Black Bottom Lighters know no bounds

Your body thirsts for water in a scorching,  desolate desert the same way your ears long for the refreshing sound of new music. This longing is thoroughly satisfied by Arizona's own Black Bottom Lighters. They have perfected a sound not yet put into a single genre; reggae beats, hip-hop lyrics, with rock, pop, Latin, and even island influences.

The band's lineup has been solidified, having changed several times since their inception in 2010. Their high-energy, upbeat frontman Stilly, heads up the vocal duties with slick rhymes and positive vibes. Backing him up is T, truly defining the BBL sound with his smooth voice and sweet guitar rhythms. Jose Aquino assumes all things bass, but he is also highly versatile; playing guitar and singing backups on several songs. His unique style as a slap, pluck and all-around groove-filled bassist strongly backs the beats set forth by hard-hitting drumming machine, McPhatty. Kelyn Weaver, a classically trained pianist turned dubstep/electronic keyboardist, and Rush DJ were added later to help the perfect the layers of their dynamic style. The last, but not near the least piece of the puzzle was the band's 'secret weapon;' atomic guitarist, Phil, who brought their sound full circle with the amazing depths of his talent on his 6 string Gibson.

Black Bottom Lighters traveled along the West coast throughout California and into Oregon in support of their self-titled EP. Also appearing in several music festivals around the US with such artists as 30 Seconds to Mars, Stone Temple Pilots, Jimmy Eat World, Wiz Khalifa, The Flaming Lips, among many others. But what is most insteresting about this exciting group is not so much as where they've been as much as where they're going.

Tribal Seeds joined forces with roots reggae phenom, E.N Young; and that is just the beginning

Love, faith, peace, truth, justice, appreciation and spiritual awareness are primary messages that E.N Young and Tribal Seeds are spreading with their music. The San Diego, California natives all met as youths when Tribal Seeds started back in 2003. In 2011 E.N recorded, produced, and mixed the latest Tribal Seeds EP, 'Soundwaves,' in his studio. He then went on the road in the fall of 2011 opening for Tribal Seeds touring from Hawaii to New York. E.N and lead singer/guitarist of Tribal Seeds, Steve Jacobo, were able to record and mix a song titled "Blessed Love" in Virginia and North Carolina while on tour. Their musical collaborations and personal relationships grew from there.

E.N Young learned piano when he was 5 and started playing drums when he was 12.  His musical career started early, at the age of 15, and played professionally in the band Stranger at 19. They recorded several times, played in front of thousands of people, won a San Diego Music Award, and spread their music across the globe for 10 years. The experience allowed him to grow, learning about music and life. In 2005 he met a group of musicians in the Bonita/Chula Vista, CA area called Roots Covenant. He was invited to play keyboards and sing for 40+ Jamaican artists such as Johnny Clarke, Heptones, Sammy Dread, Triston Palmer, Milton Henry, Jah Batta, Edi Fitzroy, and Eek-a-Mouse. In 2009 E.N started the group 3wise with Luis Castillo and AK Ciscneros playing as the band for artists including The Devastators (also known as Battle Cry featuring Ivan Garzon), Everton Blender, and Quino, a veteran of reggae music, singer from the band Big Mountain. Quino offered guidance and became a musical and spiritual mentor to E.N. The path utimately led E.N to start his own label, Roots Musicians Records, and record his solo album, 'Luck & Chance No More,' in 2010. 'Luck & Chance No More' was where he stepped out into reggae music on his own, even playing most of the instruments himself. The album is a focus of E.N's musical and spiritual mission; 'spreading good through music and inspiring others.'

After the release of his debut album and touring, E.N entered a remix contest for Rebelution's song "Good Vibes" and won the $1000 grand prize! Winning the remix competition helped him in the completion of his dream studio, Imperial Sound Recording. He wanted to pay homage to those who had influenced and inspired him such as Scientist, Mad Professor, and King Tubby by making music and producing artists. E.N recorded Gonzo's (Ryan Gonzalez, singer/songwriter for the band Beyond I Sight and formerly of the band Fortunate Youth) solo debut album, "Rocksteady" as well as an album for Skanks Roots Project, "Just the Tip." Skanks Roots Project is an exciting roots reggae collaboration from E.N Young and DJ Skanks including members from California bands High Tide, Mad Traffic, and KeepItLit. The album "Just the Tip" insinuates the metaphorical "tip of the iceberg" the band will further demonstrate in future releases. Also, E.N recently recorded ambitious female, reggae-pop singer/songwriter HIRIE. The release is yet to be determined but big things are coming for this young and talented artist so stay tuned. In the meantime, Roots Musician Records has a sampler available for download here featuring upcoming tracks for 2013. It also has previously mentioned "Blessed Love" and "Good Vibes" remix.

All ventures lead up to the fall of 2012 when E.N became an official member of Tribal Seeds, singing and playing keyboards and his melodica. His stage presence is a natural fit to the commanding California Roots/rock/reggae band. Although Tribal Seeds has changed the official lineup before, the core remains strong with the Jacobo brothers, Tony-Ray (playing keyboards and writing music) and Steven Rene (playing guitar, singing, and writing the lyrics). Since becoming an official member, E.N has been encouraged to continue producing albums, promoting his own music, and bringing his own energy to the band. Tribal Seeds have already had an enormous amount of national and international success. They have released 2 full length albums (2008s Self-titled, Tribal Seeds, and 2009s The Harvest) and the aforementioned "Soundwaves" EP (2011). Since 2011 they have released singles "Night & Day," "Did Wrong," "Run the Show" and some remixes - a few dub remixes from E.N and 1 dubstep remix from Tha Maad T-Ray (the DJ alias of Tony-Ray Jacobo). Tha Maad T-Ray released his debut entitled "Welcome EP" in January 2012. The electronic melodies and dubstep beats blend with reggae undertones displaying more depths of talent in the band. Other current members of Tribal Seeds include the polished Joe Rodriguez playing guitar, savvy Carlos Verdugo on drums and skilled Victor Navarro playing bass.

Currently Tribal Seeds is on a 2 month tour across 30 states directly supporting young legends, Slightly Stoopid. They are even taking a few dates between tour stops to play headlining shows with Tha Maad T-Ray and new family/friends, Stick Figure. The bands formed a bond while on the West Coast Tour together in January and will reunite any given opportunity. Opportunity knocked when Stick Figure's headlining East coast tour intersects coincidentally with the Slightly Stoopid/Tribal Seeds Spring Tour. They are very excited to play these shows especially since the first of these dates was a sellout at the Brighton Music Hall in Boston, Massachusetts. The familiar sense of family has spread through the band and out to others. They share these family traits along with the strong, united message of their music. The collaborations and synergy will continue; on the horizon is E.N's follow up album to "Luck and Chance No More," Tribal Seeds' 3rd full-length release, and lots of producing and recording at Imperial Sound Recording Studio. They are as truly blessed to jam the sweet, irie music as we are to receive it.

Stick Figure amazes all on their first West Coast tour

After years of writing, recording, and producing several albums on their own, the band Stick Figure, steps out of the studio and onto the stage. Stick Figure joined Tribal Seeds on the Winter West Coast 2013 tour to bring their music and message to welcoming ears. This was their fans first opportunity to see the band live since...ever! Many of the shows were SOLD OUT and the band found their crowds screaming lyrics back at them louder than they could sing into their microphones. Even though Stick Figure was no stranger to a live performance and toured alongside The Green on the East Coast for the Liars and Lovers Tour in the Fall of 2012, this was their first experience of the complete West Coast hysteria!

Stick Figure is currently a 4 member music ensemble. Up until 2009, all of Stick Figure's music was completely constructed (written, recorded, produced, and all instruments performed) by mastermind, Scott Woodruff. Scott, a Tahoe City, CA transplant from New England, was originally a drummer but broadened his horizons learning guitar, keyboards, and programming. In 2009 he brought in like-minded, multi-instrumentalist Kevin Bong, aka K Bong. K Bong brings fantastic percussion, ukelele, guitar, bass, keyboards, singing and freestyle rap experience and ability. His stage presence commands the audience, encouraging crowds to sing along and move around. It's these talents that are being emphasized in the releasing of his solo music debut, "Hopes and Dreams," due out later this year. You can hear the new single "Risin" on his SoundCloud. Scott and K Bong are backed by an insanely talented rhythm section; Tommy Sulliman covering the smooth, bumpy, and delectable bass, and drummer Kevin Offitzer balances it all with his precise tempo and thorough skills. Strangely enough Sulliman himself is a multi-instrumentalist often seen jamming an ukelele. Offitzer also plays with Outlaw Nation, Micah Brown, and Kat.

The band's newest release, Burial Ground, premiered #1 on the iTunes Reggae charts and #45 for all genres. The Pier, one of the largest reggae/rock/acoustic online music communities today, nominated Burial Ground for one of its top albums of 2012 with the likes of Micah Brown, The Dirty Heads, and Rebelution - some of the hottest musicians in reggae music today. The album pushes the envelope, providing a mind-blowing combination of Jamaican reggae and hard-hitting dub bass that is so fresh it's hard to turn off. This was not the first time they had pushed said envelope. They were defining this crisp sound in their previous efforts; 2010s "The Reprise Sessions", 2009s "Smoke Stack", 2008s "Burnin' Ocean", and their debut album "The Sound of My Addiction" in 2006. All albums have had their own successes such as "Burnin' Ocean" reaching iTunes' Top 10 best Reggae Albums of 2008 and "Smoke Stack" was one of billboard.com's top 10 reggae albums several weeks in a row. "The Reprise Sessions," the first official release of the full 4-piece band, debuted on reggae iTunes charts at #2. All albums have been considered by The Pier in the highest regard and are always giving big ups to Stick Figure on the annual previews and samplers.

The band came together as naturally as the other members of their touring team: Brandon their experienced tour manager, Adam who handles the band's equipment and merch, and Steve their sound and lighting specialist. Steve was also able to stand in for Tribal Seeds sound on the last night of the tour in Arizona and was great. This was part of the message of community that was spread throughout the entire West Coast. Stick Figure also appeared onstage during Tribal Seeds' set for "Vampire," some of the peaks of the entire tour: K Bong would sing parts of the breakdown and play keys, Tommy played the bass, Offitzer stepped in for drums, and Scott drove the mic and the drumkit several stops along the tour. (see some video here)  Woodruff would often bring out his dog Cocoa, the touring dog, who would just hang out on stage and chill. Tragically Scott lost his dog Holly shortly before the release of Burial Ground last year. Holly was from Argentina that he picked up off the streets four years ago and later brought back to the United States. They were partners from the beaches of San Diego to the mountains in Lake Tahoe and lived it up no matter where they were, always bringing smiles to people's faces.There was a strong kinship between them and Scott was inspired to write a song when she passed. The video he made really showed a connection that is honest and virtuous, here's a link to it on YouTube (http://youtu.be/8m0mR8NnYPA.)

The Tribal Seeds and Stick Figure team are hitting the East Coast in March/April. They have 11 Dates now confirmed: VT, MA, NC, SC, GA, FL, LA, TX and more! They definitely have something to share to the rest of the country, not just out West. There are many more memories to be made and tours to come for these bands. They are both spreading Jah Love through and through. Such deserving bands coming together to spread such admonition. The crowds will assemble in masses to embrace the message, enjoy themselves, and appreciate the music. Stick Figure is giving away a Studio Sampler to hold you over until they come to a town near you and once done touring it's almost a guarantee the studio will not be far behind. The band is always jamming and coming up with new music so be prepared for what Stick Figure is bringing here on out.

Arizona based reggae rockers Black Bottom Lighters likely to put Phoenix back on the talent map

In the urban dictionary black bottom lighters are referred to as a "soot"-tipped Bic, but not to one reggae Arizona band and their avid, cult-like followers. Arizona "grown" Black Bottom Lighters, also known as BBL, recently released their self-titled EP in hopes of putting the desert local scene back on the map. Phoenix, once known to produce bands such as Authority Zero, Jimmy Eat World, and the Gin Blossoms; has been looking for the next success story and it seems that it may have revealed itself in BBL.
Black Bottom Lighters emerged from the Phoenix local scene in 2010 originally as an acoustic trio performing at house parties and open mics throughout the Valley of the Sun. After years of developing their several line-up changes they landed on a dynamic sound that carried them into now. Ryan Stillwell, aka Stilly, heads up the vocal duties with slick rhymes and a stellar beatbox. Backing him up is Taide Pineda, aka T. T takes the BBL sound and defines it with his smooth voice and sweet sounding guitar rhythms. Jose Aquino assumes all things bass. His unique style as a slap, pluck and all-around groove-filled bassist strongly backs the beats set forth by hard-hitting drumming machine, Ryan McPhatter, aka McPhatty.  Originally responding to a Craigslist add and playing with just a conga, they knew he was the perfect fit for their vision. In that vision along came Kelyn Weaver, a classically trained pianist turned dubstep/electronic keyboardist who felt what the rest of the guys were dishing out musically. Rush DJ came along for the ride, spinning his records and scratching the layers of BBL sound. The last, but not near the least, piece of the puzzle was atomic guitarist Phil K. who brought their sound full circle with the amazing depths of his talent on his 6 string Gibson.
2012 was a huge year for the BBL, up to and including their self-titled EP release. They also released a free 4 song acoustic EP earlier in the year titled, Arizona Appetizer (available here: http://blackbottomlighters.net/wordpress/?page_id=28). They received steady radio play on KWSS 106.7FM, Phoenix's only alternative music radio station, and were featured several times on their morning show, TMI (The Morning Infidelity). The host, Beef Vegan, was even featured in the band's first official music video, Nuclear (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dopj5-fa-vc), that also premiered in 2012. They played headlining shows at prestigious Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale clubs and events as well as sharing the stage with today's hottest reggae bands The Dirty Heads, Iration, Ballyhoo!, Tribal Seeds, and Flogging Molly's annual Tempe Beach Park's St. Patrick's Day Bash. They also opened for some of the most famous reggae bands ever, such as, The Original Wailers and Steel Pulse.
Black Bottom Lighters EP release on December 21st at Scottsdale's Martini Ranch was referred by the Phoenix New Times as the #1 event to be the weekend before Christmas (http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/uponsun/2012/12/top_five_must-see_shows_in_met.php). Their fans showed up to take over the popular venue in herds. People were lined up around the block to get in the door. The BBL hand-picked their openers, setting the stage for a feel good, one-of-a-kind show. Once prepped, the crowd was loud and feverish - the band was able to feed off the crowd's enthusiasm, causing a centrifugal force in downtown Scottsdale. Smiles abound, and fun surely had, the night came to a close as the BBL trumped the Martini Ranch.
Back to the matter at hand... the self-titled EP. Thanks to their sponsors at Arizona Cannabis Society, they were able to record something themselves and their fanbase could sink their teeth into; 7 songs of a pure musical spectacle. The first track "Be Kind, Rewind" was a great pace setter, giving you grooves from each member and highlighting the skillful abilities of the band. "Hard Way" and "Nuclear" give you a dynamic taste of the chemistry and charisma experienced in the BBL, highlighting breakdowns and verses hooking you in, wanting more. "Right Time" was the eye of the storm the listeners ears were craving. Flowing vocals and a steady stream of guitar leaves you swaying from left to right like an inebriated Stevie Wonder. Then BAM! They unload climaxing "Stuck in Arizona"! Those from the Arizona desert don't sound that bad off in this reggae-rock ballad. But the band doesn't want to end the music samples too abruptly so they let you down gently with "Words to Say" and "Home Grown." Both songs that give you a real sense of what the band is all about - their feel good music and their feel good culture.
They don't plan to stop progressing in 2013. In fact, they have their sights set on touring and getting their message wide-spread. Whoever stops to listen will not regret it. BBL has an amazing group of talent and their EPs are a small sample of what they have to offer, an escape from the toll of modern day life. The rest of us will be waiting for the next chapter in the story of the Black Bottom Lighters so we too can forget what we feel at the end of everyday.

My Affinity

There will always be a connection with family. I love my parents, I love my wife, I love my brothers and sister but I have never felt near the way I love my daughter Mia. The day she was born something changed in my molecular structure. The only way I could describe at the time, and to this day, is that I became an "emotional ball of goo."

I felt an affinity for her that I never felt before. I looked at my wife, my life, and everyone else in a different light. Something drew me toward something brighter, something bigger than myself. This child was the best thing that could have ever come into my life. I felt so honored that I was entrusted in her upbringing while it was her that truly turned me into who, and what, I am today.

She is the brightest star in my sky. She is the blood in my veins, and mine in hers. Her, my wife, and God all hold my heart in their trinity. Thank you all for sharing my Affinity.

Question everything, right?

Why not? Questions are the answer, aren’t they? Or should they not be? What should we really be asking? If we got the answer would we then be satisfied? Would we continue to poke and prod until we got the answer we are actually looking for? Is this post ironic or annoying? I’m not sure if I want you to answer that