Bad Wolves have announced Sara “Killboy” Skinner as their new vocalist and released her debut single with the band, “Paint It Red,” out now via Better Noise Music. It is the Nashville-based band’s first release of 2026 and marks the opening of a new chapter following a period of transition.
Founder, drummer and songwriter John Boecklin said of the search that led to Skinner: “When we started looking for the next voice of Bad Wolves, we weren’t looking for someone to fill a spot; we were looking for someone who could help push this band into its next chapter. The first time I heard Sara sing, I knew she was different. She has an incredible voice, undeniable presence, and the kind of versatility that allows us to take our songwriting to places we’ve never gone before. Beyond the talent, she’s brought a renewed energy and excitement into this band. Sara isn’t here to recreate the past; she’s here to help us build the future.”
Skinner described the song’s themes: “‘Paint It Red’ is about being unafraid to tear everything down and start over — again and again if that’s what it takes. To live authentically and follow your heart, you have to be willing to rebuild when something no longer serves who you are. Sometimes growth means letting go of what you’ve built so you can create something even better. ‘Paint It Red’ is about having the courage to burn away what’s holding you back and the strength to begin again.” Boecklin added that the track is a metaphor for moments when diplomacy no longer serves: “There comes a point when it’s time to stop asking for permission and start making decisions for yourself. Burn it down. Tear it apart. There’s something freeing about reaching that point. ‘Paint It Red’ is about taking control, owning your choices, and refusing to let anyone else dictate your path.”
Propelled by pummeling drums and a polyrhythmic riff, the track pairs Skinner’s dynamic vocal range with the crushing sonic architecture Bad Wolves have built their reputation on, culminating in a chorus that chants: “And watch the blood flow down like a river from my mouth… ‘Cause they won’t miss you when you’re dead, so paint it red.”
Bad Wolves was founded by Boecklin in 2018 and has since accumulated a three-times-platinum single, two gold singles, six No. 1 entries at radio and billions of streams. The band has toured alongside Papa Roach, Volbeat and Hollywood Undead, and has collaborated with both Daughtry and Ice Nine Kills. The current lineup consists of Boecklin (drums), Sara “Killboy” Skinner (vocals), AJ Rebollo (guitar) and Derek Bolman (bass).
