Interview with Benji Webbe from Skindred 17/12/12

Benji Webbe is the lead singer of the alternative metal band Skindred. He agreed to an interview on the day of their show at Vault Rugby on the 17^th December 2012.

Julia: How would you describe your music?
Benji: Interesting, toe-tapping, toe-curling, energetic music.

Julia: Who are your major influences?
Benji: I come from all walks of music, but I’d say my main influence is life.

Julia: What have been the highlights of 2012?

Benji: We did Brixton this year, headlining Brixton Academy definitely.

Julia: What have you got planned for 2013?
Benji: We’re writing a new record and recording a new record.

Julia: Tickets for this show sold out in less than twenty four hours, how do you feel about that?
Benji: I’m honoured, man. I know people come here and they’re going to see a great live show. It’s not the size of the venue, it’s not what the venue looks like, it’s about the energy and the people.

Julia: What should people expect from a Skindred show?
Benji: To be challenged, to be motivated, to be encouraged. To have a feeling of unity amongst the crowd. We’re all in the same room for the same purpose.

Julia: How is the tour going so far?
Benji: Every night has been sold-out, it’s incredible. One fight I’ve had with my band, and it was over before it started.

Julia: How did it feel to play at Download Festival earlier this year, as it had many positive reviews.
Benji: If it wasn’t for You Me At Six I would have had a great show. The fucking bastards took up all the stage, just because they wanted a fair ground behind them. And then they ripped off my Newport helicopter. And the fucking mud on my ass. So Download, as much as a highlight, it was quite… ‘bleugh’ to be honest. So what pissed me off was You Me At Six with the fair ground.

Julia: Are you hoping for a Newport helicopter tonight?
Benji: It’s not up to me, it’s up to the people if they bring the petrol. I’m just the guy who goes ‘right, up!’ It’s up to the people, I’m just the traffic controller.

Julia: Thank you for your time.
Benji: Thank you. 

Huron, Idiom and Skindred at Vault Rugby 17/12/12

Opening this extraordinary evening of metal was Huron, who formed in 2007. They instantly got the crowd warmed up, with huge riffs and energetic band members. Sean Palmer has a heavy sounding voice which was enjoyable to listen to and he was eager to get the crowd involved with their performance. Every song they played sounded unique, and they definitely impressed the crowd in Rugby. Expect big things from Huron soon.

Next up was Idiom, an alternative metal band from Devon. Matt Sharland has a unique vocal style which made Idiom interesting to watch perform live. They played their latest single, ‘Braindead’, which has a slight nu metal feel to it, and is available for free via their website. They were also an extremely energetic band and if you want to listen to something new and fresh then I recommend that you check them out.

Skindred were last on stage, but by no means least. Being one of the biggest bands to ever play in Rugby there were extremely high expectations from both the audience and critics, but Skindred were even more incredible than anyone ever expected. Benji Webbe has an amazing stage presence and it’s almost impossible to keep your eyes off him. They played classic hits, such as ‘Pressure’ and ‘Nobody’, which the crowd loved, and also many songs from their latest album, ‘Union Black’, such as ‘Doom Riff’ and ‘Cut Dem’. Skindred are known as one of the best live bands in the metal scene, and tonight at Vault in Rugby they proved exactly why they are. With passionate riffs, incredible vocals and catchy songs, they’re a band any metal fan needs to see before they die.

Check out Huron here: http://www.facebook.com/Huronofficial
Check out Idiom here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/IDIOM/
Check out Skindred here: http://www.facebook.com/skindredofficial