backing band culture

Backing Band Culture

This episode takes a look at the world of reggae backing bands and the legends they support. 

Our guest is Stevie Culture, a musician from the west coast of Jamaica who’s has been playing and performing Reggae music for more than 2 decades.  

The backing band culture seldom gets highlighted or explored though it’s a major part of Jamaican music culture. This is a tribute to the musicians in the background, working to support the major Reggae artists. 

Reggae backing band culture.

Reggae Backing Band Culture

Every big show is facilitated by these amazing people behind the scenes.  They never get the recognition they deserve – until now that is. 

Stevie Culture has been a member of major reggae backing bands, Sane Band, the Fifth Extension, Prophecy Band, and Ninja Force Band. He has been on stage with some of the greatest artists of all time including Dennis Brown, Freddie McGregor, Yellow Man, Garnet Silk, and Capleton. He has traveled around the world touring and playing reggae music.  We are grateful that he could share these stories on your platform.

The Tastemaker

  • Xavier BLK & King Charlz – “Night Time’
  • Wake Up (EP) by Ijahknowah

Buzzworthy

Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Skip Marley, Koffee, and Shenseea bring the vibes to the 2020 BET Hip Hop Awards with their reggae cypher.

The Top Reggae Bands of All Time | Reggae Lover Podcast Episode 74

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I curated some of the biggest hits from legendary bands: Third World, Israel Vibration, Inner Circle, Aswad, Black Uhuru, and Steel Pulse – groups who have presented fabulous reggae music performances and recordings for nearly half a century.

Reggae Lover Podcast

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Third World is a Jamaican reggae band formed in 1973. Their sound is influenced by soul, funk, and disco. Although it has undergone several line-up changes, Stephen “Cat” Coore and Richard Daley have been constant members.

Steel Pulse is a roots reggae musical band, from the Handsworth area of Birmingham, England, which has a large number of Afro-Caribbean, Indian and other Asian migrants. They originally formed at Handsworth Wood Boys School – composed of David Hinds (lead vocals, guitar), Basil Gabbidon (lead guitar, vocals), and Ronald McQueen (bass); along with Basil’s brother Colin briefly on drums. Steel Pulse was the first non-Jamaican act to win the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album.

Black Uhuru is a Jamaican reggae group formed in 1972, initially as Uhuru (Swahili for ‘freedom’). The group has undergone several line-up changes over the years, with Derrick “Duckie” Simpson as the mainstay. They had their most successful period in the 1980s, with their album Anthem winning the first ever Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in 1985.

Aswad is a long-lasting British reggae group, noted for adding strong R&B and soul influences to the reggae sound. They have been performing since the mid-1970s, having released a total of 21 albums. “Aswad” means “black” in Arabic.

Inner Circle is a Jamaican reggae group. The group was originally called The Inner Circle Band and formed in 1968. The band achieved major success in the 1970s with Jacob Miller as their lead singer but split up after his death in 1980. They reformed in 1986 and had a major hit with the 1987 song “Bad Boys”, which serves as the theme song for the long-running Spike (formerly Fox Network) television program COPS.[1] They are also well known for their song “Sweat (A La La La La Long),” a big hit in the U.S. in the early 1990s. The band is known for blending pop and rock with reggae.

Israel Vibration is a reggae harmony group, originating from Kingston, Jamaica. Lascelle “Wiss” Bulgin, Albert “Apple Gabriel” Craig, and Cecil “Skelly” Spence all overcame childhood polio and went on to be one of the most successful roots groups to form in Jamaica in the 1970s. The trio initially met as children at a rehabilitation center.

I would also want to make mention of bands like Fab 5, UB40, Big Mountain, SOJA, Tribal Seeds, Raging Fyah, and there are and have been 1000’s of musical ensembles that dedicated themselves to pushing the reggae music envelope. Big ups to all singers and players of instruments.

Love LIVE Reggae Music? #ATL #concert

(CRCS) Conscious Reggae Concert Series at The Hanger 2435 South Stone Mountain Lithonia Road, Lithonia, GA 30058

(CRCS) Conscious Reggae Concert Series

You want to hear lyrics and melodies that move your body while elevating your levels of consciousness.  You look forward to seeing a solid reggae band sending out vibrations from the stage to stimulate your senses.

You need to join the masses at the Saturday, October 14th staging of this CONSCIOUS REGGAE CONCERT inside The Hanger – 2435 South Stone Mountain Lithonia Road, Lithonia, GA 30058.

Take in performances from PZED, Ijahknowah, and Ras Fraser Jr. backed by the noteworthy band of the moment, B.R.A.P.  Highlanda Sound will be kicking in the lawn to pump dancehall vibes before and after the show.

Reggae Night at Live EDGE ATL | Live Music and Highlanda After Work

It’s finally here!!  Live Reggae on the South West side of Atlanta, 10 minutes from Downtown and right in your back yard! Come enjoy “The Worlds Favorite Music” at the West Atlanta Beltline Jewel, Live EdgeATL Restaurant & Bar.

Reggae Night at Live Edge ATL Restaurant/Lounge 

Atlanta Reggae DJ Kahlil Wonda from Highlanda Sound will be mixing roots and lovers rock reggae tracks with a touch of Soca for dancing. Performing live with his band will be Tijani Concious , a premier local Reggae artist making waves all over the world.

LiveEdge ATL invites a diverse audience to enjoy the vibrant music and arts scene that Atlanta has become known for.  792 Cascade Avenue SW, Atlanta, GA 30310   |   404. 758. 0015   |   Events: reservations@liveedgeatl.com  |  Weekly Live Entertainment  |  $5 Valet Parking

'BIG MOUNTAIN'

PLATINUM-SELLING, AMERICAN REGGAE BAND ‘BIG MOUNTAIN’ RELEASES FIRST ALBUM IN OVER A DECADE “PERFECT SUMMER”

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With a Top 10 U.S. Billboard hit and combined single and album sales of over 35 million under their belt, American reggae heritage band Big Mountain returns with “Perfect Summer” on May 27.

With a Top 10 U.S. Billboard hit and combined single and album sales of over 35 million under their belt, American reggae band Big Mountain returns with Perfect Summer on May 27.

Big Mountain – Here Comes The Sun – Artwork

After taking 10 years off from recording, Big Mountain teams up with VPAL, the distribution arm of the world’s leading reggae label VP Records, to give the world great music once again. Their new studio album Perfect Summer is a refreshing collection of their signature sound and features a stellar cover of The Beatles “Here Comes The Sun.” The group will also embark on a world tour in support of the album over the summer. Dates are TBA.

Big Mountain has an impressive catalog of hits and is internationally known for their 1994 iconic reggae cover of Peter Frampton‘s “Baby I Love Your Way.”

At the time, the song was featured in the blockbuster film Reality Bites, reached No. 6 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, No. 1 on Mainstream Top 40, and No. 2 in the UK. The single still continues to receive over 600,000 Spotify streams per month and is heard on the radio airwaves today.

Big Mountain consists of five members. Lead vocalist Quino is of Mexican/ Irish decent and incorporates Spanish and English lyrics into their music. Michael Hyde, former member of Ziggy Marley‘s band, plays keyboards. Danny Lopilato sings vocals and plays guitar, Montego Bay native Paul Kastick is on drums and Southern Californian Mike Ortiz on bass.

New RAGING FYAH studio album “Everlasting” on Dub Rockers now available

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Regarded as one of Jamaica’s most promising young acts, the band Raging Fyah makes music that is tethered to their island’s enduring, much emulated roots rock reggae tradition yet is distinguished by an expansive vision that propels their musical journey forward.

Raging Fyah "Everlasting" artwork

Raging Fyah “Everlasting” artwork

Certain to be one of 2016’s most celebrated releases, the new album Everlasting signifies a milestone in Raging Fyah‘s career by raising the bar on their already lofty musical standards.

The challenging lyrics on Everlasting challenged what we were able to do as musicians,” says Demar. “Musically, we kept our roots but went way beyond them because there is not just one shape to fyah, it takes on different forms.”

Preview the feature single ‘Ready For Love‘ now.

Order the Everlasting album NOW.

The Raging Fyah Band

The Raging Fyah Band

Raging Fyah Tour Dates
May 27th Arcata,CA w/Tarrus Riley
May 28th Moneterey, CA Meet & Greet Album Launch @ Cali Roots
May 29th Monterey, CA @ Cali Roots Festival
July 1st Germany @ Summerjam
July 3rd Belgium @ Couleur Café
July 8th Switzerland @ Rote Fabrick
July 9th Poland @ Reggaeland

BRAP Band and Julie Dexter headline the International Musikal Matinee, May 15th at The Wren’s Nest #ATL

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International Musikal Matinee family friendly outdoor concert series featuring uplifting, healing, conscious music with performances by: @juliedexter @brapband and #HighlandaSound.  Saturday May 15th @wrensnestatl.  Gates open 4pm, showtime 6pm.  $8 in advance, $10 @ the gate. (children under 12 FREE)   Brought to you by Sarynity-Khai along with RBG Alliance

The International Musikal Matinee family friendly outdoor concert series returns May 15, 2016.  Be uplifted, and healed with conscious musical performances by Julie Dexter, the BRAP Band, and Highlanda Sound System.

This takes place Sunday May 15th @wrensnestatl.  Gates open 4pm, showtime 6pm. $8 in advance, $10 @ the gate. (children under 12 FREE). Brought to you by Sarynity-Khai along with RBG Alliance.  Click here for tickets/information.

Live Music at The Haven Buckhead with B.R.A.P, the Reggae Band on Sunday Jan. 17

 

B.R.A.P. is a Reggae band doing only originals to inform uplift and elevate the masses of the real life energies.

B.R.A.P. is a Reggae band doing only originals to inform uplift and elevate the masses of the real life energies.

The B.R.A.P Band will perform at the elegant Haven Buckhead on Sunday January 17, 2016.  Doors open at 6pm, showtime promptly at 8pm.  Early set by Highlanda Sound with Kahlil Wonda selecting the tunes, plus other specially invited performers.

B.R.A.P at the Health and Wellness Festival 2015

 

Bob Marley Tribute in Atlanta – February 5th, 2016

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Bobmarley-teaser #RocksteadyATL

Stay tuned for more information to be announced.

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Musical Matinee at The Haven in Buckhead with BRAP BAND and Highlanda Sound

Musical Matinee at The Haven Buckhead with BRAP BAND and Highlanda Sound on Sunday December 6th from 6pm-12am.

Musical Matinee at The Haven Buckhead with BRAP BAND and Highlanda Sound on Sunday December 6th from 6pm-12am.  Info/RSVP: BRAPBand@gmail.com

Inna Vision: Live At Imperial Sound Recording Studio

Inna Vision - Live At Imperial Sound Recording Studio - Artwork

The new live version of “Inspiration” by Hawaii’s Inna Vision will be available on November 5th from VP Records.

Recorded and produced by E.N Young at his Imperial Sound Recording Studio in Imperial Beach California.

The Health and Wellness Reggae Music Festival is BACK Sunday, OCTOBER 6th, 2013

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You are INVITED to Come out and enjoy great food, health awareness information, natural products and authentic reggae music on Sunday, October 6, 2013 at The Health and Wellness Reggae Music Festival.  

Health and Wellness Flyer 2f Oct 5

The Festival will be at The WREN’S NEST, 1050 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30310 from noon to 9pm.  Spread the good NEWS and Don’t MISS IT!!!!!

Health and Wellness Flyer 2 Oct 5

Katchafire Is On the road again!

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VP announces the release of Best So Far from Katchafire 16 tracks chronicling their rise as one of New Zealand’s top reggae acts.

VP announces the release of Best So Far from Katchafire 16 tracks chronicling their rise as one of New Zealand's top reggae acts.  The US tour begins this month (see details below), to help launch the tour and upcoming album release please download the feature tracks.  Date Venue City  Sun 04/21/13 Mezzanine - San Francisco, CA  Tue 04/23/13 Arcata Theatre - Arcata, CA  Wed 04/24/13 El Rey Theatre - Chico, CA  Thu 04/25/13 Ace Of Spades - Sacramento, CA  Sun 04/28/13 Soho Restaurant & Music Club - Santa Barbara, CA  Fri 05/03/13 Fox Theatre - Boulder, CO  Fri 05/10/13 Shank Hall - Milwaukee, WI  Sat 05/11/13 Bottom Lounge - Chicago, IL  Fri 05/17/13 Ridglea Theater -Fort Worth, TX  Wed 05/22/13 Crescent Ballroom - Phoenix, AZ  Sat 05/25/13 House of Blues - Anaheim, CA  Sun 05/26/13 Monterey Co. Fairgrounds - Monterey, CA

Katchafire – Best So Far – Artwork

The US tour begins this month (see details below), and upcoming album release is May 21, 2013.

Date Venue City

Sun 04/21/13 Mezzanine – San Francisco, CA 
Tue 04/23/13 Arcata Theatre – Arcata, CA 
Wed 04/24/13 El Rey Theatre – Chico, CA 
Thu 04/25/13 Ace Of Spades – Sacramento, CA 
Sun 04/28/13 Soho Restaurant & Music Club – Santa Barbara, CA 
Fri 05/03/13 Fox Theatre – Boulder, CO 
Fri 05/10/13 Shank Hall – Milwaukee, WI 
Sat 05/11/13 Bottom Lounge – Chicago, IL 
Fri 05/17/13 Ridglea Theater -Fort Worth, TX 
Wed 05/22/13 Crescent Ballroom – Phoenix, AZ 
Sat 05/25/13 House of Blues – Anaheim, CA 
Sun 05/26/13 Monterey Co. Fairgrounds – Monterey, CA