Feeling stuck in a rut? Need a jolt of pure, unadulterated energy? Then get ready, because ragga-metal titans SKINDRED are back to inject some serious positivity into your life! They've just dropped a brand-new single, "You Got This," complete with a mind-blowing music video, and trust us, it's an anthem for anyone facing a challenge.
"You Got This" is the title track from their highly anticipated ninth album, slated for release on April 17th via Earache Records. And let me tell you, it's pure SKINDRED gold. Mikey Demus's signature earth-shattering riffs are guaranteed to be stuck in your head for days, while Arya Goggin unleashes a drumbeat that's practically a sonic explosion. But the real star of the show, as always, is the one and only Benji Webbe. He effortlessly switches between his trademark uncompromising toasting and delivering hooks with the force of a heavyweight champion. It's a soundclash of genres that only SKINDRED can pull off, and it's utterly infectious.
But what's the story behind this empowering track? The inspiration struck Benji, a dedicated gym enthusiast, when he witnessed a man struggling through his rehabilitation exercises after suffering a stroke. The man's personal trainer offered words of encouragement, simply saying, "You got this." That simple phrase had a profound impact on Benji.
"I was watching from a distance, and I could see the struggle and the pain, but in that moment, I knew he had got this," Benji recalls. "It's such an empowering statement, and it applies to so many battles that everybody faces: it could be a recovery from a stroke, or it could be studying for your exams at school. For me, having songs that lift people who are going through tough times is the most important thing. I feel like that's what I'm put on this planet to do." It's a testament to the band's commitment to creating music with a message.
Benji Webbe isn't just a frontman; he's a force of nature. His boundless enthusiasm is contagious, a shot of pure adrenaline straight to the heart. His powerful vocals are perfectly balanced with moments of melodic emotion, championing self-belief, resilience, and finding joy in the small things. Think of him as the loudest, most energetic life coach you'll ever encounter.
And on the album "You Got This," Benji leads the newly streamlined Newport trio on an exhilarating journey, building on the mainstream success they achieved with their critically acclaimed 2023 album, "Smile." That album catapulted straight to number 2 on the UK official album charts, a massive achievement! SKINDRED then went on to snag the "Best Alternative Music Act" award at the MOBOs, and they also took home "Best UK Act" at the Heavy Music Awards. Talk about a winning streak!
Long celebrated as one of the most electrifying live bands on the planet, SKINDRED recently played their biggest headline show ever at Wembley Arena, proving their ability to captivate massive crowds. They've also been tearing up festivals and headline shows worldwide, amassing legions of new fans along the way. And these new converts will undoubtedly join SKINDRED's already devoted fanbase in devouring every note and lyric of "You Got This." The album promises to be an all-killer-no-filler experience, packed with everything that makes SKINDRED so beloved: hard-hitting anthems, ridiculously catchy hooks, irresistible soundclash elements, and those signature dancehall vibes that are guaranteed to ignite venues across the globe. Imagine hearing these tracks live – pure energy!
The production for "You Got This" was handled by the Grammy-winning Jay Ruston. Arya Goggin praises Ruston for his impressive songwriting skills and his diverse portfolio, which includes collaborations with '80s power ballad maestro Desmond Child, as well as production work for SLIPKNOT's Corey Taylor and Mike Patton's MR. BUNGLE. "It was working with someone who didn't just stay in one lane, which is exactly what SKINDRED has always been about," Arya explains, emphasizing the band's genre-bending approach.
So, what does the future hold for SKINDRED? Big plans are in the works, especially on the live front, where Arya has noticed a fascinating evolution in the audience. He's seeing a mix of young fans attending their first gigs alongside older generations who have been with the band since the beginning. Benji dreams of playing Coachella or landing a coveted Pyramid Stage slot at Glastonbury. But Mikey approaches the question from a different perspective.
"When you start a band, you don't think for a second that you're going to headline Wembley," he says. "I don't feel like we made it happen; the audience made it happen by committing to be there and travelling so far to come. When you're in a band, you're always looking at the next thing, and it can be hard to be like, wow, what's happening right now is amazing. There are still so many people out there who should know us but have never heard of us. So, we've got this whole fight ahead of us still." It's a humble and grounded perspective that speaks volumes about the band's work ethic and dedication to their fans.
Earlier this week, however, some sad news broke: SKINDRED's founding bassist, Dan Pugsley, announced his departure from the band. In a heartfelt social media post, he wrote: "I've been getting a lot of concerned messages, so I just wanted to let you all know that I'm okay, but I am no longer a member of SKINDRED."
He continued, "I want to thank my family, my friends, and especially all the SKINDRED fans for the incredible love and support you've shown me over the years. I'll always be deeply grateful for it."
"This band has been such a huge part of my life, and now I'm taking some time to figure out what's next for me. I'm really looking forward to new creative opportunities ahead." This marks the end of an era for the band, and we wish Dan all the best in his future endeavors.
Photo credit: Dean Chalkley
Now, here's a question for you: With Dan Pugsley's departure, how do you think SKINDRED's sound might evolve on future albums? Will they bring in a new bassist who stays true to the original sound, or will they experiment with something completely different? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
