UK ragga-metal legends Skindred released their colossal eighth album, Smile, in August of 2023.
With the incredible support of the rock and metal community – including messages of support from Metallica, Rage Against The Machine and Disturbed as well as Kerrang!, NME and Metal Hammer, the band landed a career best of Number 2 in the UK Album chart. They also went to reach Number 1 in the Official UK Rock & Metal, Independent Album, Downloads AND Vinyl charts, outselling most of the UK’s biggest and most established rock artists!
The band have just released a music video for the track, If I Could.
The video celebrates Skindred’s amazing year with footage and highlights filmed in the build up to Skindred’s UK #2 album ‘Smile’ and sold out UK and European tours as the band gear up for their trip to play Knotfest Australia next month.
‘Smile’ attests to the enduring power of a band that delivers a good time, every time. “When I look out into the crowd, whether it’s in a small room or a festival crowd, the one thing I notice above all else is the smiles,” says Skindred’s formidable frontman Benji. For him and for Skindred – completed by guitarist Mikey Demus, bassist Daniel Pugsley, and drummer Arya Goggin – it’s about enduring and it’s about legacy. “In life, it’s about hearing that our music has encouraged people and got them through dark times. But even when we’re done and gone, people will still be listening to this music. That thought makes me smile.”
The release of Smile followed an incredible career-defining year for Skindred: from winning the award as Best UK Live Act at the Heavy Music Awards, to touring with rock legends KISS as special guests on their last ever UK tour. The band also graced the cover of Kerrang! magazine for the first time in their careers and performed their single “Gimme That Boom” on BBC2’s Later… with Jools Holland. Aside from this, singer Benji Webbe also appeared on Never Mind The Buzzcocks and the band also were featured as guests on BBC Breakfast.
Adding to the Skindred frenzy, the band’s 2000’s hit “Nobody” also saw an electrifying resurgence following a viral TikTok dance trend, which saw over 14 million hits on the Skindred hashtag in a matter of weeks. (Just in the first few weeks of 2024, one person dancing “Nobody” has amassed 32 million views on Instagram too!)
With the band’s forthcoming appearance this March on Knotfest Australia, 2024 is set to be Skindred’s best yet! Prior to Australia they will play their biggest headline shows in the UK to date and have just WON Best Alternative Act at this years MOBO Awards!
Skindred have certainly got more than enough reasons to smile!
Smile is out now
skindred.net
Skindred will be appearing at Knotfest Australia this March
Wednesday, March 20: Liberty Music Hall, Sydney – with Halestorm
Thursday, March 21: Knotfest Melbourne
Saturday, March 23: Knotfest Sydney
Sunday, March 24: Knotfest Brisbane
Tuesday, March 26: Princess Theatre, Brisbane – with Halestorm
knotfest.com/australia
