1. Skindred are a band who took their time breaking into the scene, what gave the guys the driving force to carry on?
We don’t follow no scene, we just are motivated by the music we make and the killer live shows that we continually murder crowds all over the world with, it’s hard but we love it…
2. In your opinion, do you feel it is better for a band to take time evolving? Rather than breaking into mainstream and later losing their magic albums later?
What ever gets you there dude, either or man! We haven’t had a easy trip but we have had more amazing times than shitty ones…
3.I recently saw you on the Rob Zombie tour, you guys never fail with the consistant energy you throw at the crowd! How was touring with someone as iconic as Rob Zombie?
I only got to meet Rob once and that was briefly, but he seemed a cool enuff dude! I was just glad to be put infront of people who we may never play in front of before, we won a shit load of fans on that tour.. I love main support slots takes all the pressure off..
4. Within the lyrics on the last 2 albums “Rock Roots Riot” and “Shark Bites and Dog Fights”, I felt they have developed as you are talking about current affairs within the world today. I felt as a fan, that I believe in your lyrics and they release a positive message that people can relate to. Do you like to be serious within your music as well as have fun at the same time?
I just write as I feel I try not to come from the same place all the time, I just write for me and if anyone else digs it that’s cool…
5. What would we the fans be expecting with your latest offering “Union Black”?
Skindred at a higher level and smashing it hitting hard and playing for keeps..
6. Do you feel like you have pushed the boundaries you set for yourselves when wiriting this album?
We have given our all for “Union Black” I’ve wriiten these lyrics in blood and truth! We couldn’t of given more whilst writing…
7. What you looking forward on your upcoming tour? And what will the fans be expecting? Any silver shiny suits??
A real lady never tells!! x
8. With the release of “Union Black” Are there territories where you would like to explore? Such as different countries? Different festivals to get the exposure you would like?
Love to rock, hate to travel, touring is amazing I just wish I could go home everynight and sleep in my own bed… We got a load of festivals to play this summer still haven’t played Glastonbury Reading and Leeds with Skindred, we are yet to rock them spots!
9. You have been busy within the last couple of years, the exposure you have had is phonomenal, well deserved may I add. Will you still be playing the smaller “in your face” venues?
We play anywhere brother, it’s not about the size of the dog, it’s about the size of the fight in the dog! If they book us, pay the devil and we come to slay… Simple no joke ting!
10. For anyone who is new to Skindred, in sentence, how would you describe yourself?
Rock n reggae, breaking all the rules!
11. Are there any other projects that you are contributing to?
I just produced a band who signed to Roadrunner and I’m really excited about that, band called Revoker album called revenge for the rightous! In stores May 3rd… Das gunna rock you.
12. Do you feel as an artist, that you can look outside music for inspiration? Even if it’s something that catches your eye?
Always! that’s standard… you can’t look to music for punk rock no more! You can’t buy real punk rock in a high street store..
13. What has been your most memorable moment with Skindred?
Well it was during Skindred playing at Download 2006 when i was asked to sang for Korn when JD took ill, that was somthing that I know when laying on my death bed with all my family & my great children around it will still make me smile… Memorable as fuck!
14. You are a band who are very unique within UK metal scene, do you have any advice for any bands who feel they are struggling to get exposed?
Yer don’t watch other bands and how they rise, they may be growing at a quicker pace, it’s dishearterning and can force you to lose faith, just love the music you make and keep mixing your cake, when the ingredients is right, things will come your way! You can’t do this and think this owes me a living and sit bitching about band that are doing better than you, stay strong focused and your time will come…. One thing I’ll add is enjoy where you are on the way to where your going, coz if you don’t get there you can always say you had a blast trying…
Thanks for the questions hope u dug the answers..
Many Thanks to the the ever charismatic and truly awesome, Benji Webbe of Skindred – Check out their new album “Union Black” which will be out later this month!
Interview questions by Ben Jones! \m/
