Welsh ragga metal legends Skindred have released their brand-new single ‘Can I Get A’, which receives its radio world-premiere on Craig Charles’ show on BBC 6 Music this afternoon.
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 brilliant, tongue-in-cheek video, featuring the band performing alongside male and female dancers inside whirling graphics.
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. And it was followed in January by the fiery and fizzing hook-laden banger ‘This Is The Sound’.
The tracklisting for You Got This is:
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
Dred Or Alive
FOLLOW SKINDRED