Dylan Keawe does it "All For Love"

Hawaii-meets-soul-meets-SoCal; allow me to introduce Dylan Keawe, one of the best kept secrets in Southern California reggae. Dylan is a singer, multi-instrumentalist ready to take off! He has been a touring keyboardist for such artists as KBong, Leilani Wolfgramm, Josh Heinrichs, Skillinjah, Cityside, among others and has stepped out on his own. When he started performing solo 4 years ago he noticed a shift. “I felt immediate freedom and control over my career when I decided to start performing under my own name,” he said. “It allowed me to try new sounds and styles that I may have otherwise been too shy to suggest to a band.”

After releasing his self-titled EP “Dylan Keawe” during the thick of the pandemic in June 2020, he immediately started working on his follow-up. He reached out to San Diego producer Patrick Hizon to create an amazing 12-track full length LP, “All For Love.” It is a mix of dance beats that make you want to move, soulful lyrics that make you want to hold your loved one a little closer, and a groove that makes it easy for both. “We collaborated through zoom meetings and were able to complete the album even through COVID restrictions. Once we were both satisfied we sent it off to Dan Coutant at SunRoom Audio Mastering.”

Dylan is Maui-born and San Diego raised. He taught himself to play guitar and keyboard, but it was in middle school band playing percussion where he gathered much of his musical knowledge. His family is  rooted in music as well. “I have family members who play music and all of the exposure really planted the seed for my lifelong commitment to pursuing music professionally,” he explained. “After performing for a couple years by myself creating a one-man-band sound using a keyboard, guitar, and looper pedal; I was fortunate to find the group of musicians who currently back me in full band situations.”

The live band Dylan refers to are Emilio Martinez on drums, Brent Ford on Bass, Michael Chambers on guitar, and Kiki Curiel on keyboards. All profoundly respected veterans in the San Diego reggae scene and were the live band for the “All For Love” album release party at The Holding Company in Ocean Beach San Diego. Dylan is ready to hit the road. “I plan to do some touring to promote the release of the album. I love to see bigger bands helping newer artists to have an audience, and the reggae scene is full of bands doing exactly that!”

The future is bright for this young dread! He has so much going for him with an outstanding quality of music, his intentionality to show love and positivity, and the determination to make the most of every opportunity. There is an infectious, soulful vibe in his music and he’s just getting started!

The World Needs to Check Out "The Whole Year Inn" Courtesy of Barefoot

When the pandemic hit back in 2020 the band Barefoot, took advantage of the time provided and wrote. Their finished product was arguably some of the best songwriting I have ever heard! The new album, "The Whole Year Inn," is stacked full of catchy riffs and rich tones from guitarist/backing vocalist/keyboardist Dylan Heinrich; ballad-like, anthemic choruses & meaningful lyrics from vocalist Dylan Fay (aka D Fay); chest-pounding, dead-on drumming from Christian Aroz; and smooth hooks and bouncing bass lines from Patrick Smiley.  

D Fay says, "Life was so weird at the time and we didn’t know what to expect next… Emotions were high, failure to know the future made us all high strung. I always like to write lyrics with a bit of satire in them, but also can be serious."

Since 2013 Barefoot has been steadily releasing new music. Their discography is an impressive 3 EP (Barefoot, Charming Souls, Trip) and now 6 studio efforts (Stories to Scare the Young, Yesteryear, Shook, Leisure Fever, Bare Vol. 1, and The Whole Year Inn). Majority of their studio experience has been with the amazingly talented Matt Keller (Lydia, The Maine, Katastro). Unfortunately, because of the awkwardness of the pandemic, they weren't able to get into the studio so they took to different measures.

"This album (The Whole Year Inn) is actually the first album we wrote, produced, mixed, and mastered ourselves. Dylan Heinrich did an amazing job. We ended up sending it off to Joe LaPorta from Sterling Sound for mastering and afterwards we loved what he did." They continue, "We LOVE Matt but with the 'shut-down,' 'quarantine,' COVID mess, we decided to take what we’ve learned over the years and attempt an album all ourselves." Side note; that's multi-Grammy winning Joe LaPorta. Working the ranges of J Cole, David Bowie, Imagine Dragons, Foo Fighters, as well as many others. 

In 2018, Barefoot invited fellow Arizona native Andy Chaves from Katastro for the track "Chemicals Unknown." The connection stemmed long before that, going back to high school in Tempe, AZ. Before ever starting Barefoot, some of the members of Katastro handed them a self-made demo CD in the hallways. D Fay recalled "I remember thinking it was so awesome and it was a pivotal moment of me starting to listen to Katastro as a band." 

Over the years when Barefoot started playing shows with Katastro at Marquee Theater in Tempe the relationship grew. So much so that Katastro's bass player, Ryan Weddle, even co-wrote a couple of the new songs. "It got to the point of us wanting a 3rd party opinion on songs we were writing," they said. "We write all our music and have learned a lot over the years, but having an outsider come in and provide constructive criticism, along with Ryan’s experience as an artist, really progressed us as a band and our writing alone."

There was a connection that brought them all closer during quarantine and the results showed. Barefoot collectively created "The Whole Year Inn." They really wanted to connect with their fans, but they couldn't play live shows for about 18 months. They are ready to bring "The Whole Year Inn" back to the stage. Keep an eye out for their new reservations. "You know," They conclude, "Connecting with fans is all I do this for. I just want our music to relate and connect with people... Excited to play this new album more and see which ones people grasp on to!"

"Rockaz" Collective drops new video to set the precedent of "Positive Mental Attitude"

It was a dark, humid night in Orlando, Florida where New York-based legendary skateboarding/band photographer/ videographer/ influencer Jeff Pliskin found himself with a mission: the mission was to capture all-star musicians Gary Dread, Rick Haze, and Josh Swain in their element for the "Rockaz" video. It's an official announcement of their freshly new Rockaz Collective, manifested to encourage and exemplify the message of Positive Mental Attitude (PMA). A message unified by the RasTafari, reggae movement.

Their story doesn't start there. Pliskin is best known as the originator of Raised Fist Propaganda, aka RFP Music and Culture – "promoting nothing but positive vibes through the visual...Rising up for a collective positive vibe" since 2006. It was over 10 years ago when he first met drummer/ producer/ vocalist Gary Dread, well before Gary joined The Movement. Gary and his Movement bandmate, J Smiles, were playing in punk bands back in Philadelphia when Jeff was introduced to them by Prowla Owla from Fear Nuttin Band. It was a great, natural friendship that formed and continues today. Rick and Jeff met separately in 2018, years later, while RFP filmed the video for a track Haze produced, Inna Vision's "Survivor."

Originally, Gary Dread & Rick Haze dropped "Rockaz," in January 2021. It was a highly anticipated 8-track digital release that contained some amazing collaborations. It includes hypnotic verses from the aforementioned Josh Swain of The Movement, some butter-smooth harmonies and leads from Gonzo (vocals/guitar for Tribal Seeds)... The Jamaican artist Tuff Like Iron speaks up as a catalyst for social change on the track, "All Year." Inna Vision adds some foundational roots reggae from Maui in "Big Smoke, and long-time Jamaican producer/singer Perfect Giddimani throws down on "Be the Change." C-Los (the drummer for Sublime with Rome & formerly Tribal Seeds), added some live drum tracks across the board. 

The digital release was produced by Gary and Rick, but it was San Diego native E.N Young who mixed and mastered "Rockaz" at his Imperial Sound Recording Studio. When it came time to make the video, Gary and Rick looked to link up with their friend Jeff. Gary said, "I love working with Jeff, he always captures special moments on film. He has a unique style and great eye for bringing visions to reality."

Helping announce the "Rockaz" video to the world, Reggaeville, the infamous online reggae magazine featured it on their prominent YouTube channel. They are, and continue to be, a massive advocate for the collective and all international reggae artists. Keep an eye out at Reggaeville for more future releases as well as all the information you could imagine about reggae artists!

"Rockaz" is a conscious, reggae music & film collective worth every bit of hype and praise! When the Reggae Rise Up festival took place in October in St. Petersburg, Florida they had Gary Dread and Rick Haze perform at an after-party and crush a set with DJ Badda Skat while RFP captured the vibe. When Jeff at RFP was asked what the Rockaz collective has in store for the future, He said, "We are doing more videos and songs, as well as launch parties in Florida and at Miss Lily’s (in New York City.)" He elaborates, "We plan on more events in 2022 as we collaborate with other well-known Dancehall Reggae artists." The Rockaz Collective's mission to announce the arrival of the new musical/video has been accomplished, but they have accepted another, more vast undertaking. A mission much needed today; Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) reporting for duty.

Chris del Camino brings it to new levels with his solo track, "For Better or For Worse"

When I hear Chris del Camino's new single "For Better or For Worse," it immediately takes me on a musical journey. There is an upbeat intro that creates a powerful backdrop from the start like the spark in the beginning of a love story. The rest of the track carries a sense of magic as the tale unfolds. He tells me he was "inspired from a time when I was living in Istanbul [Turkey] with the woman who would just years after become my wife."

Chris writes, arranges, produces, and engineers all of his own music. His first single "Heartbeat" - featuring Hawaii's own Inna Vision, was released in 2018 and has been in my steady rotation since. There's a saxophone solo that gives me chills every time I hear it! The follow-up track, Brighter Day, was released in early 2021. It has a reflective undertone from the unsettled reality of 2020 but with a hopeful outlook. It has a nice groove and solid flow that include many genres of music. All of his solo tracks are bits of different musical influence blended to perfection in just a few short minutes.

Chris is the saxophonist for the sensational reggae, "tropical-pop" queen, HIRIE; and they are direct support for Sublime with Rome and Dirty Heads for the next couple months of 2021. I first met Chris on tour with HIRIE back in 2013 at a club in Phoenix and we've had a chance to catch-up at several stops in Arizona since. He is always a pleasure to not only help provide a mind-blowing performance, but also enjoy his positivity when visiting. 

His horns are always on point; just ask HIRIE, E.N Young, Stick Figure, London McNamara, Kbong, Gonzo, and many other respected artists... as he and fellow HIRIE trombonist, Andrew McKeezy, assist with "hornline writing, arranging, recording & sometimes some of the production." Chris and Andrew became studio musicians at E.N Young's Imperial Recording Studio while recording the first HIRIE album in 2013 and the rest grew from there. 

He says, "It's just been a lifelong process of finding what kinds of stories I want to write and sing about and finding my voice to sing them." It may have taken some time to find, but he sure did find his voice.  Even though the skills all speak for themselves; saxophone, electric guitar, bass, accordion, flute, keyboard, as well as electronic composition - DON'T take my word for it! Go check out "For Better or For Worse" on all streaming platforms, Friday September 3rd! Plus, there's still more releases coming around the corner in late 2021 and into 2022 so stay tuned - you're not going to want to miss what comes next!

Year in Review: My Top 10 Releases of 2016

Inspired by fellow musician Josh Montag of Scattered Melodies collective, I felt compelled to share my favorite albums annually. This past year of music has been one of the most enjoyable and exciting I have ever experienced! Below are the EPs and studio albums that were in constant rotation for me in 2016.

10) Rebelution - "Falling Into Place"

Rebelution broke the mold when emerging into the scene in 2004 and their latest effort “Falling Into Place” is no different. This being the 5^th studio album from the charismatic, genre-transcending group of tremendous musicians! They look to bring together all fans of music with the message of love and unity on this Grammy-nominated release. Rebelution's singer/guitarist Eric Rachmany says "We’re not making music to hit a certain demographic. We’re just making music that we enjoy!” And in regards to their most recent album title he says, “All of our varied inspirations and experiences came together into one cohesive collection of music that we all really love.” The supporting summer and winter tours experienced an immense amount of success with heavy-hitters the likes of Passafire, Stick Figure, Through the Roots, J Boog with The Green, and DJ Mackle. Key tracks – “Lay My Claim,” "Those Days" & “Mirage”

9) HIRIE - "Wandering Soul"

The HIRIE band has come so far in just a few short years since their inception and debut album in 2013. Their sophomore effort, “Wandering Soul,” was a crowd-funded project via Kickstarter by their love-filled, reggae community as well as the Rootfire Cooperative. Rootfire Cooperative is an invaluable, not-for-profit company offering no interest micro loans to reggae acts and providing other administrative services to assist success. HIRIE band is a spirit-filled family with an inspiration that is shared in “Wandering Soul.” Powerful appearances by Nahko, Trevor Hall, among other supporting musicians like John Butcher of The Expanders, Joe Tomino of Dub Trio/Matisyahu, Chris Brennan of Arise Roots, among others echo that sense of fellowship. Fresh off The Expendables’ Winter Black Out Tour, HIRIE has several appearances scheduled at upcoming festivals from Florida to Costa Rica and a few in California. As well as a few headlining Cali shows that are going to keep them busy until they to head out on Good Vibes Summer Tour alongside Rebelution, Nahko & Medicine for the People, and Collie Buddz. Key tracks - "Wandering Soul," "Renegade," & "Woman Comes First"

8) Raging Fyah - "Everlasting"

Raging Fyah is a powerful, young, and spirit-filled 5 piece reggae band from the island of Jamaica. “Everlasting,” the band's 3^rd album, was recorded in the infamous  Tuff Gong Studios with producer Llamar “Riff Raff” Brown (Stephen Marley, Damien Marley, Morgan Heritage). Having a myriad of local or national producers Raging Fyah chose Llamar and it paid off with a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album! Keyboardist/backing vocalist Demar “Keysie” Gayle says, “We have learned so much from [Llamar]; the way he helped to shape our sound is an everlasting lesson.” Their powerful lyrics and message are described by bassist Delroy ‘Pele’ Hamilton, “We try to show reality, but in a very positive way.”  The Caribbean youths have been touring extensively throughout the U.S. & Europe with Ineffable Music label mates, Stick Figure. They will continue spreading their positive message as they travel alongside Tribal Seeds for the Winter Roots Tour then head out with UB40 and Matisayhu for a summer run. Key tracks: Everlasting, Get Up, Getting Dread

 7) Matisyahu - "Release the Bound"

This 5 song EP from Matisyahu is his first official studio release since 2014. Two songs of which were released on his Dreampatron/dedicated fan club as rewards for their patronage. He also released 2 inspirational singles aside from the EP, "Love Born" and "Storm Tossed" with the latter east coast jam band Twiddle. The new direction Matisyahu has chosen to go is reflected in his lyrics and very much in his live performances. As soulful and energetic, as always, but allowing a creative freedom that is unlike anything I have ever seen from him since his very successful career. It only gets me more excited to see his upcoming releases when I see the different collaborations with artists I am not familiar with; like the band Salt Cathedral, Colombian pop duo, featured on the final track on the EP, "Carry Me." He also appears in true Matisyahu form on the very catchy and beat based Salt Cathedral single, "Unraveling." All the songs from "Release the Bound" EP and the aforementioned tracks on this post "Love Born," "Storm Tossed," "Unraveling," are very exciting to listen to and I would strongly encourage anyone to check out the new music and a live show given the opportunity! Key tracks: Carry Me, Shade from the Sun, Crash Landings

6)  EN Young - Call on Me

The man, the myth, the legend, EN Young, is an amazing and inspiring individual! He runs Roots Musician record label, produces/engineers/mixes at his own Imperial Sound Recording studio, and plays live keyboards and melodica with such bands Stranger, Tribal Seeds, and the Imperial Sound Band. He continued to amaze when he announced that he was releasing a solo album, "Call on Me," just a year after his very successful solo album "Live, Love, Stay Up!" I saw him in Phoenix in March 2016 and had a chance to catch up with him after the show. When he told me about the new album I was in complete awe! I thought, "This man has been touring steadily the past several years, just dropped an album in 2015 and he's telling me that he is releasing another, his 3rd solo effort, just barely a year afterwards? WOW!" The new album "Call on Me" is different than any of his previous releases. While several songs are roots reggae he gives way to other means and genres to communicate his messages of love, unity and positivity. Like the EDM inspired "Just Be," along with a piano interlude, a song of just him playing  a mix of signature melodica tracks, a live version of "Don't Burn Your Bridges" from his debut album "Luck and Chance No More," and even a humorous skit! Key tracks: Call on Me, Interlude, Cooyah Raggamuffin 

5) Unified Highway

This project was something I stumbled upon in late 2015 when I unknowingly discovered a track on their Soundcloud page. Once realizing it was a project with Rebelution singer/guitarist Eric Rachmany and AmpLive from the hip-hop group Zion I (as well as a producer for countless remixes the likes of Linkin Park, Radiohead, MGMT, Rebelution, among others), I could not believe I had not heard of it! The collaboration came somewhere during soundchecks and late night jams while touring together in their respective groups as far back as 2009. It wasn't until 2014 when they finally had a chance to get into Eric's home studio with some intentional focus and less distractions surrounding them. The overall sound has an underlying reggae influence with Eric's catchy guitar solos and memorable choruses, but the contrast of heavy bass beats and thick synthesizers gives it the full effect. “We’re two separate cars, but we’re going the same direction,” Amp Live says about Unified Highway. “We come from opposite worlds, but this highway—the music—brings us together. Hopefully, it makes everyone feel the way we do.” I have still yet to see a Unified Highway concert, and because of it being a "project," I'm afraid I'll have to wait a while longer. It's ok though, they're holding fans over with a remix album as well as a cover of Aaliyah's "Are You That Somebody." I honestly can't wait to hear more of this dynamic duo and their all-star reinterpretations and guest appearances. Key tracks: My Space, Losing My Religion, Same Thing Coming

4) Katastro - Strange Nights

Katastro is a 4 piece Tempe, AZ based band hard to categorize. These reggae, alternative, rock, funk, blues, hip-hop originals have been around since 2008. They deliver a sound that has landed them on stage with bands like Dirty Heads, The Expendables, Ballyhoo!, and Pepper. The latter of which signed Katastro to their own Law Records after falling in love with the sound. Pepper's singer/guitarist, Kaleo Wassman, helped produce "Strange Nights" at their Kona Inn Recording Studio in Redondo Beach, CA and the end result was nothing short of sensational! "Waste the Night" even features an appearance from Dirty Heads singer/MC Jared Watson! Katastro bassist Ryan Weddle says, "When we first started writing (Waste the Night) we immediately thought of somehow trying to get Jared on the track. We are really grateful of him, The Dirty Heads and Cheez (Dirty Heads and Sublime with Rome's manager) for helping us out so much throughout our career!" Each track on "Strange Nights" is strong enough to be released as a single in their own regard and as their first release on a signed label it is a very strong statement from such a young group! Ryan continued, "It's really great to see fans at our shows that we haven't seen in years come up and tell us that they dig the new music! It's always our goal to put something out that is true to our progress as a band but we also still want it to be [something] the people that have been supporting us since the early days [can relate to]." Once hearing this band there is no wonder seeing them on the steadfast rise; earning an immense amount of respect from their peers and heroes alike! Key tracks: Flow, Telescopes, Show Me the Road

3) Inna Vision - Lifted

Inna Vision hails from Maui, Hawaii and is one of the hottest island reggae bands around! Set out on a constant drive since 2005 to create an unmatchable sound along with their  "Push" EP in 2015, and 2012s "No Stopping." The new album "Lifted" was released on EN Young's Roots Musician Records and found at the top of many of my playlists throughout the year. Numerous tracks contain a rock-steady, dancehall sound that sets Inna Vision apart for me. Standout appearances featuring EN Young, New Kingston, Maad T-Ray, Irie Love, Gavinchi Brown and rising above the others is the ballad, "Reggae Lives," featuring Star from The Steppas. This reggae anthem echoes what the entire genre implores: it is a oneness spirituality in nature and these artists give their hearts to the music connecting them with their listeners. Through music they express gratitude as well as suffering. With no signs of letting up, Inna Vision have announced the "Highest Grade" EP dropping March 2017! "Lifted" by the music, and their love for it, they give it all to their fans in each song and with every live performance! Key tracks: Reggae Lives, Prosper & Earn, Enjoy This Moment

2) Seedless - The Orange Album

After years of anticipation since Seedless released "Twisted Roots" in 2010, they dropped "The Orange Album," in September 2016! In the interim Seedless connected with fans releasing the "Orange EP," recording a live track of "Last December," collaborating with Kat on "You Got Me," and a reggae/metal infusion collab with Bobby Lee from SOJA called "Eyes" (offered as a free download on their Bandcamp). However, as great as the tracks over the years have been, "The Orange Album" satisfies all cravings with one solid collection showing their perseverance and desire to connect with fans. In May 2016 the band took a new direction when singer/songwriter/guitarist Casey Sullivan with high-energy bass player Grant Rivera announced that personal and business obligations would not allow them to carry on with the band. However, the passion and powerful dynamic remains in tact with vocalist Matt Liufau, drummer Shay Pino, guitarist Joe Bakhos, and Anthony Wells on keys. Seedless added Jason J on guitar/vocals, J-Bird (Justin Iannelli) on bass, and Essel Liufau (Matt's sister) on vocals to add soulful layers to the harmonies. Key tracks: Love is a Drug, Heart of a Warrior, Borrowed Time

1) The Movement - Golden

There is an evident, profound depth in the writing, recording and releasing on The Movement's new album "Golden." The impressive music and lyric quality throughout represents a band heading towards greatness. And there is definitely something to be said about the journey The Movement went on to bring the band's 6th official release to fruition. The hype that surrounded this album that was years in the making was fully lived up to. Singer/guitarist/and co-founder of The Movement Josh Swain reveals, "This is a record of many firsts. It was the first time we really did it the right way. We had the best producer and engineer, the best studio and creative environment, and we were sober and 100% focused. Being so clear-headed allowed us to put out the best ideas. I feel like it is our strongest record to date." It was also the first release from any band on the Rootfire Cooperative, the same that assisted HIRIE with the release of "Wandering Soul." Swain said, "I was never a fan of relinquishing ownership and I didn't understand why a label should own my music forever or why there is a percentage on the back end years after any money has been spent on marketing a record." He continued, "I didn't see any need to outsource this album to a label so I told Seth (Seth Herman, operations, business developer and artist manager for Rootfire Collective) to start a company and we could put out our record out with him." Furthermore, Swain mentioned something about the album that most probably didn't know about, or even notice in the background of the "Golden" album art, the Fibonacci Code. Swain explained, "I really started to like the idea behind the Fibonacci Code, the Golden Ratio, Golden Mean, Golden Spiral. I liked the idea of searching for order and commonality in the chaos. Add to that the idea of requiring a ‘heart of gold’ to inject beauty and goodness into the order and using the word golden as a synonym for perfect... It just made sense to me." The Fibonacci Code, shown in the graph and example below, is a sequence of numbers after two starting values each following number is the sum of the two previous numbers in the equation; spiraling out. (For Example, starting at the beginning: 0+1=1, 1+1=2, 1+2=3, 2+3=5, 3+5=8, 8+5=13, etc...). It is found throughout nature in patterns on shells, fruit, pine cones, leaves, and flowers as well as some other bands like Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Mudvayne. The heavy bass, steady beats, smooth rhythms, and genius lyrics all provide a musical soundscape out from the spiral of life into the great unknown. Be sure to check out The Movement on their mega Sounds of Summer tour with Slightly Stoopid, Iration, and J Boog. Key tracks: Golden, Fair Warning, Retriever

 

Honorable mentions:

Dirty Heads

This album is a self-titled masterpiece; deciding to take a day/night approach to let the music speak for itself in “color code.” Dirty Heads singer/MC Jared Watson said in an interview for ThePier.org, “We are trying to provide the order we think you should listen to these in” [and the color-coding helps to] “reflect the vibes of feeling positive, exuberant versus chilled out and low key.” Picking up right where the self-titled album left off, The Dirty Heads released "Dessert," a tasty 4 song follow up EP. But be on the look out for more huge tours and side project by Dirty Heads drummer Matt Ochoa and singer Jared Watson that fans have been counting on for quite a few years, Sword Beach! Two singles, "Vacation Forever" and "Feelin It," along with some live performances emerged from Sword Beach in 2016 but a full album is rumored due out 2017. Key tracks: Doesn't Make You Right, Red Lights, That's All I Need

Jet West - Wake Up

San Diego, CA based Jet West released their sophomore album "Wake Up" in 2016 with some major intent. After taking their fans on a the fun and uplifting ride on their first release, "Dropping In," that put them on the map in the Southern California reggae scene they spent the following few years on steady tours, building a fan base, appearing at festivals across the country, and gearing up for the next chapter in their story. Jet West recorded "Wake Up" at the infamous 17th St Recording Studio in Los Angeles and had the album art created by renowned artist Jimmy Ovadia. They even recorded a cover of Doors song, "People Are Strange," produced by Kaleo from Pepper. "Wake Up" is a fun, experience loving, getaway album that takes its listeners on a full kicked back vacation. Key tracks: Wanderer, Island, Waiting
 

Red Hot Chili Peppers - The Getaway

When the first single "Dark Necessities" for the Red Hot Chili Peppers new album "The Getway" dropped in May 2016, I had a feeling it would be one of my favorite albums of the year. For the first time in over 25 years the producer was someone other than Rick Rubin, instead opting to hand over the console to Danger Mouse (19 time Grammy nominated and 6 time winner producer/artist) and mixing duties to long time Radiohead producer, Nigel Godrich. The sound seemed much more natural RHCP than "I'm With You," the first album without guitarist John Frusciante post-"Californication." New addition, Josh Klinghoffer, was a long-time guitar tech and collaborator of Frusciante's and found his niche in "The Getaway." Lots of deep grooves, howling effects, and bouncing bass filled the tracks. I was utterly impressed with these rock-n-roll veterans ability to capture their identity cover-to-cover again. Key tracks: Dark Necessities, Goodbye Angels, The Hunter

Bringing in a big year, be on the lookout for Dirty Heads and friends

Never in a million years would I have thought what I am about to share with you. If you would have told me anything remotely close to it, I would have laughed in your face. Nonetheless, I am here to tell you that dreams come true and to never give up on that dream because me and my crew are living proof.

If you look up Huntington Beach, California you will find pictures of beaches, people surfing, and the Huntington Beach pier – in short, the California dream. Somewhere in there you will also find the Dirty Heads , a modern reggae-rock band with hip-hop, pop, and electronic influence. Their name is a surfing reference to when the sand gets stuck in your hair; very similar to when the Dirty Heads’ songs get stuck in your head.

No exception to the 5th studio album released July 2016 by Five Seven Music! This album is a self-titled masterpiece; deciding to take a day/night approach to let the music speak for itself in “color code.” Singer/MC Jared Watson said in an interview for ThePier.org, “We are trying to provide the order we think you should listen to these in” [and the color-coding helps to] “reflect the vibes of feeling positive, exuberant versus chilled out and low key.”

The music video for the first single off the self-titled album, “That’s All I Need,” has over 1.8 Million views on YouTube since May! This instant summer hit was performed live in front of millions of viewers for “Good Morning, America.” A music video was also released for one of the more “chilled out, low-key” songs, “Oxygen,” that already has over 195,000 views in a month’s time! Fresh off their Fall tour with fellow color coder’s, RDGLDGRN, and Los Angeles youths, New Beat Fund, they are looking at a new year full of festival appearances!

Festivals like Riptide Music Fest in Florida, Dallas/Fort Worth KDGE's How The Edge Stole Christmas, Reno, Nevada's KRZQ Christmas show, the California Emerald Cup, Slightly Stoopid’s Closer to the Sun Festival, Happy Place Music and Arts Festival at the San Bernardino Fairgrounds in California. Not to mention, they have scheduled appearances at the 8th annual California Roots Festival Memorial Day Weekend 2017 and the 2nd Annual One Love Festival that both combine different genres of hip-hop along with American, Hawaiian, and Jamaican reggae music!

Their New Year's show will be especially epic. The Dirty Heads play on New Year’s Eve at Tempe, Arizona’s Marquee Theater alongside Arizona’s own Katastro! These Tempe natives freshly released their own brand new album,
"Strange Nights," on LAW Records. Featured on the track “Waste the Night” is Dirty Heads and Sword Beach MC/singer, Jared Watson. Katastro bass player Ryan Weddle said, "When we first started writing this song we immediately thought of somehow trying to get Jared on the track." Looking to add more variety to their new music they wanted each song to have a different sound.

“Our goal was to put something out that is true to our progress as a band, but also still want [something] the people that have been supporting us since the early days [can relate to].... this New Year's show is going to be a ton of fun! We have a good set ready for it, full of new and old tracks. It's always fun playing with DH, so I couldn't think of a better way to end a year!" 

“Waste the Night” and “Strange Nights” reference the randomness surrounding the band everyday, and they want to convey that message with their music. They captured it visually in two amazing videos released from the new album, “Waste the Night” and “Flow.”

Also playing New Year’s Eve in Arizona will be local hip-hop artist Mouse Powell. "No stranger to a strange night" he went along for the ride on Katastro's first headlining, Strange Nights Tour. They covered the West coast, and made several stops in the West & Midwest. Finishing up the Marquee Theater roster on New Year's Eve is reggae-rock band Neato, and newer on the scene, the reggae-jazz-world collective Highest Conspiracy!

Highest Conspiracy came upon the scene in April 2016, and there was a strong feeling from the beginning that this collective was meant for a big stage. Seasoned musicians from all over the world came together in the state of Arizona. It’s such an honor to play percussion alongside such a talented group!

We are ending our first year onstage alongside The Dirty Heads. We’re also gearing up for a big year in 2017, with a full-length release and festival appearances of our own. It has been an amazing experience recording at Premier Studios with Grammy-winning producer/engineer Jeremy Parker (Evanescence, Slipknot, Disturbed). His production and professionalism has been stellar in so many ways, helping define the sound on our debut album! We also landed a spot on Pot of Gold 2017 with bands like Sublime with Rome, Matisyahu, Katchafire and hip-hop artists G-Eazy, Rae Sremmurd, Action Bronson, among others! 

The New Year's Eve show with The Dirty Heads is the completion of a circle that started years ago for me. I flew to Colorado to see Sublime with Rome, Matisyahu, and The Dirty Heads at Red Rocks Amphitheater with no ticket to a sold-out concert. I ended up getting in the 3rd row!

Walking through the parking lot there was like walking through an enormous house party, with good vibes and good music all around. On the way to the concert I was thinking how excited I was to see Matisyahu, and the remaining members of Sublime featuring young phenom, Rome Ramirez... little did I know that as soon as I heard The Dirty Heads I would never stop dancing to the beat of their drum.

Now, I have the opportunity to play the same stage as them years later, at one of the biggest New Year’s Eve parties in Arizona! Never give up on your dreams, it very well could be your band playing alongside The Highest Conspiracy at Red Rocks years from now!

Bumpin Uglies "Keep It Together" for their new release, and it's stronger than ever!

There is a three-piece reggae, punk/ska band affectionately known as Bumpin Uglies reigning from Annapolis, Maryland anxiously waiting to bring their new music to your ears! Dave Wolf funks up the bass, TJ Haslett pounds the 1s and 2s on the drums, as their witty and energetic singer/songwriter/guitarist Brandon Hardesty belts out the lyrics. This new music could possibly be their best yet! Brandon says, “I feel like this album has been floating around the inside of my head for the last 10 years. The lyrics are some of the best I ever wrote and the energy of the songs is all over the place.” He continues, “It’s a real rocker!”

The new album, “Keep It Together,” is the first with this band lineup but also the first release under Right Coast Records, operated by Maryland counterparts Ballyhoo! “Keep It Together” was mixed and mastered at Annapolis Sound Lab with engineer Ryan Cullen. Brandon describes, “It took a long time to find the right players and to get our sound dialed in, but we finally did, and this album is the result!”

Track after track this compilation of songs hits heavy from the beginning to end! In the lead off slot appropriately titled “All In,” a collection of the band’s unique sound and displays a strong range of their new direction; after listening to it there is no wonder why it is one of the featured singles on the new album. Love-inspired ballads “Sorry I’m Not Sorry” and “End” also pack a punch with steady beats, funky bass lines, and great riffs. They’re separated by the catchy and rockin’ “Stop the Fall,” the first music video on “Keep It Together,” filmed in front of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in their hometown Annapolis. The song “Place Your Bets” is them calling their shot, telling the world they are what they appear to be; an up-and-coming, hard-working group that do not seek undeserved approval but earn their keep. And any touring act can respect the affinity of “Load In, Load Out,” their ‘ode to the road,’ which was released previously as a live recording but is brilliantly captured in the studio setting. All unmentioned tracks hold their own as well: Snowflake, Hipster Douchebag, Urination Citation, Rules Be Damned, Keep Moving - the album has a recurring theme throughout; when they make mistakes or get knocked down in life, they will get up and come back even stronger than ever!

Shaun Logan from Slogan Design captures the theme of “Keep It Together"  in the cover art perfectly. It features a surly looking, stubbed cigar-wielding clown in the middle of a carnival. As he juggles chainsaws while riding a unicycle his look does not appear to be terribly concerned. Instead, the smoking jester seems to be quite comfortable amidst the apparent risk because he is no stranger putting himself in danger.

Poised and ready to make a similar impression felt this time around, Brandon finishes, “I think with this album we finally achieved a unique sound that we can call our own." And indeed it is a fresh sound that they bring to the circus that is all too familiar. Bumpin’ Uglies are no strangers to the ins-and-outs of music and touring, but like the album cover, they are comfortable in the recklessness of it all.