Welsh ragga metal trio SKINDRED have released an official video for "Big Em Up", the new single from their ninth album, You Got This, a recent No. 1 album. The song opens with a message of support for anyone struggling with anxiety, depression or other mental health issues, and its point is simple: look out for the people around you and pick them up when they're down.
Frontman Benji Webbe said life can easily get overwhelming, whether it's "your gas bill to a family tragedy" or a social media feed full of hate. "'Big Em Up' is a simple message for everyone to check on their friends and to pick 'em up and to try and encourage some positivity back into the world," he said, asking fans to share that message along with the song. "Please check on those around you."
You Got This was produced by Grammy winner Jay Ruston and follows 2023's Smile, which entered the U.K. albums chart at No. 2 and earned SKINDRED the Best Alternative Music Act award at the MOBOs and Best UK Act at the Heavy Music Awards. Last month, the new record was nominated for the Welsh Music Prize. The Newport band is now Webbe, guitarist Mikey Demus and drummer Arya Goggin.
Later this month, SKINDRED kick off their biggest U.K. and Ireland headline run yet, starting October 23 at Rock City in Nottingham. It includes a Halloween show, "Night Of The Living Dred", at London's Alexandra Palace on October 31 with ALIEN ANT FARM and SPINESHANK. £1 from every Alexandra Palace ticket goes to the charity Metal For Good, which funds mental health and well-being projects among other causes.