Welsh ragga metal legends Skindred have released their brand-new single, “Can I Get A”. With a jaunty electro-honky-tonk intro leading straight into a infectiously singalong pop chorus, complete with ‘woop-woops’, “Can I Get A” is an inspiring song of resilience and defiance, with playful sonic nods to the ‘80s, including a Phil Collins-style drum break and a soaring gospel backing vocal.
However dig deep into the lyrics of “Can I Get A” and you’ll uncover a mini autobiography in song, addressing issues of childhood poverty and family hardship, made bearable through the love and support of those closest to you. It takes lead singer Benji Webbe back to being orphaned as a child, and how he was raised by his older brother who was little more than a kid himself.
“It’s me as a child seeing my friends with all these amazing things that people take for granted that I never had,” he explains. “I was eleven years old and was worried what my life would become. A lot of kids where I lived got into trouble and ended up in prison. I was just gonna grab that microphone and see where it would take me. I want to empower people to know that you can be what you want to be. Don’t spend your life worrying about what you haven’t got. Live your life because now is the time.”
The track is accompanied by a tongue-in-cheek video, featuring the band performing alongside male and female dancers inside whirling graphics. Watch the video below.
You Got This is Skindred’s ninth album and is an all-killer-no-filler set which features everything that people love about the band – hard-hitting slammers, mega addictive hooks, earwormy soundclash elements, and dancehall vibes destined to ignite venues across the globe. The title track was released as the first single from the album late last year, accompanied by a brilliantly entertaining video.
Production came from the Grammy-winning Jay Ruston, who drummer Arya Goggin admires for having the songwriting chops to work with ‘80s power ballad master Desmond Child, while also producing Slipknot’s Corey Taylor and Mike Patton’s Mr Bungle.
The new album finds the Newport trio – completed by guitarist Mikey Demus – embarking on a thrilling journey to follow the mainstream breakthrough that came with 2023’s critically-acclaimed album Smile. That album shot straight into the UK Official Album Chart at #2 and Skindred went on to receive the Best Alternative Music Act Award at the MOBOs, also winning Best UK Act at the Heavy Music Awards.
Long-revered as one of the best live bands on the planet, they played their largest headline show to date at Wembley Arena and toured the world, smashing every festival and headline performance and winning tens of thousands of new fans in the process. Those new fans will join Skindred’s long-established rabid fanbase in lapping up every note and lyric of You Got This.
Tracklisting:
“You Got This”
“Can I Get A”
“Born Fe Dis”
“This Is The Sound”
“Broke”
“Glass”
“Big ‘Em Up”
“Do It Like This”
“My People”
“Give Thanks”
“You Got This” video:
Photo by Dean Chalkley
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