Rootsland is a new podcast series presented by Consequence Of Sound, exploring the story of two friends who take a musical and spiritual journey from the suburbs of Long Island to the streets of Kingston, Jamaica. Narrated by Henry “K” Karyo, Rootsland tells musical stories of landscapes that span styles and genres, and transport the listeners to exotic locations.

This is a fascinating and enjoyable listen for anybody interested in the culture of reggae music and its rich, complicated history. Karyo shares his personal stories of first-hand relationships with the characters who have been critical threads in the greater fabric of the music. Rootfire is pleased to be the official home of Rootsland on Soundcloud. Check back here regularly for new episodes…

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Season 1: Reggae, Junkie, Jew
Episode 1: “Catch a Fire”
Rootsland begins by dialing things back to 1987 and heads to Washington, D.C., where Henry is a disillusioned justice major at American University. His life changes, however, when he walks into a record shop and eventually secures an internship at RAS Records working for trailblazing reggae producer Dr. Dread, a.k.a Gary Himmelfarb. The job description seems simple enough: sweeping floors, packing boxes, and answering phones. But, Henry soon learns calls to RAS Records are anything but simple.

Rootsland is produced in association with Voice Boxx Studios in Kingston, Jamaica.
Introduction by: Michelle “Kim” Yamaguchi

Featured Music:
Tessanne Chin – “Love Rein O’er Me”
Wayne Armond – “Righteous People”

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Season 1: Reggae, Junkie, Jew
Episode 2: “When The Music Hits”
Henry befriends a reggae super fan and an obsessed caller to the label. He soon learns that this “Brian from Colorado” is an aspiring singer, whose revolutionary spirit may convince Henry to follow his dream to pursue music over law. That dream becomes a reality when Henry is tasked to bring a reggae legend to a recording session. He’s not sure what hits him—it could be the contact buzz, it could be the savory smell of brown stew fish — but when Henry sees Dr. Dread behind the mixing board with a grin … life begins to make a whole lotta sense.

Rootsland is produced in association with Voice Boxx Studios in Kingston, Jamaica.
Introduction by: Michelle “Kim” Yamaguchi
Guest Vocals by: Patrick “Curly Loxx” Gaynor, Jermaine Keys

Featured Music:
Adam “Teacha”  Barnes  – “Different”
Big Mountain and Uton Green – ” I Can See for Miles”   

Notes: This episode contains excerpts from NPR’s All Things Considered (the original story was reported by friend and colleague: the late, great, Tom Terrell; BBC Radio’s Interview with Joseph “Culture” Hill Conducted by Mark Lamar; and Joseph Hill performing “2 Sevens Clash” live.

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Season 1: Reggae, Junkie, Jew
Episode 3: “Welcome to Jamrock”

Henry finds his groove at RAS Records just as reggae music grabs hold of him. Soon after, Dr Dread makes a call to Bob Marley’s widow, Rita, and the young intern lands a job working for the Marley family at the legendary Tuff Gong Studios in Kingston Jamaica. It’s here he learns that Kingston is a city of extremes, and it’s here he meets more of Reggae’s foundational musicians, who all share amazing tales of confronting and overcoming adversity.

Rootsland is produced in association with Voice Boxx Studios in Kingston, Jamaica.
Introduction by: Michelle “Kim” Yamaguchi
Guest Vocals by: Patrick “Curly Loxx” Gaynor

Featured Music:
Israel Vibrations – “Black Muddy River”
Adam “Teacha” Barnes

Listen on all Podcast Platforms