The blues, with deep base and distorted, soulful guitar, can provide a musical experience unlike any other. If you have ever been to one of Skyler Saufley’s shows, then you know that he and his band are delivering just that.

Skyler Saufley, winner of the Ledger Enquirer’s Readers’ Choice Award, is a four-piece band that performs all over Columbus. They have a solid fan base and know how to work a crowd. Saufley says that he was “doing the right thing musically” and always had confidence, which the award justified. He explains that “before we get up people would just be talking…once we get on stage and play” he captured the audience’s attention. Saufley is not your typical blues player, and his journey to become one is unique.

It is rare for a young artist to play the blues. Because of the roots of blues music, many musicians happen to be middle-aged and of color. When he first started playing the guitar, Saufley admits that his initial inspiration was Elvis. He spent time trying to produce the sound that 1950’s Elvis and Chuck Berry had. Then one day a friend of his introduced him to something that changed his music forever.

As a child, Saufley’s musical scope was limited.  “My dad listened to modern country…everybody at school listened to rap music.”  But one day his friends showed him the artist Muddy Waters.

Saufley was hooked. Growing up, he never had a chance to experience an “electrified Chicago blues” artist. Hearing something like that, he says it “just grabs your attention.” His new inspirations became musicians like Buddy Guy, Elmore James and Jimmy Reed.

Saufley currently does not have any recordings out, but you can catch him live every Thursday at Legends Bar & Grill or at Wild Wings Café. There is no confirmed release date, but he hopes to get something to his fans within the coming months. Be sure to monitor his Facebook for performance updates and all other information.