BIO

Space Whales

Space Whales is a psychedelic fusion quartet based in Olympia, WA with a bent for musical exploration. The band has been writing, jamming, and gigging since 2019 and has played stages from McMenamins Spanish Ballroom in Tacoma, WA opening for Spafford, to Olympia's Capitol Lakefair to Gem and Jam in Tucson, Arizona.

The Quartet consists of David Skattebo on guitar and vocals, Chance Slater on Keyboards, Kyler Walker on Drums, and Matt Booth on Bass and blends a unique set of influences in jazz, rock, funk, prog, and bluegrass into a cohesive live experience with soaring peaks, quiet lulls, and driving, danceable rhythms.

Space Whales has self-released one full length LP, Surrounded by The Moon, a single, Mount Question, and a new EP, Ancient Dogs. With an ever-increasing slate of live shows, the band can't wait to keep feet moving, heads bobbing, and compelling music in clubs across the Northwest.

David Skattebo- Guitar/Lead Vocals

David plays guitar, is the lead singer and songwriter for Space Whales, and is a founding member of the band.
David has been playing guitar and writing songs for over 20 years, and has played in a wide variety of ensembles, from bluegrass and gospel, to metal and West African percussion. When not playing music, David can be found hiking in the mountains or enjoying science fiction and an eclectic variety of music. Some of David's biggest musical influences include Pharaoh Sanders, Sam Cooke, Nina Simone, Trey Anastasio, Jerry Garcia, Ali Akbar Khan, and Joni Mitchell.

Matt Booth- Bass/Backing Vocals

Matt is the bassist for Space Whales and founded the band with David in 2019 after a chance meeting and finding many common musical interests.
Matt is from the Virginia foothills and grew up steeped in music, playing guitar and piano since he was big enough to hit the notes and learning many more along the way. He’s performed with many groups over the years including formal concert bands, choral ensembles, jazz ensembles, and rock bands. Matt also mixes and produces much of Space Whales’ recordings and can be found playing in The Lumen. When not making music with Space Whales, Matt can be found exploring museums or trails or experimenting with new audio gear and techniques.

Chance Slater- Keys

Chance is the keyboardist for Space Whales, and joined the band in 2020.
Chance has been playing keyboards and exploring harmony for over 20 years, and has been experimenting with composing for 10 years. Chance has played in a wide variety of ensembles, from orchestra pits and jazz bands to funk and electronic looping sets. When not playing keyboards, Chance can be found playing saxophone or enjoying fantasy in videogame, book, or TV form, and always an eclectic variety of music.

Kyler Walker- Drums/Backing Vocals

Kyler is the drummer for Space Whales, and joined the band in 2022.
Guided by the CD and Vinyl collection his dad left him to explore at a young age, he started loving Rock/Prog bands like Rush, Led Zeppelin, and Styx to name a few. Awestruck by Neil Peart’s drumming on those early Rush records, he started teaching himself drums at 8 years old and never looked back. Over the years he has been enthralled by all things rhythm section, picking up the bass as well. When not playing music, he can be found watching his favorite shows, sports, and playing video games.