Monterey County Weekly
Its easy to see why Santa Barbara reggae band Reb...
Its easy to see why Santa Barbara reggae band Rebelution had their
latest CD Courage to Grow become one of iTunes most downloaded reggae
albums during October of last year. Their "Attention Span" sounds like
a cross between classic reggae artists Steel Pulse and Eek-a-Mouse,
while "Feeling Alright" starts out with some acoustic fingerpickin
before becoming awash in reggae. In addition to their success on
iTunes, the group has opened for reggae greats including Barrington
Levy and Israel Vibration. [ST]
Local bands debut soars up iTunes reggae charts
Santa Barbara News-Press
The hottest reggae band in town is hanging out at ...
The hottest reggae band in town is hanging out at their Isla Vista
studio, and theres not a dreadlock, Rasta flag or puff of smoke in
sight. For the members of Rebelution, playing reggae doesnt need to
involve any of the genres stereotypes. Merging a wide range of
influences, Rebelution has created a sound theyve dubbed "California
reggae."
"There are a lot of bad things going on in the world, so theres plenty
of room for positive messages," keyboard player Rory Carey says. "Our
goal is to make people feel good, like the music feels to us."
Apprently, California reggae is hot. Stemming form a foundation of
local support, Rebelution soared into iTunes Reggae top 10 (album
downloads), amongst some lofty company. Lofty like Bob, Stephen and
Damien Marley.
Speaking of Marleys, if your parents give you the
first name "Marley," theres a fair chance reggae will be a big part of
your life. Bassist Marley D. Williams has been listening to reggae
since he was in the womb. "I was kind of born into it," he says. As a
UCSB student, Williams hooked up with guitarist-vocalist Eric Rachmany
and drummer Wesley Finley in a vocal class. Seeing the potential for a
band, they recruited Carey and guitarist-vocalist Matt Velasquez, a
friend of Williams from Mendocino County. A year later, in 2005, the
group established its identity as Rebelution. For two years, the
quintet played local venues and traveled for shows in Hawaii and up and
down the California coast. Last week, Velasquez left the band, but the
parting was amicable.
"It ended on a sincerely good note," Williams says. "It just wasnt the best thing for him at this point in his life."
In Isla Vista, mention the name Rebelution and youd think you were
referring to a championship sports team. Filled with pride for the
hometown heroes, fans are fiercely loyal and ready to give a
100-percent dance effort wherever the band is performing.
For many
of these fans, the passion was sparked at massive parties on the
infamous Del Playa Drive, where Rebelution regularly played. Thousands
showed up to some of these events, with people watching from rooftops
and even hanging from trees.
Longtime resident Andy Harth says, "These guys brought out a reaction in I.V. that hasnt been seen for quite a while."
Perhaps the biggest reason for Rebelutions success is their lyrics. Go
to one of their shows, and youll find most of their fans singing
along. Reflecting a timeless reggae formula, songs flow like poetic
journeys, conveying messages that are basic, yet profound.
"Courage
to Grow" is Rebelutions debut album that at one point was No. 6 on the
iTunes reggae chart. Its title is especially poignant for this young
band at a critical stage in its development. Theyve graduated from
college--all UCSB alumni--and made a deeper commitment to the band by
quitting their day jobs.
They recently spent a few weeks playing shows in Hawaii, where theyve developed a faithful following.
"Doing this is a source of survival," Finley says. "We have to take
care of ourselves because we dont have a manager or a major label to
do that stuff for us."
But theres no shortage of optimism among this bunch.
"Its gratifying to be sixth on iTunes right now," Rachmany says.
"Imagine what will happen when we play somewhere other than California
and Hawaii."
Locals Only - Featured Band profile
The Santa Barbara Independent
If youve ever crawled down State Street or Del Pl...
If youve ever crawled down State Street or Del Playa Drive on a
weekend, odds are youve found yourself drawn to the irresistible
reggae beats of Rebelution. Since 2005, these boys have been composing
their distinctive "California reggae" style by unifying roots, hip-hop,
and rock influences like Don Carlos, Bob and Damian Marley, and Sublime
with their diverse Californian backgrounds. What began as an Isla Vista
garage band has since exploded into extensive tour schedules and
sold-out shows in Hawaii, as well as up and down the West Coast. With
their first full-length CD, Courage to Grow, Eric Rachmany, Marley
Williams, Wesley Finley, and Rory Carey have secured a spot as one of
the top 10 downloaded reggae CDs on iTunes, and gained an international
fan base that just keeps growing, thanks to songs like "Safe and Sound"
and "Attention Span."
Its
shared the stage with the likes of E-40, Pepper, The Pharcyde, and
Yellowman, but the band knows it owes everything to the dynamic Isla
Vista shows that spawned its success. As it watches its star rise, and
after being courted by record companies and embarking on one tour after
the other, Rebelution makes time to bring it back to where it all
began, with frequent ocean-side Del Playa Drive shows. "We started in
I.V., and a lot of bands start to get famous and dont get to do the
free, all-ages shows. But were stoked because its so raw; its real.
We love our fans and were showing appreciation," said bassist Williams.
Sound and Fury
The Santa Barbara Independent
Santa Barbara music lovers cheer: Rebelutions fir...
Santa Barbara music lovers cheer: Rebelutions first full-length album
has arrived. This month, the Santa Barbara-based band hands over the
reggae/hip-hop/rock sound that has captured the upbeat energy fans have
long been jamming to at live shows. And with the bands compass pointed
to the bold independence of the soul, now the groups energy is
organized. Rebelutions new release embraces the love jam, "Ordinary
Girl," and preserves the fan favorite sing-a-longs, "Safe and Sound"
and "Attention Span." With loyal groupies at their back, Rebelutions
sound is confident. The result is the delivery of a lion-hearted
package tied with a rebellious reggae-rock bow.
A chill afternoon in Isla Vista
Santa Barbara News-Press
"Perhaps the biggest hit of the day was Rebelution...
"Perhaps the biggest hit of the day was Rebelution, a popular local
outfit specializing in California reggae. They played a 45-minute set
to a crowd of people dancing and singing to the catchy, often
politically-charged verses."
Positively State Street
The Santa Barbara Independent
"If you love Bob Marley, Sublime, and Jack Johnson...
"If you love Bob Marley, Sublime, and Jack Johnson and youre a regular
on the State Street scene, then chances are youre already crazy about
Rebelution. Their combination of reggae, hip-hop, and rock have made
them a favorite of music lovers all over town." |
