Originating from the East London ska-core scene, THE SKINTS continue to push boundaries with their original brand of “tropical punk” with new single “Restless”, featuring Grammy-nominated Jamaican reggae star, Protoje. Blending Channel 1-era rub-a-dub with a British “Ghost Town” influenced edge, “Restless” confronts the everyday lies and broken promises from our politicians and world leaders. “The laughable nightmare of what’s happening in the offices of the leaders of the ‘free world’ definitely keeps us awake at night,” says guitarist and vocalist Josh Waters Rudge. “From Downing Street to the White House, this is us venting our 3am thoughts about the wrongdoings and injustices committed by people who are, on paper, there to make people’s lives better.”
First premiered on Substream Magazine, “Restless” follows previous single ‘Learning to Swim’, which received critical acclaim from the likes of The Independent, Louder Than War, and Don Letts on BBC Radio 6 Music. These singles are off of their upcoming new album Swimming Lessons, which releases on May 10th via Easy Star / Mr Bongo. You can pre-order Swimming Lessons here.
The track features Jamaican artist Protoje who has emerged as a leader of the modern reggae revival movement and recently released his critically acclaimed album, A Matter of Time. With over 13 million streams last year and over 156 million YouTube views, his popularity has transcended genre, being the first Jamaican act in 35 years to grace the main stage at Reading and Leeds Festival last summer.
“We first befriended Protoje and his band on the road in 2014 and have been talking about collaborating every time we’ve seen each other since. After making the riddim of this one, we knew we had to call him to voice the missing verse, and he definitely brings a vibe and style to the tune that only he can deliver.”
Since the band’s inception, The Skints have toured extensively across the globe, playing hundreds of shows and festivals including Summerjam (Germany), Dour Festival (Belgium),California Roots (US) and ReggaeSunSka (France). In the UK, The Skints sold-out their most recent 10-date UK tour including Shepherd’s Bush Empire and have performed at the UK Reading and Leeds Festivals, Bestival, Glastonbury and Boomtown Festival, performing to 15,000 fans. In addition, the band have supported bands that include NOFX, 311, Less Than Jake, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Mariachi El Bronx, You Me At Six, Sublime with Rome and Easy Star All Stars.
Supporters of The Skints include BBC Radio 2’s Jonathan Ross, Robert Elms on BBC Radio London, Steve Lamacq and Craig Charles on BBC Radio 6 Music and David Rodigan on BBC Radio 1Xtra.