Ruggiero on keyboards and vocals, Jay Nugent on guitar, Dave Hillyard on saxophone, Glen Pine on trombone and vocals, Marcus Geard on bass, and Ara Babajian on drums. Other members and contributors include Marq Lyn on vocals, T.J. Scanlon on guitar, Luis Zuluaga on drums, Jeremy Mushlin on trumpet and vocals, Allan Teboul on drums, Dunia Best on vocals and flute, Jeff Baker on trombone, Tobias Fields on congas, Victor Rice on bass, Dave Hahn on lead guitar, and Justin Redekop on trumpet.

Labels

The Slackers release music on Moon Records, Moon Ska Records, HellCat Records and Relaxo Music.