Sunderland Punk Band, Slalom D, Empowers Community with Socially Conscious Initiatives
Slalom D, a dynamic punk band hailing from Sunderland, is not just about delivering electrifying music; they’re also on a mission to make a positive impact in their community. Formed in 2018, Slalom D has been pushing boundaries with their forward-looking punk sound, innovative melodies and raw power while fearlessly addressing contemporary social issues.
Led by the captivating vocals of Fiona Duncan, known affectionately as Fe, the band comprises a talented ensemble including Andrew Scobie (Goober) on keyboards and backing vocals, Tony Lindstedt on bass guitar and backing vocals, Gary Roberts on guitar and backing vocals, and Iain Murray on drums. Together, they create a dynamic sound that has captivated audiences far and wide.
In true punk DIY style, vocalist Fiona Duncan expressed the band’s commitment to community welfare. “We’ve introduced a health and happiness kit available at our merch stall during gigs. It includes essentials like anti-spiking kits, condoms, female sanitary items, face masks, and antibacterial gel. Everything is free and accessible to anyone in need. While donations are appreciated, our primary concern is ensuring everyone has what they need, regardless of financial constraints.”
Acknowledging the inspiration behind this initiative, Fe credited American punk bands and other organisations for motivating them to act. “We recognised a real need for this in the North East and were inspired by the efforts of others. We’re grateful for the support and guidance from Manchester Punk Festival, Serial Bowl Records, and Sisters of Sedition,” she added.
Slalom D’s latest album, Waltz into Anarchy, has been met with overwhelming success, with nearly all copies now sold out. Building on this momentum, the band has just recorded two new tracks, “Medusa” and “Riser,” which will be available on coloured vinyl 7-inch and CD formats through Serial Bowl Records.
The band’s achievements over the past year have been remarkable, including being named Band of 2023 on Sunderland’s Spark Radio and winning song and album of the year on Radio Northumberland’s annual poll. Their busy schedule for 2024 includes performances at prominent festivals such as Rebellion (Blackpool), Stone Valley North (Durham), and Morecambe Punk Festival, along with gigs in Nottingham, Edinburgh, and Newcastle.
Fans can catch Slalom D live at The Ivy House in Sunderland on Saturday, June 15th, for the launch of their latest single. With their infectious energy and commitment to social causes, Slalom D continues to leave an indelible mark on the punk scene while uplifting communities one gig at a time.