Skafish was a new wave band led by Jim Skafish that launched in Gary in the mid 1970’s, though Jim Skafish hailed from East Chicago.  Skafish released two groundbreaking singles on Illegal Records, “Disgracing the Family Name” and “Obsessions of You”.  Skafish is considered the first new wave act in Chicagoland, making them also a pioneer in Indiana new wave.  Their debut LP was released on IRS Records in 1980 and a second album in 1983, Conversation, representing a compromise record after the label refused to release the band’s preferred recordings. 

Difficulties with IRS’s censorship and discomfort with Skafish’ music hampered the band’s success.  Decades after being signed, Jim Skafish finally wrangled the rights of his music and began releasing it again, starting with the CD What’s This? 1976-1979 in 2008 on his label 829 Records.

Jim Skafish also released a jazz piano Christmas album in 2005.  Jim is Bobby Skafish’s cousin, a popular Chicago DJ.