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- Rootfire: Progressive Roots
Fiji is one of the godfathers of Pacific Island music, who has released Polynesian musical anthems since the mid 90’s. Originally from Fiji, but a Hawaiian resident since he was 14, Fiji’s influence on some of the biggest musicians coming out of the Pacific like J Boog, Common Kings, and The Green is undeniable.… Read More
The Live Touring Forum is a new series focussed on the ins and outs of the live music business, revolving around questions asked by you and answered by Dave Poe, senior talent buyer at Knitting Factory Presents. Have a question for Dave?… Read More
Twenty Five Years of Roots: Sierra Nevada World Music Festival – Interview with Founder Warren Smith
This year marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, a staple event within the roots reggae and world music communities of California and beyond. SNWMF has a reputation for stacked lineups of classic roots artists from the golden era of ’70s and ’80s reggae balanced by up-and-coming talent from across the world.… Read More
Maybe it’s just a musician thing in general, but certainly throughout the progressive roots scene there is a distinct affinity for classic metal amongst the singers and players. And few metal bands have a more household name than Metallica.
Today Rootfire premieres a moving rendition of Metallica’s “The Unforgiven” by Italian-born roots artist Alborosie, out everywhere June 15 on Greensleeves Records as part of the Unbreakable – Alborosie Meets The Wailers United album. … Read More
Imagine you see a caged feather on a museum wall. The sign underneath says the artist is a political activist in jail.
Imagine that same caged feather again. But instead the sign says the artist is a high school kid in Florida.… Read More
The island nation of Jamaica gave birth to something very special back in the 1970s. But it didn’t take long for immigrants and savy radio DJs to bring this unique gift to the rest of the world. Nowadays there are more takes on reggae music than fingers to count them on, but the distinct flavor brought from the United Kingdom has always held a special place in the history books.… Read More
A lot of attention goes out to the big fish. The headliners, even the regional heroes, attract the attention of local press when they come to town. But for anyone who has lived somewhere with a vibrant local scene of any genre, a lot of times it’s the smaller bands, the side projects, the up-and-comers that bring something truly individual to their scene.… Read More
Photo credit: Ashley Kidwell
Fans of The Movement, rejoice! The band drops a new single tomorrow: “Loud Enough.” Technically, it’s not new since the band has been playing it live, but it’s the first time the song has been formally recorded and released.… Read More
Several weeks ago, this article was published in the San Diego City Beat, reporting on the cultural appropriation of modern reggae music. The article has stirred up some controversial discussion within the scene, and as someone who has followed reggae music for over 30 years, I’d like to offer my thoughts on the subject.… Read More