I had the honour of interviewing the band Skindred. Already planning and keen to get out there, we discussed the pandemic and up and coming music.
MIA: I think the way to start this off considering the times right now would be: how, as a band, have you coped with the pandemic and how has it altered the way you work?
SKINDRED: We have all coped in different ways. Benji and Dan have been really busy writing lots of material for the next album which is great. Lots of zoom calls and meetings. Its been different for sure but I just have to remember that we are all in this together.
M: I saw that you’ve released dates for a UK tour, Showtime Tour, later this year. If the plans go ahead, what is the thing you’re most looking forward to when getting back into performing?
S: Just being able to step onto a stage is going to be such a thrill. I’ve always loved watching the show being built. Our crew will be getting to the venue at the crack of dawn to set up and I can’t wait to watch them! I’m going to drink the whole experience in and be thankful that we are able to play a show. Something we all took for granted a year ago. I respect what we are able to do and I want to enjoy it to the max.
M: You’ll be supported by Royal Republic - the ability to have others support you again let alone the ability to live perform again must be thrilling. How has planning this tour for yourselves and with them felt?
S: It’s been a long time in the making. They share the same attitude as us. It’s all about having as much fun as possible. The energy Is going to be through the roof! Each show will be a celebration.
M: Your last album release was in 2018, coming up to three years ago now. Can we maybe expect a new one soon, or an EP/single?
S: I really hope so. I think people expect music quickly these days but like all good things, they only come to those who wait!
M: Not only from your merch did I notice the BLM shirts, but I actually noticed the men’s and women’s sizes. For a lot of merch stores, for musicians or not, this inclusivity isn’t present yet. Is this important to you as a band?
S: This is massively important to us. I come from a mixed family and am very proud of that. Inclusivity is everything. As a band making music we want our music to be heard by as many people as possible and we appreciate that our fans are made up of lots of different kinds of people. It’s a beautiful thing.
M: Music lovers around the world are so excited to return to normal life in order to see music live again. But right now, a lot are still struggling. As a band clearly ready and hopeful to get back out there, what would you say to your fans and music lovers around the world as a pick me up?
S: We are all in this together. We are all sitting on the side-lines watching the world. The fan / band divide doesn’t exist. We are all in the same boat. You want shows and we want to play them. I have comfort in the fact everyone is in it together. Also, the wait will be worth it. I don’t know how I will feel playing. The release is going to be mega!
M: I usually like to end on a fun one - if you could have a day where the pandemic suddenly ceased to exist, where would you perform and who with, and why?
S: I’d love to play Download festival. It’s a Skindred hot spot. We would be main support to Guns N Roses and when I finished our set Axl would ask me to come up and play Rocket Queen with them.
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