Skindred Sign With EARACHE Records

---

Welsh Regge Metallers Skindred have signed a new global four-album deal with Earache Records, with each bandmember signing the contract in a different endangered music venue across the U.K.

Talking about the new deal, Earache Records MD Digby Pearson said “We could not be more thrilled to be signing Skindred. They are such a truly unique and much-loved band. We have all been huge fans of them since day one and have followed Benji’s career since the very beginning, so to have Skindred sign to Earache is something that we are all extremely excited by. We are delighted to welcome Benji back to the Earache family along with his bandmates Arya, Mikey and Dan and look forward to working with them for many albums to come.”

Earache Records is one of the most exciting, forward-thinking and important rock labels in the world, having pioneered many extreme metal bands, and have enjoyed success with bands such as Buckcherry, Blackberry Smoke, Massive Wagons, Rival Sons, and The Temperance Movement. The label also released the first two albums from Dub Wars, which was Skindred frontman, Benji Webbe’s, first band.

The new deal between the band and the label were inked at some of the country’s most historic grassroots venues, which are facing being permanently closed due to the covid-19 crisis. A perfect way for both parties to show their continued support for the live industry in these challenging times.

The head of the label, Louis Lloyd, spent a day travelling across the country to get the contracts signed by each member. Setting off at 8 AM, Louis travelled 450 miles over 13 hours, going to Le Pub in Newport to get Benji’s signature, to The Louisiana in Bristol to get Dan’s signature, The Black Heart in London for Arya’s signature, and The Green Door Store in Brighton for Mikey’s Signature. All the above venues feature on the Music Venues Trust’s Red Endangered list.

Skindred Drummer, Arya Goggin, who signed at London’s Black Heart said “We are so excited to announce that we are signing a worldwide deal with Earache Records. I have been a fan of the label since I started listening to heavy music. Their independent attitude and willingness to push the boundaries are something we can identify with in Skindred.”

“It was great to ink the deal at The Black Heart in Camden and shine a light on all the struggling independent music venues too. The Music Venue Trust is something that we feel passionately about and we want these venues to thrive and be part of the future of British Music as well as being part of its history.”

The Venue Manager at The Black Heart, Matt Doom said “In the midst of troubling times for all, and as we come into the final throes of crowdfunding to save our much-loved independent venue due to a lack of government support, we at The Black Heart are proud to be one of the hosts for this important event.”

“Skindred are one of the true stalwarts and champions of the U.K. music scene and we are stoked to witness them sign to the iconic heavy realm of Earache Records. Young bands need places to play so that they can go on to achieve the heights of what SKINDRED have accomplished, so it feels extremely fitting to have had them use our (currently dormant) stage for such an event, continuing them on their path from the hallowed spot of Camden Town as so many hundreds of bands do on their own journeys each year.”

If you want to help support the important Camden venue, you can donate and get yourself some vinyl from us here, featuring Loathe, Our Hollow Our Home, Immerse, Venom Prison, Bad Touch, and Take The Backseat Casey.