Etana ‘Dimensions’ album review

Jamaican-born singer Etana will be releasing her new EP as a follow-up to Reggae Forever, her 2018 album that earned a GRAMMY-nomination for ‘Best Reggae Album’, making her the first female artist to be nominated in the category since 1997. The new EP, entitled Dimensions, is set to drop this November and is a step […]

Through The Roots rock St. Petersburg, FL

On the first Friday each month, the heart of downtown becomes St. Petersburg’s biggest block party. ‘First Friday St. Pete’ is a showcase for local bands with drinks and awesome food; it makes it one of Florida’s most exciting cities to visit. Right in the middle of October’s block party, Jannus Live welcomes Cali reggae […]

‘World A Reggae Riddim 2019’ album review

With combinations of sweet harmonies and rhythmic grooves, reggae is music that, generally speaking, contains socially conscious messages and music set to distinctive Caribbean back beats. Although reggae has become synonymous with laidback and chill vibes, it is just as often thoroughly spiritual and passionately political. From the angelic rhythms of 1970s roots reggae to […]

Xavier Rudd at LA’s El Rey Theatre

Unknowing the journey on which we were about to embark, enthusiastic fans filled the historic El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles on September 12th to celebrate the highly anticipated release of new music from Bobby Alu and Xavier Rudd. With eyes closed, ears filled with musical and lyrical genius, one would’ve thought you had jumped […]

Reggae on the Mountain 2019: Day Two

Reggae lovers headed back to the stages set up at the gorgeous and expansive King Gillette Ranch for Day Two of the 10th Annual Reggae on the Mountain. Starting the day off on the right foot, Gondwana took the stage to happy attendees. Many attendees brought blankets, lawn chairs and tents, making the choice to sit […]

Dry Diggings 2019: Day One

Dry Diggings Festival marks the end of summer in true reggae fashion! Brought to be by the curators of California Roots Fest, Dry Diggings 2019 began on August 30th (officially kicking off Labor Day Weekend). With music by CRSB, Kash’d Out, Fia and Ballyhoo!, Dry Diggings was off to a great start by midday. Dry […]

The 5th Annual KAABOO Del Mar MIX-perience

There is always a rush of nervous energy lining the gates of KAABOO Del Mar, waiting to get in Day One alongside other early birds at the festival entrance. The fest superseding all other mainstream California festivals might span three days, but there is simply no time to waste. Every moment is spent with intention. […]

Reggae on the Mountain 2019: Day One

It’s official! Reggae on the Mountain was a huge success this year. This also marked the 10th Anniversary for this steadily growing festival, which is why the festival was moved this year from Topanga Canyon to the fabulous King Gilette Ranch, one of the most stunning Los Angeles locations in the Santa Monica Mountains. The 588-acre King Gillette […]

The Green at Florida’s Jannus Live

On Friday, September 13th in St. Petersburg, Florida, two amazing groups came together for a night of firsts at Jannus Live. This was the first headlining event for The Green at the venue and they were excited to perform with special guest New Kingston, who was also performing at Jannus Live for the first time. […]

Jam with your fave bands on the road with Backstage Music Lessons

How many of you dream of jamming with a favorite band member? Not only that, but getting to do it at a venue before a show that you are about to attend? What a dream come true! That’s exactly what you get to do when you schedule a music lesson with Backstage Music Lessons, a […]

Katchafire ignites Eugene, OR

New Zealand band Katchafire played an amazing Oregon set on September 12th, with openers EarthKry from Jamaica and local Eugene band Sol Seed at Sessions Music Hall. This venue is very intimate, which allowed for the bands and the crowd to really feed off each other’s energy. Katchafire played so many of the songs fans […]

The day-to-day Dry Diggings 2019 experience

Dry Diggings Music and Arts Festival truly stepped up their game for 2019. With an expanded three-day lineup, new activities and a fresh sound, the festival truly set the bar on patron experience. Upon arriving to Dry Diggings, there was an excitement in the air as patrons of the event set up their camps and guests […]

HIRIE hits home with ‘Dreamer’ album

HIRIE is a California reggae band fronted by Trish Jetton, a goddess amongst a sea of male reggae-rock bands. Although Trish embodies HIRIE, her group of musicians touring under that name are incredibly talented and dedicated individuals. Lovers of live reggae music are sure to have seen HIRIE perform at reggae festivals around the country; their high-energy […]

Lutan Fyah’s ‘Longest Livah’ album review

Born in Spanish Town, Saint Catherine Parish, Jamaica, Lutan Fyah started his musical career in 1999, recording his first songs for Buju Banton’s Gargamel Records. If you’re in need of a refreshing album for your playlist, look no further than Lutan Fyah’s newest and fiercest release yet, Longest Livah. With a healthy serving of progressive […]

Katchafire lights up San Diego’s Belly Up Tavern

Katchafire lit up the night Wednesday, September 4th in Solana Beach at the Belly Up Tavern. Starting the evening off right was Earthkry, a roots reggae band hailing from Kingston, Jamaica. Throwing immense energy, along with riveting bass lines and guitar solos, the crowd was moving from the very start. Bassist/vocalist Kamardo Blake was so […]