There are few artists in the Reggae music genre today that are creating the epitome of this artistic insight, professing subjects that are so often glazed over by mainstream music. Hailing from Washington D.C. – reggae band SOJA is on the forefront of this revolution, telling the roots story, but from the other side: America. SOJA embodies musicians unlike any other band in any genre of music, to date. The members have been a team since childhood with lifelong musical goals, which they are still pursing today. During this period, reggae music was becoming an addiction for the budding musicians. Lead singer Jacob Hemphill shares, “We loved rock and hip hop, but there was something missing in the message. With our favorite artists in the reggae genre, Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, they were singing about something beautiful that truly mattered in every song. We never really got over it.” Their first full-length album, Peace in a Time of War made a strong showing. Though the band was young, the album had hits. “True Love,” “Rasta Courage,” and “Peace in a Time of War” were the first songs to bring the band strong attention nationally and internationally and cement them in the reggae world. Then the band released Get Wiser, their second full-length album. The album was a break through for the band, as they explored the duality in their music, combining beautiful, longing melodies with hard drum and bass, and layered with intricate lyrics. SOJA created their musical style with a new complexity and depth that they would carry with them to their future albums. Get Wiser debuted in the Top 10 Reggae Albums on iTunes and has remained in the top 100 since its release. Singles off the album including “Open My Eyes, “You Don’t Know Me,” and “Can’t Tell Me” remain in heavy rotation on college radio across the United States, and have also received major radio play internationally. Born in Babylon, their third full length album, focused on telling the same roots story that reggae artists have been singing about for decades. It is hard roots drum and bass, big wide guitar and vocal melodies, and two and three sided lyrics, with two and three sided messages. Jacob pauses, “Bob Marley’s fans all feel like when he is singing a song, it’s to them. You could be from anywhere, any situation, rich, poor – it doesn’t matter; the song is directed at them. He speaks to you, the love songs too. That is what we are after. Not one side of the story, the whole thing, both sides of the coin.’”
Rooted in the Orange County community of Huntington Beach, the Dirty Heads emerged onto the Southern California music scene with their unique signature blend of acoustic infused hip-hop and classic reggae, creating the perfect soundtrack to an upbeat, sun-soaked California. Early on, they spent many late nights jamming in a soundproof garage with a four-track recorder, writing unique acoustic hip-hop songs that featured reggae inflections. Inspired by the rock and reggae sounds of Bob Marley, Sublime, 311 and The Beastie Boys, the band’s music evolved into their distinct Dirty Heads style. With a set of solid material, the Dirty Heads were further motivated to take their craft to the next level, and they began building a loyal fan base throughout the west coast, while performing acoustically at local bars and small music venues. The band’s highly-anticipated expanded album titled, Any Port in a Storm –featured 22 tracks and a bonus video that are reminiscent of the upbeat, sun-soaked Southern California party energy. Recently, named one of the “Best New Bands of 2010” by Rolling Stone Magazine, the Dirty Heads’ music has been attracting attention throughout the world of entertainment. Dirty Heads vocalist Jared Watson sums up their fun, uncomplicated style, “We want to be positive and entertain,” he says. “We just want to make you feel good.”
WHEN: FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2011, 8:30PM
WHERE: INSIDE AT REVOLUTION LIVE
100 SW THIRD AVE.
FT. LAUDERDALE, FL
(954)727-0950, (954) 449-1025 (box office)
ON SALE: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH / 10AM
AT THE REVOLUTION LIVE BOX OFFICE (No Fees at Revolution Box Office), www.livenation.com AND ALL TICKETMASTER OUTLETS
OR CHARGE BY PH0NE: 800-745-3000
PRICES $19.00 – ADVANCE
$21.00 – DAY OF SHOW
ALL TICKETS GENERAL ADMISSION – 18 AND OLDER ONLY
All dates, acts and ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All tickets are subject to applicable taxes, and service and handling charges.