Frequently Asked Questions

Squanky Kong is the personal musical workings of James M. House (sometimes known as Squankidonk/Squanky/Squank). His role includes that of composer, producer, and engineer. He writes all the music and lyrics, plays bass & guitar, while also performing percussion, synthesizers, and vocals on some compositions.

The name is believed to have originated from comic strips in the south during the 30's-40's. Pronounced skwan'ke'dongk, it was first used jokingly by James' father towards someone else. Later picked up by his brother and then friends it became acquainted with James around 15 years of age, as a nickname. Squanky or Squank, short for Squankidonk, was a usual call-sign among friends during his teenage years.

Fact: James M. House will only use the name Squankidonk professionally for credits when Squanky Kong related performing is involved, including when appearing as a guest performer with some projects.. Engineering, producing, and other credits including live performance, whether related to Squanky Kong or not, will often and usually be his legal name.

After being asked through the years what it means, James decided to define it as a person with passion and attachment for musical creation. It is his belief that musical creativity comes from a universal place. So any passionate musician is really Squankidonk by his definition. There is also a fictionalized myth related to Squankidonk, created for entertainment purposes, for Squank Entertainment.

"Squanky Kong" first use as a name dates back to early 1994 when a garage band Squankidonk was in had a gig for the first time and needed a name. It is believed to have been suggested by a friend, coming from an early generation of video gamers. The first recordings officially using the "Squanky Kong" name were copyrighted in 1997, comprised of a 15min tape EP called "With'in the Boundaries"

Each song takes on a different direction though commonly falling in a handful of different but familiar genres like modern rock, jazz fusion, blues/funk rock, etc. It crosses many styles of rock including progressive, metal, alternative, psychedelic, roots, jam, etc. It comes from classical, jazz, funk, blues, reggae, folk, and more. Influences include (in random order) Frank Zappa, Duke Ellington, Pink Floyd, Tchaikovsky, Primus, King Crimson, Faith No More, Jimi Hendrix, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Count Basie, BB King, Parliment-Funkadelic, Soundgarden, Mr. Bungle, Megadeth, Rush, Cream, Iron Maiden, Beethoven, Mozart, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Phish, Dave Matthew's Band, and so much more. The music is about a multidimensional expression from the straight rock songs to the far out improvised fusion. Whether exploring the boundaries of creativity or visiting a familiar place in a new way.

Who did all the art and design work?

Various people have put their talents toward the various art and design featured with Squanky Kong.
Current credits include:

James M. House - Web Design and Art Concept
Torturr - Artist - "SK Creature" (featured on main webpage, "Under a Raven's Review" cover, and merchanise)
Paul Carrick - Artist - "Under a Raven's Review" album cover (also featured with merchandise)

What would Squanky Kong be like live?

As of the release of the debut album "Under a Raven's Review" there is not a touring band lineup. Though efforts will be underway to gather backing to further that horizon. Any people wanting to support such efforts should join the mailing list.

A formed Squanky Kong band would always have Squank playing guitars and six-string bass. With another player switching with him on guitar and bass. The lead vocalist will usually be whomever is featured on the most current release. However, the lineup is never dependent on vocals, the constant being Squank's music and leadership combined with his guitar and bass playing. Initially there will likely be a 6-piece band featuring a vocalist, drummer, guitarist, and keyboardist in addition two guitar/bass players (one being Squank).

Once formed, Squanky Kong Live will need to start by opening for more established groups, performing festivals, smaller shows, while working to build a stronger fan-base. These early performances will consist of mostly the various hybrid rock content of the studio music being played. While the experimental side will only be seen live in the form of a special song on occasion. This is due primarily to the additional musicians needed for the larger arrangements (horns, percussion, etc.), a bit much for the developing band. However, it is also due to the difficulty in effectively delivering diverse content to Squanky Kong standards within smaller time-slots given to new bands.

A future of successful growth for Squanky Kong will not only bring much more lush studio albums, but a monstrous touring production. Such future Squanky Kong Live would probably consist of three sets of music, a middle set being dedicated to the experimental side with additional musicians appearing just for it. This approach allows the acustom SK hybrid rock sets to open and close the concert. Meanwhile those less attached to the experimental side can treat it as an intermission. Combined with mesmerizing lights and fantastic visual accompaniment you can bet that a Squanky Kong concert of the future would be a something to remember.

Squanky Kong's mailing list consists mainly of an email address and zipcode/country. The zipcode/country is used primarily to understand where the fans are located in general. This helps to know where any potential tours and other things should be focused. While the email address is used to send out ocassional notices. Squanky Kong notices will be very few. You will be notified of a new CD release or a touring coming up. There might be a notice of new "exclusive" content available online.

As with most bands and artists, mailing lists are very important because they are used to demonstrate the size of a fan-base in many cases. For up and coming artists such as Squanky Kong, it is even more critical, helping to get shows booked, etc.

Squanky Kong maintains a private mailing list controlled by the record label Squank Entertainment. At no time will your email address be sold, or given away. Our main list is kept with marketing services provided by Eliteweb.cc, where emails are sent from by Squanky Kong and Squank Entertainment at this time. The Eliteweb custom sign-up forms are seen at the top of this site.

Email list submissions can be accepted with the custom sign-up boxes via Eliteweb, but also through the SK ReverbNation (via widgets or webpages). Verification emails are often sent when using some of these methods of email collection, and must be completed in order for your email to be added, in most cases. Only Eliteweb will be used at this time when sending any emails to the list. The From/Reply will be the same as the contact email sk (at) squankykong.com. That email address should be placed on any safe lists to make sure you get your email. There will always be a opt-out option on any SK emails sent when someone is on the mailing list.

Squanky Kong cares about your privacy. Efforts have been made to make sure that Eliteweb, ReverbNation, and Nimbit will not give, sell, or rent your contact information to any others. The mailing list is used ONLY for Squanky Kong.

How do if I get the free downloads at ReverbNation if I signed up for the mailing list here?

Since ReverbNation is a secondary mailing list collection point for Squanky Kong you have to either sign up again there, or simply email [sk (at) squankykong.com] and we'll add your email for you. ReverbNation requires its own confirmation sent out so we do not add emails their automatically to avoid bothering people that are not interested in it. Signing up there again will not mean you are going to get two separate email messages from Squanky Kong. We only keep one email for sending out newsletters and updates. It is only to access the ReverbNation fan exclusive materials. Someone who signs up at ReverbNation first is automatically entered into the main SK mailing list.