Author Archives
Ever since becoming deeply moved and then essentially obsessed with reggae music as a teenager, Dave has always strove to learn as much as possible about the history and culture of reggae music, Jamaica and Rastafari, the ideology and lifestyle intertwined with reggae.
Over the years, he has interviewed many personalities throughout the reggae world including Ziggy Marley, Burning Spear, Lucky Dube, Bradley Nowell and many artists in the progressive roots scene.
Dave has also written and published a novel, “The Cosmic Burrito,” a tale of two friends who drive across the USA in search of the ultimate burrito. He plays ice hockey weekly for a recreational team he founded and manages, Team Rasta.
Reggae music has filled his life with a richness for which he will forever be grateful, and he gives thanks to musicians far and wide, past and present, whether they perform roots, dub, dancehall, skinhead, rocksteady or ska, whether their tools are analog or digital, as well as the producers, promoters, soundsystems, selectors and the reggae massive at large who comprise the international reggae community.
You can follow Dave on Instagram at @rootsdude and Twitter at @ElCosmicBurrito.
A signal fire, also known as a smoke signal, was used during pastoral times as a way to transmit information, warn of danger and gather people together. A perfect name for a band who describes themselves as “a group of diverse musicians… Read More
A series exploring photos, words, and songs.
Photos: Arik Solberg
Words: Dave Shiffman
Songs: ♫ on Spotify
Every day at 6:40 pm, an alarm goes off on my uncle’s phone to remind him to stop what he’s doing and thank God for the fact that he is… Read More
August 19 marks the one year anniversary of Wandering Soul, the sophomore release from southern California (by way of Hawaii) roots reggae band HIRIE. The record was the second album released by Rootfire Cooperative. The first of its kind,… Read More
Photo: Gregory Bojork
If Bob Marley were to look down upon the life of his eldest son, David “Ziggy” Marley, I would have to think he’d feel immense pride. Inherently tasked with carrying on the Marley legacy as the first born son, Ziggy has more… Read More
With the arrival of summer, there are certain things that people who live on the East coast can expect: hot, humid days, powerful thunderstorms, warm ocean temperatures, suntans, barbecues, music festivals, the jingling bells of the Good Humor… Read More
While the American reggae/reggae rock scene has grown exponentially in the past several years, one of its core characteristics has always been its connection to surfing culture, and this is no doubt exemplified by progressive roots reggae band, The Ellameno BeatRead More
A series exploring photos, words, and songs.
Photos: Arik Solberg
Words: Dave Shiffman
Songs: ♫ on Spotify
WORDS:
Your love is pure and unconditional. I feel it in the excitement you display when I return to our home, how… Read More