“The world is SO fucked up, if we can bring some light and positivity at our concerts, or listening to our records, that’s all we’ve ever tried to do"

After being blighted by the pesky UK vs EU time zones conundrum, I finally got to chat with the amiable, affable and downright lovely Arya from the bombastic UK band Skindred. Having been a fan of the group for a good while now it was a shock to discover that Arya and myself may have swum against each other in our youth. We talk on the importance of living in the present, even when suffering from crippling night terrors. We learn why Smile, Skindred’s latest LP is their most vital work in a while and how playing live remains the lifeblood for the band’s success. This is part one of two. I hope you enjoy it…cheers.