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Rootz
Underground the next Generation Reggae Rock Band to release Debut Album 'Movement'
on March 4th
Rootz Underground, known for their signature blend of contemporary roots reggae with rock, dub and jazz influence, releases their highly anticipated debut album Movement on March 4th, 2008 on Riverstone Records/Mystic Urchin via Ryko/Warner Music Group. As one of the only modern day bands in Jamaica, Rootz Underground is the ultimate live music experience, similar to the reggae jam bands of the 70s and 80s (Bob Marley and The Wailers, Steel Pulse and Third World). Their fresh fusion of musical genres and beautiful instrumentation has scored them #1 hits and a devoted fan base in their home of Jamaica. Now the band sets sail to tour the United States with Gregory Isaacs and perform at this year's South by Southwest Music Festival in Austin, TX.
The powerhouse of Rootz Underground consists of Stevie G Newland (lead singer), Charles Lazarus (lead guitar), Jeffrey Moss-Solomon (rhythm guitar), Colin Young (bass guitar), Paul Smith (keyboard) and Leon Campbell (drummer) to form this revolutionary band that goes beyond a niche definition.
Their debut album Movement serves up rich sounds full of careful layers with universal and honest lyrics. The songs have a serious rock music sensibility with breakdowns into hard-hitting grooves, intense builds and smooth transitions back to the one-drop reggae rhythm. The album's compelling hit "Victims of the System," remained #1 on Jamaica's MTV Tempo Cross Caribbean Countdown for so long that they had to retire the video. The current tune "Hammer," produced by the reggae/dancehall genius Bobby Digital, has been steadily making impressions in Jamaica. It's new video recently debuted on Jamaica's Entertainment Report on TVJ and is currently being serviced in the US. This 14-song set is an eclectic mix that will appeal to a wide range of music enthusiasts.
Before recording their debut release Movement, the band steadily performed throughout Kingston, Jamaica in an attempt to get recognized. Over a period of 5 years, the group developed a solid performance reputation and a fan base that was fertile for this growing "reggae rock" music scene. They have become a favorite of the Marley family and were asked to join them at their annual Welcome To Jamrock show in Kingston this past December and will continue more dates with them in the future. From hip clubs in Kingston and subsequently to radio, TV and festival stages outside their island of Jamrock, the band has developed a formula for international stardom.
In 2008, Rootz Underground tours the United States landing major stage shows from coast to coast. This past weekend the band rocked the country's largest reggae event, the 27th Annual Raggamuffin Festival in Long Beach, CA, and heads north to tour with the renowned Gregory Isaacs. On March 15th, the band will make their Texas debut at the SXSW Music Festival with reggae veteran Pato Banton, following Miami's "Best Of The Best" festival on Memorial Day weekend and the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival during late June.
To view immediate tour schedule, please see below. For additional info, visit www.rootzunderground.com, www.myspace.com/rootzunderground.
Upcoming Tour Dates: Feb
22nd Berkeley, CA @ Shattuck Down Low |
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On
Tour with Reggae Icon Gregory Isaacs, Next Stop South By Southwest Music Festival