Common Kings ‘Hits & Mrs’ album review

The Costa Mesa, California based reggae, soul and R&B band Common Kings gave fans a bit of a sneak peek of their recently released EP with a fierce single called “Ain’t No Stopping.” During a recent interview, the band describes the single as being about “the everyday hustle and about the grind.” The album morphs […]

The 25th Annual San Diego Music Awards

For the past quarter-century, the San Diego Music Awards [SDMA's] have showcased the top performers in the city, handing awards to the most deserved of San Diegan musicians – both local and nationally renowned. Past winners have often been Jason Mraz, Slightly Stoopid, Tribal Seeds, Switchfoot and several other popular names across the musical categories […]

Shanty debuts “Longtime” single

Labeled “Band of the Week” earlier this year by Fred Perry Subculture, Shanty has been one of the most prominent UK reggae roots groups on the rise since their debut EP Leave Me Out was released last summer. With a fan-base escalating ever higher, the collective has yet to showcase novel material over the past […]

Iration ‘Hotting Up’ album review

It’s been a long two years since Iration put out a studio album, which is understandable, given their countless miles in the road. The long-awaited album titled Hotting Up does not disappoint. It’s a further development and refinement in Iration’s songwriting which can definitely be heard in their latest album. It’s no surprise since Iration […]

HIRIE kickstarts their new album

HIRIE has officially done it: with ten hours to spare on their online Kickstarter campaign, the seven-member reggae collective had raised $42,944 towards their $40k goal – securing the necessary amount to cover all production costs for their sophomore album Wandering Soul. HIRIE's crowdfunding victory will not only green-light their upcoming LP, but will leave […]

Mike Love’s ‘Love Will Find A Way’ album review

Right from the beginning, Mike Love’s music draws his listeners in with his unique style and lyrical journey. Ranging from rocksteady influence to ska to a 1970s motown sound, almost to even folk and classical, Mike Love has managed to create a unique version of conscious music. Mike Love has managed to create a unique […]

The Slackers premiere via RareBreed Recording Co.

New York City is always a hubbub of activity and in 1991, a ska-punk-reggae conglomerate known as The Slackers arose out of the bustling scene. Since their formation, The Slackers have played thousands of shows around the globe, released 13 full-length studio albums, recorded three live LPs and compiled an immeasurable amount of singles, videos and […]

Kottonmouth Kings ‘Krown Power’ album review

In September 2014 Kottonmouth Kings on their social media outlets officially announced their new album was in the final stages and set to be released in early 2015. Fast forward to almost a year later from the announcement, the psychedelic, hip-hop, punk rock California natives will be releasing their latest installment on August 28, 2015. […]

Trevor Hall’s ‘KALA’ album review

If one takes a step back from all that is heavily reggae-rock and ventures into some more acoustic, more harmonic vibes of a more natural tone, one might go for some music by Trevor Hall. With music inspired by deep spiritual practice and belief, Trevor Hall brings a soothing, enlightened musical journey of acoustic tones […]

Richie Campbell ‘In The 876’ album review

Portuguese reggae superstar Richie Campbell geared up to release his third full-length album In The 876 on August 28th, following a surprise UK unveiling of the LP earlier this year. Two hours after the album hit European digital outlets in May, it skyrocketed to the top of the Portuguese iTunes charts which not only earned […]

Premiere of Nattali Rize’s debut EP ‘New Era Frequency’

San Diego born musician Nattali Rize is an impressively talented composer best known for her work with Australian roots band Blue King Brown. The initial success with Blue King Brown has inspired Rize on her new solo direction, which in turn lead her to the musically rich soils of Jamaica where she joined forces with […]

Layne Tadesse ‘For The Love’ review

Layne Tadesse, who is based out of Southern California, has come out with a solo EP called For The Love. If one thinks of Tadesse’s high energy, then he or she will surely find the same energy on his new solo album. The album continues with more packed energy and awareness to keep striving The […]

Raging Fyah drops ‘Destiny’ album

Raging Fyah, a five-member roots reggae band with a 70’s twist, has upheld the current Kingston sound with a large following ever since their founding in 2006. The band has since toured the world, growing evermore in popularity and laying down tracks wherever they can – some even in Poland! Although their first LP Judgement […]

Dubbest ‘Light Flashes’ album review

The young and dynamic five-piece band Dubbest based out of Boston, Massachusetts has created a beautiful set of acoustic arrangements that utilizes a rootsy reggae soundscape, fiery songwriting and soulful vocals in their latest installment titled Light Flashes. Since recently entering the reggae scene, Dubbest has shared the stage with acts such as Shaggy, JBoog, […]

The Meow Meows: “Friends On Benefits” new video, new EP

There’s a riveting ska scene shifting and shaking up the UK and stuck right in the middle of the upbeat, skanking madness is The Meow Meows, a nine-piece ska-punk sensation out of Brighton. Formed in 2005, The Meow Meows have since released one full-length album entitled Somehow We Met with the help of renowned sound […]