The Beautiful Girls and Mat McHugh continue the ingenuity with the release of "Dancehall Days"

The Beautiful Girls - a blended evolution of reggae, folk, dancehall, and funk. It's a combination of sitting down and relaxing with the compulsion to groove across a room. Mat McHugh is the 'man behind the curtain' so-to-speak. He's the front man and songwriter of The Beautiful Girls while his alter egos include Mat McHugh and the Blackbird, Mat McHugh and the Seperatista Soundsystem, as well as his most recent moniker, Ras Mateo. He says, "I'm just a creative person and like creating things. Names, songs, pictures, drawings..."

This Australian surfer is not only a gifted artist but is a fiercely independent one at that. "From the start I chose to go down the path of letting the music speak for itself. In that way, nobody was tricked into liking it but has formed an honest connection. I think those kind of connections last longer and are far more real. Mostly nowadays we just try and let people know via social media or word of mouth."

No gimmicks, nothing hidden - just an abundance of love and appreciation that pours out in his music. His music influenced by none other than his family. "Everything integrates," he says. "There is no separation between the songs I write and the life I live. They are my priority and my reason for living." His own mother contributed to the making of his solo album "Love Come Save Me." On his Instagram feed he explained, "I had to borrow a whole bunch of money against my mum's house. And then, she was totally cool with me giving the album away." That's right! He borrowed money to make an album to give away for free!

Figuratively, in the same breath he continues, "My stance is, if you can't afford it you should pirate it. If you can afford it, you should buy it. Making albums costs money and for music to continue musicians have to eat, but there might be a kid out there who can't afford music who, if given access, might one day change the world with theirs... Hopefully I can continue to make music as a way of supporting (my family) but if I have to do something else to make sure they're comfortable, I will."

This Aussie has released 5 full length albums, 3 Extended Plays (EPs), several singles and compilations - including a remix of Mat McHugh solo and Beautiful Girls songs he gave away to pledgers in the assist of making of the newest "Dancehall Days" album. The best part is that there's even MORE to his arsenal/ discography! Mat's solo material really strips him back into a personal space. In 2008 he recorded "Seperatista" as a collection of ideas and it lead to the previously mentioned "Love Come Save Me" free download in 2010. He also has singles with extra tracks on the "Go, Don't Stop" and "More Money" releases as well as a live recording, "Live at Random Hall." All of which range from an intimate, acoustic relaxation to an upbeat, heart-pumping rhythm that really hits. 

Being from Australia he tours internationally when he can. He explained, "Being an independent business means having to work out the financial details of potential touring. If it costs too much money to play a show (after I've paid for the band, accommodations, etc), then no matter how much I would love to play there I just can't do it."  Having a large surfer audience he has a loyal following in Brazil. He says, "I think people had heard of my songs there through friends that had traveled (to Australia) and from surf movies which are, obviously, watched by surfers everywhere." 

On the band's Facebook he announced over the next couple months he is working on a FREE follow up to "Love Come Save Me," touring to support its release, and even some overseas shows & festivals. Per Mat, describing several soldout shows on his most recent Australian tour have been "absolutely some of the best we've ever experienced." It goes to show that even with minimal radio play, social media advertising, and word of mouth their audience is expanding. People are catching on and becoming amazingly passionate for independent, original music.

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!

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.