Shut Up And Smile With BENJI WEBB From SKINDRED

Interview by Kris Peters
UK reggae/metal/funk/rock outfit Skindred have successfully managed
to combine a plethora of sounds, influences and genres together to
create a completely fresh and vibrant sonic wave of destruction
that on paper should not work but somehow does.
Over eight albums the band has defied scrutiny, backlash and, at
times, disdain for daring to be different, but you get the
impression part of the reason they survive and continue to thrive
is because of, and in spite of, that adversity.
Since Skindred were last in Australia four years ago the band have
released a new album, Smile, that saw them surge to number two in
the UK album chart, in the process reaching the hearts and ears of
a new generation of fans to celebrate in all of Skindred's deserved
glory.
They return to our corner of the globe in March as part of Knotfest
2024 with exactly the same level of enthusiasm and commitment -
just with four more years of experience. And what's more, this time
the band will venture over to New Zealand for their first ever show
in Auckland on March 28, with Kiwi metal titans Kaosis in
support.
Last time HEAVY spoke with frontman Benji Webb it was a case of
almost anything goes, so when the chance to speak with the great
man was presented to us earlier this week, we cleared our schedule
immediately.
We put him on the spot straight up by asking why the band have
neglected our neighbors in New Zealand for so long.
"I dunno mate, you've gotta book us," he cheekily replied, "that's
the way it goes. You call us. We don't put a pin in the map and say
we're going there, people book us. If New Zealand aren't booking
us, we're not gonna be there, are we? We're very excited about
going there, man. We know we've got a few fans over there, and it's
a country that we haven't been to yet, so we're itching to get
there."
We point out the New Zealand show is at a brewery and pose the
question of what could go wrong?
"A lot of things," he laughed. "But you know what? It doesn't
matter about the size. It's about the size of the vibe in the
place. We're looking forward to it, we are."
In the full interview Benji talks about visiting countries for the
first time, support band Kaosis, playing at Knotfest 2024, the
backstage vibe, what we can expect from their shows, what Skindred
expect in return, the side shows with Halestorm, the reception to
latest album Smile, refusing to conform musically and more.