Musician, composer, and guitarist Skip Heller has spent decades carving out a distinct lane bridging exotica, jazz, film noir scores, and vintage roots music. On his latest album, Hypnocoin, he leans entirely into an independent creative process shaped by late-night viewings of 1950s science fiction and classic Italian film arrangements. Rather than relying on standard rock configurations, Heller and his ensemble Voodoo 5—co-led with vocalist Lena—build their sound around unconventional instrumentation like vibraphone, pedal steel, and Latin percussion, favoring analog warmth and careful arrangement over modern production trends. This week on Salt Lake Dirt, Kyler talks with Heller about the reality of running an independent band in Los Angeles, the practical problem-solving behind unconventional arrangements, and the heavy influence of jazz greats like Dizzy Gillespie. They also discuss the community of independent labels, artists, and writers that sustain these vintage aesthetics. Be sure to check out Voodoo 5's new album Hynocoin.
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