A Project of Defiance: the Resurgence of Ducky as a.k.a. skips

“For me this project is defiance, and there is nothing more defiant than being a hot, queer slut in an increasingly violent, bigoted, and puritanical country.“ – a.k.a. skips. 

The SF-bred/LA-based underground rave producer is the musical mastermind behind two new, recent singles. With a full EP due out in November, he’s clearly out to send a message. 

Known by his former pseudonym Ducky, this versatile artist dedicated a full decade to crafting an outstanding professional foundation in the world of hyper-electronic music. 

From Ultra to EDC and Bonnaroo, and tours with Anna Lunoe, Mija, Kayzo, and NGHTMRE, the producer, painter, photographer, and tattoo artist has resurfaced this year with a wave of fresh creative endeavors after retiring the Ducky project in 2021 and going on a two-year break to transition into a man.

“I wanted to send summer off with a dreamier, mellow vibe. This track is meant for the last open airs of the summer, for those final warm sunsets.“ a.k.a. skips says of dreamy house single “If The DJ Let Me” from forthcoming EP Jawfiller, set to release Wednesday, November 8.

The newly re monikered creative polymath first teased us with new material back in May via nostalgic warehouse anthems “F.T.N.U.” and “My Only Mistake.” Explosive electronic tracks with a distinctly queer focus, they instantaneously whisk the audience back to the euphoric underground scene of 90’s rave culture.

Quickly followed by the release of debut photo book,  i want to rest and be held by someone who loves me, he was also included in renowned Los Angeles art gallery La Luz De Jesus for their annual group exhibition Everything But The Kitchen Sink, where he displayed his original painting Mouse Trap! 

Now laser focused on Jawfiller, the upcoming debut EP release pledges to unveil an eclectic array of tunes that propel a.k.a. skips towards fresh musical frontiers under a brand new pseudonym. All the while, his fundamental objective stays the same: to challenge the conventions of dance music through a resolutely queer lens.

Released October 4, “F.M.T.D.,” was the first pivotal moment for a.k.a. skips in terms of a brand new sonic direction. Provocatively acronymic for “Fuck Me To Death,” the track is filled with unhindered energy and reflects an artist fully out of his shell and breaking free of dominant norms.

Fans got their first tease of Jawfiller with the EP’s lead single, “I.T.C.T.M.” back in May, an infectiously playful club banger that foreshadowed a.k.a. skips’ grand comeback this fall. Despite the recent changes in his world and all the ensuing chaos it brings along, the LA-based producer manages to keep his vibrations high.

“I get high when the beat gets heavy/I don’t mind if the dance floor’s empty/I just vibe if the DJ let me” – lyrics that perfectly accompany the carefree energy of the single “If The DJ Let Me,” the second single off the November 8 EP.

“A.k.a. skips is a project of resistance, rebellion, and reclamation—if for no one else than for myself. the journey has been to let go of everything untrue that I put on for other people, and to move towards what is true and genuine for me. I am a queer, transsexual, sexual being. stepping more visibly into that truth feels like a perfect test of my progress on my journey towards total self-acceptance and love,” he posted recently on his Instagram account.

“To be queer is to rebel, come what may.”

Featured photo courtesy of Joshua Spencer Photo