INTERVIEW: SKINDRED IN CONVERSATION WITH BENJI WEBBE
Interview by Cecilia Pattison-Levi
Skindred have a stellar discography and consistently brilliant live show. However, the Welsh band have often been taken for granted by rock fans over their 26 years together. But no more. On the eve of the release of their fantastic, fun times, ninth album ‘You Got This’ and an Australian tour, the Newport heroes (Benji Webbe, Mikey Demus, Arya Goggin, with Tommy Gleeson (of Feeder) joining them as their touring bassist) cast their minds back over their musical journey so far – and reveal why they’re happier and hungrier than ever before for the future.
“We roll with the punches – old skool style,” exclaimed Benji Webbe. “We are of an age, personally and as a band, where we are the DJs. These DJs don’t take requests anymore. Take your request to that bin over there. We know what we want to play and it’s great music. We have a setlist now with older songs, new songs, and deep cuts that we think fans will love. We know that life is tough. We are all going through shit. So, we want to play music that uplifts fans, ‘Can I Get A’, even for just a while, as we know we can’t change the outside world. Our band can offer an escape with songs and music that makes us glad – how life should be – ‘This Is The Sound’”.
Skindred are right to be proud of ‘You Got This’. The album’s life affirming songs chart the creative push and pull of life in a band, playing live gigs, and grief, and surviving it with humour and a sense of fun intact.
“Every one of these songs has been inspired by a true event,” stated Benji Webbe. “I’m at an age where my friends are dropping out. I wrote the song ‘Glass’ when I found out a mate of mine had passed away. I needed to recognise him and his impact on me. He was the only other black kid I knew who would listen to punk. We were into the Sex Pistols. I thought about us. We loved that shit! So, I wanted to write a song for any of us who have lost friends and loved ones”.
“What I want is for people to come to a show: take off your coat and relax,” said Benji Webbe. “We all have a fuck load of stuff going on and shit we are dealing with. But, let’s leave it at the door for a while and have some fun and a good time. If you don’t like it – the doors aren’t locked – you can always go. But I hope our songs bring fans some joy – leave the shit outside and really enjoy yourself for a while”.
“It’s amazing, but the band has had its most successful years in our career over 2024 and 2025,” quipped Benji Webbe. “We have had our last album ‘Smile’ topping both the UK Metal and Independent charts. We have played huge festivals. It’s been mad! But one of my all-time favourite tours was Knotfest in Australia in 2024. We loved it and have been looking forward to coming back to Australia. We are excited about this coming tour”.
Skindred has the reputation as one of the best live bands on the planet. Their high-energy stage presence turns the floor into a heaving mosh, with a mass of sweaty bodies enjoying their upbeat music. Skindred’s music blends reggae, punk, hip hop, nu metal, rock and electronica.
“There are no rules with our music as we are very eclectic and spontaneous,” explained Benji Webbe. “We want the mosh to go off. We want the fan energy and we like to draw on the vibe. I have always been a bit of a maggot and I love seeing that joy in the crowd when the music starts”.
“We can’t wait to bring our Skindred “boom” down under. September sounds like the right time and weather conditions,” Benji Webbe joked. “As a band, we want fans to come and be with us, come and wet the head of our “troublesome” new album. Songwriting takes its toll, but we think we are hitting the good sweet spot. Like ripening fruit, the songs are ready to eat. If you know what I mean”.
“I grew up on a council estate with not much,” explained Benji Webbe. “It was tough. But we had a home full of love – tough love – but love. The other guys had a similar upbringing. We hope that shows in our music and live shows. As we grow older, we are hoping that our music speaks to fans. We play the game and the cards as they are dealt. We want our fans to know they have “got this” – life - and we know they might be going through hell – but it is going through it – not staying in it. We are grateful that our fans empower us to make music that reflects life, as it is, and what it should be”.
Catch Skindred at The Triffid on Sunday, 6 September in Brisbane. Tour tickets are available now for all dates via Destroy All Lines.
Tuesday 1 September - Magnet House, Perth. WA
Thursday 3 September - The Gov, Adelaide, SA
Friday 4 September - Northcote Theatre, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 5 September - Metro Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Sunday 6 September - The Triffid, Brisbane, QLD
