Tribal Seeds titled their latest LP "Representing" because it's what they're doing in today's music scene

Roots are a foundation and anchor for all plants but to reggae fans roots it's a little different. Roots are not only a type of amazing music - they are also a foundation of peace, anchor of unity, but most importantly the basis of Love. Reggae rockers Tribal Seeds bring the roots message in their latest musical masterpiece 'Representing.' They are spreading like a wildfire, debuting #1 on Billboard, Amazon, and iTunes Reggae charts and moved into the Billboard Top 200 (142)! It goes to show how much support and popularity they have gained since joining the San Diego reggae community in 2005.

'Representing' led off with the title track and drew out the primary focus of the band - the Rastafari movement, the holy trinity, along with ancient Olmec heritage. An Olmec head sculpture is featured on the album cover aside a Mayan pyramid. Along with the Great Sphinx of Giza separated by water. All symbols of sacrifice and appreciation in their respective archaic civilizations. Tribal Seeds holds up 'Representing' as their sacrifice to their 'Creator'. They state this with 'Moonlight' singing:

"We play for no one but the plants and creatures,
I see Jah glory from the rise of the morning sun

We're jamming in the moonlight...
Hear the soundwaves by the seaside
We don't need to play for anyone"

 Tribal Seeds brings "I in I" with several guest appearances. "I in I"  is all people in the belief that the Holy Spirit within all people makes us one and the same. This essential roots vibe is established with Vaughn Benjamin from Midnite to lead off "Representing," then the signature Slightly Stoopid voice Kyle McDonald with steady rockin' "In Your Area." They go to new heights with the reggae legend Mykal Rose in "Herbstock," then bring in youthful and spirit-filled New Kingston and feature their very own Gonzo on "Fill It Up." Tribal Seeds keyboardist and co-founding member, Maad T-Ray (Tony Ray Jacobo), intends to open eyes in "Rock the Night" by addressing classroom conformity and misrepresented history. Instead, emphasize on youth guidance and encouragement with overwhelming faith, roots, and Love. Keeping them fixated on our good works with a collection of 12 reggae ballads. 

Tribal Seeds has become more profound as they have continued adding to the depths of the band. The strong and steady bass of Victor Navarro and the hard hitting - yet smooth as silk drumming techniques of Carlos Verdugo are the bass thumping backbone of the band. The musical exhalation and distinct voice of the band by Stephen Jacobo is indeed the band's signature. Yet Tribal Seeds' most recent line-up additions, lead guitarist and serene vocalist Gonzo and peace-loving, reggae specialist E.N Young, have also brought their massive talents to round out this reggae conglomerate.

Just a few short weeks after Tribal Seeds released "Representing," Gonzo released his sophomore solo album "Red" on E.N Young's Roots Musician Records. Impressive beats with his band Beyond I Sight are displayed throughout the collection of originals. Enhancing the sound waves was not only E.N Young, as featured in "Fallin" and "Roots Woman," but also Hawaiian rhyme slayer Koa Lopes (Inna Vision bassist and front man), movement leader Pedro from True Press and co-producer of "Red," as well as Beyond I Sight bassist, Alex Gammill also known as Roots In Peace. They all bring the good, strong vibes and bring Gonzo's follow-up effort his most audacious songwriting yet. Imperial Sound Studio Owner/Engineer/Producer, Roots Musician Records proprietor, Tribal Seeds keyboardist/vocalist/grand pianist E.N Young agreed. In fact I sat down with him for a few minutes on his Roots Musician showcase tour featuring Gonzo, himself, and promising new Tongan roots artist, Leilani Wolfgramm. All of them came on strong, backing each other and all of them were backed by prodigious Beyond I Sight. The show was amazing in it's own right - seeing and hearing them all collaborating the sweet reggae sounds, but looking to see where that family element becomes pivotal and exactly how it was all made possible was the true highlight of the evening. Big ups to those like Tribal Seeds, ReRooted and The Sound Pot for supporting the movement and keeping roots moving forward! Now you'll really want to read this exclusive I was so fortunate to capture:

1) Tribal Seeds, tell me what's the first thing you think about when hearing those words?

 E.N Young: I think of this band that's pushed this positive message, changing people's lives around the world. Tribal Seeds means a lot to me, they've helped build my career and believed in me to produce them and I'm extremely grateful to be connected with them.

2) 'Representing' was released in May and has taken over the ears of all Tribal Seeds fans!! Seeing how it was engineered and mixed by you at Imperial Sound Recording. What was the most exciting part for you with this release?
 

 E.N Young: The most exciting was being a part of that fresh energy of coming out with the new record because it had been such a long time since Tribal Seeds had released a full record. I got onboard and joined the band then comes Gonzo and that was it! It just lit the sparks, something had started and we could feel it! We were writing in hotel rooms and recording on the bus - sometimes outside the bus in the middle of the day - everywhere we could! The highlights were definitely the hustle being on it and putting out the record, and things have been really great! It's turned out really good!

3) Your Imperial Sound Recording Studios has become a very busy destination in today's reggae recording. Tribal Seeds, Gonzo, Skank Roots Project, Thrive, Inna Vision, True Press, Beyond I Sight, Leilani Wolfgramm, Clear Conscience, Tatanka, Arise Roots, Hirie, Mystic Roots, Animo, just to name a few - have flocked to your studio to capture their music. How does this make you feel? Have you reached your goal with this studio? 

 E.N Young: I stopped playing solo because I wanted to build my studio and build the record label and I really felt like I had a talent that I could produce and share with people. Then suddenly I joined Tribal Seeds in 2012 and that happened really fast. I set goals to have a successful studio and record label and I'm living it so much that right now it sort of feels unreal, you know? (laughs) I'm seeing the success happening so quickly it's getting bigger and bigger! There are great albums coming out (of Imperial Sound Studio) with the idea of collaborating and bringing together more music, the music is going to keep getting better and better! Especially with Tribal Seeds and my own solo thing I've got going on.  
 

4) Tribal Seeds has become such a pivotal influence within the reggae community. Every tour seems to be generating bigger crowds, more 'buzz' and more family vibes within the touring bands (Slightly Stoopid, Stick Figure, The Expanders, Fortunate Youth, Through the Roots, The Steppas, Inna Vision and New Kingston to name a few). Why do you think this is? How can you describe what is happening?
   

E.N Young: That all comes from the top down, the origin of Tribal Seeds - the Jacobo brothers. T-Ray and Stephen they are that family vibe. They knew when they came up and needed support so they're helping others come up who need that support. And after touring the country with (Tribal Seeds) the crowds have been getting bigger and bigger at the shows! More success, bigger venues and it all feels really special, I'm so blessed - with everything that's going on in my life right now with the studio and the label. So blessed!  
  

5) Speaking of Fortunate Youth, last year Tribal Seeds introduced longtime FY member Gonzo (aka Ryan Gonzalez, solo singer/songwriter and current front man for Beyond I Sight) as lead guitarist for the Kicking Up Dust Tour with Slightly Stoopid and Atmosphere. At the time it was unclear if it was a temporary move. As of now his talents on the mic and guitar have been incorporated into the live show and also featured throughout 'Representing.' I saw in an interview with the band that this was a permanent change. How was his inception into the band brought about and where do you see this reggae-'super-group' heading?
 

E.N Young: I'll start from the beginning - Gonzo came and recorded an album with me at my studio. He straight told me that I had my own solo record so he wanted to record his own solo record too. That was a really special feeling when he told me that. So I produced 'Rocksteady' for him and that was an amazing process. He kind of reached out for guidance on what he should do so he linked up with Beyond I Sight and started touring. When Tribal Seeds needed a guitarist he stood out to me because bringing him in would add another singing element and it would be 4 of us singing and that would be a big sound. He came in on the first day knowing all the tunes and we were all singing 3-4 part harmonies on the first day. It does feel like a 'super group' - like an All-Star team so we are all extremely grateful and thankful we're all together. 

6) Speaking of Gonzo - you both set a very strong precedent with 'Rocksteady' and now after listening to it's follow-up, 'Red,' I think it's very bold - like the color red - making a bold statement and brings an even stronger and heavier vibe than it's predecessor in my opinion. Do you agree/disagree? Why? 
 

E.N Young: Well with 'Rocksteady' Gonzo was kind of new to it, fresh. He came in with songs but not entirely done and some real solid ideas but we went with the vibe. I played a lot of the instruments and wrote songs on the spot. It was really good! I liked 'Rocksteady' a lot but with 'Red' he was more mature and it shined through on 'Red!' Beats are hard and phat and his songwriting gets in your face and it's right there but on a more mature level. I think that's what you're feeling.

7) The Tribal Seeds are heading back out on the road for a Fall tour with Gonzo and Beyond I Sight so what are you looking foward to with getting back out there?
 

E.N Young: Well this is the first time I've played solo in 2+ years, playing with Through the Roots in San Diego. Then I chose to build my studio, Imperial Sound Recording, and my record label, Roots Musicians Records, and full time with recording and joining Tribal Seeds. I kind of put my music on hold and that's one thing I'm looking forward to. Really getting out there, playing festivals, and shows aside of Tribal Seeds and even within with Gonzo and Beyond I Sight. My goal is to spread more of my message and that's unity, peace, and Love. I want to be on the frontlines spreading that message. 

8) I want to do some word association with the next few, first words that pop in your head after:

    A) Roots? The foundation, something to keep us strong and grounded to the Earth.

    B) Youth? Need to be taught, engaged, and cared for so they can grow up and live

    C) Love? The foundation of creation, the basis of life. We live in Love, we die in Love. We really need to embrace Love.

    D) Family? Is something to help us, to get through tests in life and have someone with us in time of struggle and in time of good.

    E) Future? It's what we need to fight for to keep going. Keep future positive with Love, and peace, and good works.

9) In 2010 you enhanced our collective subconscious with the message of peace and Love on your first solo release, "Luck and Chance No More." After putting such profound tracks like 'Love, Love, Love' and 'Eye of the Storm' available for download on the Roots Musician samplers, fans are ready for more! You must have something big planned, anything you can tell us about yet?

E.N Young: I do have my new album coming out that I'm excited for! It's called "Live, Love, and Stay Up" and it's going to be out in a month and a half - it's very close. It's going to be 9-11 songs and 3 discs with dub versions and acoustic versions. So stay close because they're coming very soon!!

Stick Figure, Hirie, and Pacific Dub 'Livin' It' on their national Fall tour

It was the first day of the first national Stick Figure Livin' It tour in Flagstaff, AZ. Along for the ride are San Diego based reggae pop sensation HIRIE and Huntington Beach rockers Pacific Dub. The bands hadn't even arrived yet but there was a thick sense of ease at The Green Room, a great venue with a great stage mere feet away from historical Route 66. The mountain town had a vibrant energy and the music was going to take it to another level!

Stick Figure just wrapped up the Count Me In Tour with Rebelution, Iration, and The Green in sold out amphitheaters and auditoriums throughout the nation! They were eager to ride the momentum they've gained with their recent singles - releasing a new adaptation of fan favorite "Livin' It" from the "Smoke Stack" album and their summer 'hit' "Smokin' Love" featuring Collie Buddz. Stick Figure and Collie Buddz are stoked to be playing a few shows on a Hawaiian voyage through Honolulu, Kona, Maui, and Kauai right after the end of the Livin' It tour.

HIRIE has also been riding her own momentum since the release of self-titled release from Roots Musician Records September last year. Thanks to her supporters on Kickstarter, HIRIE was able to tour with Tribal Seeds and Fortunate Youth last year and was a focal point on the The California Roots Carolina Sessions 2013, so much so it earned her an opening slot on the 3rd and final day of California Roots 2014 on the Cali Roots stage! She's also been playing a lot of great California shows and regional festivals throughout California, Utah, and Arizona adding to her already growing fan-base.

Pacific Dub spent the last two summers on the road raging in front of HUGE crowds on Vans Warped Tour 2013 and 2014!! Unfortunately the last week of this year's Warped Tour someone stole the band's trailer but that didn't slow down the Pac Dub crew. Their positive message would not be stopped - they were able to finish the tour and gear up to join Stick Figure and HIRIE in Flagstaff, AZ for the Livin' It Tour kickoff!!

The northern Arizona college town was excited for the evening of reggae rock! HIRIE set the pace for the night; her band was eager to give the concert-goers more than their money's worth. They smashed their set and the crowd was electrified as they ran through familiar and brand new tunes, the people were ready for more but Pacific Dub shortly followed and continued the strong vibes. Their positivity echoed the concert venue and their directive was gladly received as the crowd roared! Finally Stick Figure came to bat as the heavy hitter of the evening. Kbong, Stick Figure's keyboardist and backing vocalist who recently released his full length album (Hopes & Dreams) was the driving force of the night. Perpetuating the vibes and flowing impressively on the mic, while the rhythm section was flawless (Tommy Sulliman- bass and Kevin Offitzer- drums). Stick Figure front-man, Scott Woodruff, was feeding off the energy from the band and the crowd but was not feeling well. The next night of the tour in Albuquerque, NM Stick Figure called out but Kbong, HIRIE and Pacific Dub were still able to hold down the fort and bring the vibes.

The bands were not the only artists bringing the zeal, Erica Shaw and Haven Art Studios have joined the tour to collaborate their beautiful talents while the bands play. In the words of live artist Al Scholl, "Art is not a popularity contest... It is the voice of roots and culture and the path to positive change!" Truly amazing to see the love and positive energy throughout the crowd and the crews. There is a force of nature and spirit in their art. The tour embarks on California Roots: Carolina Sessions 2014 where the feelings and energies will be flowing even more so. If there's an opportunity to catch a stop on this tour, don't ignore it because life needs more of these experiences. Stick Figure, HIRIE, Pacific Dub, and Haven Art Studios will do their part, all you need to do is show up and the rest is easy.

Making a difference: Raising suicide awareness and giving tribute

Looking for value in a world of being 'nickel-and-dimed' to death a lot of people give up. So many people with mental illness. So many people out there hurting, some more apparent than others. People abusing children, people out there killing each other. Killing themselves... Scientists from Britain, Hong Kong and United States submitted a letter to The Lancet medical journal saying data from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicated that while suicide rates increased slowly between 1999 and 2007, the rate of increase more than quadrupled from 2008 to 2010. There is a suicide every 13.3 minutes based on info from the American Association of Suicidology.

Suicide comes in all forms. Cries for help can be more apparent than we'd even think to realize. I have a compulsion to put on a concert for suicide awareness. Many of you may, and many of you may not, know that I have put on concerts since high school. First one was for a Sociology class project as a Junior, two more the next year. Putting together concerts in my adult years I was able to improve the quality of a girl's life suffering from lymphoblastic leukemia, also organized a holiday food drive.

This suicide awareness concert is going to be my most important effort yet!!! Once the details of the event come together I will be sure to share it. This is a cause near to my heart and I am making this happen!! Stay close friends, if there is anyone reading this having trouble and don't know where to turn please feel free to reach out to me, another friend/family member, or the Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for anonymous, professional assistance. Much Love to all friends and family, blessings to you!