‘I would like to dedicate this award to the memory of Carl Bevan, artist and drummer of 60 Ft. Dolls, and Trevor Seivwright: two amazing Welsh drummers who recently passed away,’ Skindred frontman Benji Webbe tells M when asked about his band winning Best UK Artist at the Heavy Music Awards 2024. ‘They both encouraged and inspired me throughout Skindred’s career. And the worst thing is — they were two bloody drummers!’
Triumphing in a strong awards category which featured the likes of Bring Me The Horizon, Nova Twins and Enter Shikari, this accolade is a fitting tribute to Skindred’s longevity. Over the last 25 years, the Newport four-piece — who received support from PRS Foundation’s International Showcase Fund in 2012 — have become renowned for their intoxicating blend of heavy metal and reggae, boasting infectious positivity and encouragement in their sound which, as Benji insists, are qualities at the band’s core.
M spoke to Benji to reflect on their award win, the support they’ve received from PRS and how they’re continuing to write ‘songs of freedom’.
M: Skindred: winners of Best UK Artist at the Heavy Music Awards 2024! How does that sound?
Benji: ‘For me, personally, when I saw the other bands we were up against, I thought, “There’s no way.” But the proof is in the pudding. I always feel like I’m in a little punk band from Wales: whether we’re playing Wembley or a small show, we’re just a little punk band. So when we get these beautiful occasions to celebrate, it’s like, “Wow, you guys are doing better than you think.” So that’s great.’
How will you be celebrating this win?
‘We’re going to get on a plane together, go to France and play a rock show. That’s the best way to celebrate, on stage, because Skindred definitely bring the party. And we’re going to have a big party. It feels good, it really, really does.’
What does it mean to be honoured at a genre-specific awards ceremony like the Heavy Music Awards?
‘The good thing about the Heavy Music Awards is that it’s done by the fans in a voting system. It’s an honour to be called with some of the bands that I really look up to. To even be in that line-up and be nominated was good enough — but to win it? Wow, that’s really something else.’
Your award was presented by PRS for Music. How would you describe your relationship with PRS?
‘I’m a big fan of PRS, and if there’s anything they want me to do for them, just let me know! [laughs] But seriously, I’ve been a member of PRS for a long time. Even in the darkest times of my career, PRS has been there. It’s amazing, and the way they help musicians is incredible and something we all need to be thankful for. When I see my PRS statements coming through, I'm very thankful. I didn’t join when I was younger as I thought when you got a record deal, that was it. But there are a lot of people out there who don’t realise that [PRS] is something that can really help you as a musician and as a songwriter.’
How has your songwriting style evolved over the years?
‘I just keep writing songs of freedom. I don’t think I’ve written a song the world is going to sing yet. I keep saying with every record we do that I’m always going to write songs of freedom; songs to encourage and uplift people. I think that’s the best thing you can do. When I’m on stage and I look out and see the smiles on people’s faces, that is the reward.
‘Being a Black kid in a punk band from South Wales that’s been going for 25 years, and we’re only now getting recognition, it’s amazing. But I will say: I thank God for failure, as failure creates character. Not everybody can be at the top all the time, and in the darkest times, that’s when you write the best. As someone who is a socialite and who writes about the people that live on my street and people I drink in the pub with, I’m inspired by those kinds of things. The best thing that I can do as a songwriter is make them songs that will uplift people and take them on a journey.’
How does this award honour Skindred’s journey as a band?
‘It’s funny: with or without people watching us, we would still be the band that we are today. Whether we’re playing in a pub to six people and a blind man and his dog or in front of 10,000 people at Wembley Arena, we’re not fazed. That’s how we’re still going with the same line-up, because of what we do. I think we’re truly being rewarded for the hard work that we’ve put into it, and having this award means so much to me.’
‘The messages I get on Instagram from our fans — for me, that’s priceless. Our shows are great, yes, but when you get a message from someone who tells you that your music shone for them during a dark time, that’s the reward. We haven’t chosen the easy path [as a band]: when people ask me what kind of music I make, I say it’s ‘weird punk-rock-meets-heavy metal-meets-reggae.’ They immediately go, ‘What?’
‘While we haven’t chosen the easy path as musicians, the reward for the path we’ve chosen has been much greater.’
