Katastro Ladies & Gentleman

New Album Alert Katastro (STRANGE NIGHTS) In stores NOW! Earlier this summer I tweeted about my affinity for the bevy of releases coming summer 2016. The Dirty Heads released their self titled record in the peak of summer when the “sweet summer” wasn’t quite gone yet. I was so enamored by the record that I simply referred to it as the soundtrack of summer 16… Then Katastro happened just as September turned up the heat last minute in Denver when the Hipsters were rocking scarfs and tank tops. Like a teenage girl on her bed with her heels kicking back and fourth, excited in anticipation for her favorite band to release their new album, was my surprise when my phone alerted me of the new Katastro record “Strange Nights” and it’s release. For those of you that subscribe to this up and coming reggae/rock/hip-hop band on Spotify, you know what it was like each and every time they released a single off of this anticipated album. Songs like “Waste the Night”, “Flow” and “Vicious Thing” were like having desert before dinner for me. I honestly could not tell you how many times I have listened to this album in it’s entirety both from beginning to end and on shuffle. Lyrically this album takes the listener on a journey about life, love and everything in between. It’s smart, witty, intelligent, beautiful and the production is as authentic as the lyrics and melodies. The track “Waste the Night” stood out to me most. It hits like a classic platinum pop track and I dare you to sit still while listening to this beautiful madness. Dirty Head’s co-front man (Jarred Watson) sprinkles a dusting of his magic on this track which leaves me to hope for a Katastro and Dirty Heads lineup come summer 2017 Needless to say this album gets my first 5 star rating. I took a lot of pride writing for www.thepier.org years ago and of a handful of album reviews I was asked to do, I don’t believe that I ever gave a 5 star rating. Probably because I had a hard time writing something that I criticize myself. As a listener and fan of this beautiful genre of music, I take away something each and every time I hear a song or a new band I like. It doesn’t matter what I think. All I care about is getting people to buy and listen to this music because of how it makes me feel. I can’t explain it. It’s ******* AWESOME. I hope you can feel it too! I just felt it tonight so please listen to this record and if it makes you feel as good as it did for me, then buy it and tell your friends!!! This band is certainly on their way to the top. Simply amazing. Take a bow fellas. Katastro will be at the Marquis Theater on Thursday, October, 27th in Denver, CO. BUY TICKETS HERE= http://www.songkick.com/concerts/28186029-katastro-at-marquis-theaterDub Rock Syndicate https://youtu.be/YQ9p4ncD368 https://open.spotify.com/artist/2CimT0aCxKVuJsKPVLG0j5 http://katastro.com

The Black Seeds North American Tour

Reggae Rockers from New Zealand The Black Seeds will be embarking on a North American Tour starting in April. The dates are as follows:

4-5 El Ray Theater Los Angeles

4-6 Winstons San Diego

4-7 SoHo Santa Barbra

4-8 Slims San Francisco

4-10 Club 9One9 Victoria, BC

4-11 Fortune Sound Vancouver, BC

4-13 Cervantes Denver, CO

4-14 Fox Theater Boulder, CO

4-15 Brooklyn Bowl New York, New York

4-17 Castaways Ithaca, New York

Dub Rock Syndicate, August mix

The following track listing is a suggestion of great tracks available for download on most online music distributors. We at Dub Rock Syndicate take pride in promoting not just good music, but great music! -One Love


Track -- Artist -- Album --

1.Sunset in July -- 311 -- Universal Pulse

2.Upon Returning -- Dredg -- Chuckles And Mr. Squeezy

3.Don't Be Shy -- Shwayze -- Shwayze

4.Party -- House Of Shem -- The Pier: Pacific Island Sampler

5.Lovers Rock -- Sublime With Rome -- Yours Truly

6.Only for You -- Tomorrows Bad Seeds -- Sacred For Sale

7.Girl, Girl, Girl -- Toko Tasi -- Spiritual Life

8.Sensimillia ft.Roache --Collie Buddz -- Collie Buddz

9.Simmer -- Konfrontation -- The Pier:Pacific Island Sampler

10.Saw Her Standing-- Ballyhoo! -- Cheers!

11.Caprice -- Broke By Monday-- Broke By Monday

12.Crackers Anthem -- Cheezy and the Crackers -- Don't talk about it,Be about it!!

13.Wicked Style-- Mthds-- Mthds

14.Pon Di Block-- Fear Nuttin Band-- Yardcore

15.The Drugs -- The Holdup -- The Holdup

Ballyhoo! @ The Bluebird Theater 6-30-2011

The newest members to the Law Records family are coming back to the mile high city! Get your tickets at this link:

http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/2C0046A51F1F45EA?&camefrom=CFC_BUYAT_bandsintown

Mat McHugh @ The Fox Theater 7-7-2011

The Beautiful Girls front man will be performing a solo acoustic set this evening. Special guest include Mishka and Anuhea.

Doors: 08:30PM Show: 09:00 PM$13 ADV / $16 DOS +$2 for under 21 tickets
All Ages

Check out Chad's interview with Mat McHugh over at The Pier!!

http://www.thepier.org/interview-the-beautiful-girls/

John Browns Body, Katchafire & Tatanka

On Friday, April 8th 2011 John Browns Body, Katchafire and local dub kings Tatanka will invade Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom. Come party with Dub Rock Syndicate for this epic evening!!

9:00 PM (8:00 PM doors)

The Green returns to Denver

Denver, CO - On Friday, April 22nd, The Green performs at Cervantes' Other Side. Their two-month U.S. tour includes a mix of headlining and support dates. The Green's self-titled debut album was named iTunes Best Reggae Album of 2010. thegreen808.com

The Green were awarded best reggae album at the 2011 Hawaii Music Awards. They played three shows in February supporting Nas & Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley on the Distant Relatives tour.

Formed in 2009 in Oahu, The Green blends roots reggae with traditional Hawaiian vibes. Their debut album has sold 17,000 copies, and includes the hit song "Love I."

"There's plenty of invention, not imitation, which should propel The Green to the stratosphere reserved for few stars" - Honolulu Advertiser

Doors: 8 PM / Show: 9 PM
16+
$10 adv / $12 dos Tickets

Opening bands: Fortunate Youth, Tatanka

2637 Welton Street

Denver, CO 80205-2911

303-297-1772 www.cervantesmasterpiece.com

Links:
www.thegreen808.com

Facebook.com/thegreen808

Myspace.com/thegreen808

Twitter.com/thegreen808

Youtube.com/thegreenhawaii

DUB ROCK SYNDICATE THANKS YOU!

We are currently in the process of transformation. Our blog will be on "pause" for the time being until further update. We would like to thank you for your support in the short year that we have been doing this. You can still access our content from this past year(2010). In the mean time check us out at www.thepier.org for our latest interviews/concert reviews and album reviews. You can also fan us on facebook and follow us as we move forward.

Much love,
D.R.S Crew

Chris LaPlante (Lead vocalist for P-Nuckle) acoustic session @ 3 Kings Tavern, Denver, CO 10-20-10!

On Wednesday, October 20th 2010 Chris LaPlante will bring his guitar and friends for an intimate night of booze, jokes and tunes. Featuring none other than the front man for Denver's favorite reggae/punk band P-Nuckle and a special guest, this is a show for the true Nuckleheads!

Show starts @ 8:00

John Browns Body & Tatanka N.Y.E 2010!

We are pleased to announce that our good friends Tatanka will be playing with The Motet and John Brown's Body this New Years Eve 2010. This show will take place at Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom in Denver, Colorado.

Tickets: http://www.cervantesmasterpiece.com

Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad returns to Colorado!

Denver, CO - On Saturday, October 30th, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad performs at Cervantes' Other Side. The quartet's headlining CO tour also includes shows in Fort Collins, Colorado Springs and Paonia. GPGDS just completed a three-week North American tour, which included their Canada debut and first west coast tour in a year. They launched their live music website LivePanda.com on September 2nd; offering fresh recordings for purchase and free downloads. LIVE UP!! Volume II is the first LivePanda.com release, consisting of ten tracks recorded during March and April 2010. www.giantpandadub.com

Pepper tour dates

Sep 15 Grove of Anaheim Anaheim, CA
Sep 16 Grove of Anaheim Anaheim, CA
Sep 17 Orpheum Theatre Flagstaff, AZ
Sep 18 Rialto Theater Tucson, AZ
Sep 19 Sunshine Theatre Albuquerque, NM
Sep 21 White Rabbit San Antonio, TX
Sep 22 House of Blues Houston Houston, TX
Sep 23 Stubbs Bar-B-Q Austin, TX
Sep 24 House Of Blues Dallas Dallas, TX
Sep 25 Howlin Wolf New Orleans, LA
Sep 26 Masquerade Atlanta, GA
Sep 29 Culture Room Fort Lauderdale, FL
Sep 30 Culture Room Fort Lauderdale, FL
Oct 01 Jannus Landing Saint Petersburg, FL
Oct 02 Floyd's Music Store Tallahassee, FL
Oct 03 Freebird Live Jacksonville, FL
Oct 05 Music Farm Charleston, SC
Oct 06 The National Richmond, VA
Oct 07 Norva Norfolk, VA
Oct 08 House of Blues Atlantic City, NJ
Oct 09 House Of Blues Boston, MA
Oct 10 Theater Of Living Arts Philadelphia, PA
Oct 12 Highline Ballroom New York, NY
Oct 13 Highline Ballroom New York, NY
Oct 14 Webster Theatre Hartford, CT
Oct 15 9:30 Club Washington, DC
Oct 16 Starland Ballroom Sayreville, NJ
Oct 17 Met Cafe Providence, RI
Oct 19 Crofoot Pontiac, MI
Oct 20 House Of Blues Cleveland, OH
Oct 21 Metro Chicago, IL
Oct 22 Majestic Theatre Madison, WI
Oct 23 Cabooze Minneapolis, MN
Oct 24 Granada Theatre Lawrence, KS
Oct 27 Aggie Theater Fort Collins, CO
Oct 28 Fox Theatre Boulder, CO
Oct 29 Ogden Theatre Denver, CO
Oct 30 The Complex Salt Lake City, UT
Oct 31 Knitting Factory Boise, ID
Nov 02 Wilma Theatre Missoula, MT
Nov 03 Knitting Factory Spokane, WA
Nov 04 Showbox SODO Seattle, WA
Nov 05 Roseland Theater Portland, OR
Nov 06 Warfield Theatre San Francisco, CA
Nov 11 Marquee Theatre Tempe, AZ
Nov 12 Marquee Theatre Tempe, AZ
Nov 17 Belly Up Tavern Solana Beach, CA
Nov 18 House of Blues San Diego, CA
Nov 19 House of Blues San Diego, CA

The Beautiful Girls & Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad @ The Fox Theatre, Boulder, Co 9-17-10

Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad on tour with The Beautiful Girls

GIANT PANDA GUERILLA DUB SQUAD LIVE UP!

New York Road Warriors Embark on North American Tour

Boulder, CO - On Friday, September 17th, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad performs at Fox Theatre with Australia's The Beautiful Girls. During the quartet's three-week North American tour, they will be making their Canada debut and returning to the west coast for the first time in a year. GPGDS performed at numerous festivals this summer including Wakarusa, Nateva, All Good, and GrassRoots. Their new album LIVE UP! debuted at number two on iTunes' Reggae Chart. www.giantpandadub.com

"Truly one of the world's finest roots reggae ensembles..." - CBS Radio Street Date

LIVE UP! is a selection of high-quality, previously unreleased live recordings, hand picked by Rochester NY's psychedelic reggae road warriors. The independently released album's 11 tracks were selected from five different concerts in 2008 and 2009.

Giant Panda has played 500 shows in the past three years, touring relentlessly and developing a widespread grassroots following. The group has performed at premier venues and festivals across the U.S. including Red Rocks and Rothbury. LIVE UP! exemplifies the tight musicianship and dynamic live show experience GPGDS is known for. The album was produced and mixed by the band's sound engineer and show archivist Joel Scanlon. It complements their debut studio release Slow Down (2006).

LIVE UP! is the closing statement of Giant Panda's former six-piece lineup, as they are now forging ahead as a quartet.

"The reality of this band is that we're always evolving - musically, spiritually, and within our own circle," says GPGDS bassist James Searl. "LIVE UP! documents the sound and chemistry that six people shared with each other and crowds around the nation. We're excited about the future as a quartet, and eager to explore new territories."

Friday, September 17 @ Fox Theatre

Doors: 8:30 PM / Show: 9:00 PM
All Ages
$14 adv / $17 dos
Tickets

Also performing: The Beautiful Girls, Kinetix

Tour Dates
Aug 28 - Turin, NY - Snow Ridge Jam Fest
Sept 03 - Boston, MA - Rock On! Concert Cruise
Sept 04 - Providence, RI - Jerkys Music Hall
Sept 05 - Norfolk, CT - Infinity Hall
Sept 10 - Norwalk, CT - Slamfest NSA Oyster Festival
Sept 11 - Rochester, NY - Water Street Music Hall
Sept 12 - Toronto, ON, Canada - Horseshoe Tavern
Sept 14 - Chicago, IL - Lincoln Hall
Sept 15 - Minneapolis, MN - Triple Rock Social Club
Sept 17 - Boulder, CO - Fox Theatre
Sept 18 - Park City, UT - Star Bar
Sept 21 - Vancouver, BC, Canada - Fortune Sound Club
Sept 22 - Portland, OR - Doug Fir Lounge
Sept 24 - San Francisco, CA - The Independent
Sept 25 - Santa Barbara, CA - West Beach Festival
Sept 26 - Santa Barbara, CA - West Beach Festival
Sept 28 - San Luis Obispo, CA - Downtown Brewing Co
Sept 29 - Santa Cruz, CA - Catalyst Atrium
Sept 30 - West Hollywood, CA - Roxy Theatre
Oct 01 - Solana Beach, CA - Belly Up
Oct 02 - Hermosa Beach, CA - Saint Rocke

Interview with Pepper

Interview by Chad Hillje
Editing by Kyle Hillje
Photography by Mark Franzen

It was a rainy July afternoon in Morrison, Colorado as we ascended up the terrain at the world famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre for the 2010 Unity Tour featuring Pepper, Offspring and 311. As we surfaced at the top of the hill, slightly rain soaked, we met up with The Coach, Pepper’s tour manager, and met the winner of Pepper’s karaoke contest, Josh Gonzales, whom did a great cover of Pepper’s new release, “Mirror”. We took cover in the back of Pepper’s tour bus, drank some Coors Lights, and spoke about everything from LAW Records to Jack Johnson’s ex-girlfriend and her upside down uterus. Enjoy!

DRS: Here we are once again at Red Rocks for the Unity Tour and we are sitting with none other than Kona’s very own, Pepper. How are you guys feelin’?
Pepper: (Kaleo) We’re feelin’ like lifeguards! (Brett) So, so, noivous! (laughs) Na, we’re feelin’ great! (Yeesod) We’re feelin’ safe as ever ‘cause like Kaleo said, “we’re lifeguards”. (Kaleo) We are certified, we got our training and we are good to go. Basically, if you drink too much, we are allowed to mouth-to-mouth resuscitate you. Unfortunately, it’s been a weird thing cause there is a high level of dude’s not being resurrected. Seriously though, we have been waiting for this show all tour and we love it here!
DRS: That explains the ample amount of females at your shows. We know you guys love Colorado. You recorded your live album (Kona Gold) here.
Pepper: This place is perfect!
DRS: Congratulations on your two new singles released today “Wake Up” and “Mirror”. This is a huge teaser for your fans and they want to know, is there a projected release date for the album yet?
Pepper: (Kaleo) Yes. It’s the future. Near, but not too near, more mid-ish future, but not too far future. It would be a near to near far future. (Brett) We’re working with a serious timeline so it will definitely be out before the Mayan calendar ends.
DRS: Ok Pepper fans, when the world is ending you can pick up the new Pepper album (laughs).
Pepper: We actually have a show booked on that day. We will play all the new songs (laughs).
DRS: No better way to go out!
Pepper: You guys have to learn Mayan first though. We will only be doing our songs in Mayan.
DRS: Should be interesting! You guys have worked with some heavy hitting producers by the likes of Steve Kravic, Ron Germain (The Saint), Tony Kanal, Paul Leary, and 311’s very own, Nick Hexum in recording your past five studio albums. Is there a certain process you guys go through when selecting a producer for your albums?
Pepper: (Kaleo) Yes, it’s “will you please work with us?” and if they say yes, then it’s good to go. (Yeesod) Whoever is the cheapest. (Brett) Money is not an object cause we don’t have it!
DRS: At least you guys have upgraded from the white van!
Pepper: (Brett) Chopper One, great white buffalo, god rest your soul.
DRS: Pour a little out. Who is behind the wheels for the new album?
Pepper: (Kaleo) Actually, the first two songs are produced by yours truly. Cheap and easy! (Yeesod) We have two more that are being mixed right now that we all did. (Brett) We are becoming great producers. (Kaleo) Speaking of which, how is the feedback from you guys? Have you heard the new songs and have you downloaded them?
DRS: But of course! It keeps getting better and better with you guys. A lot of our readers are big fans!
Pepper: We are playing “Wake Up” tonight.
DRS: Are you guys playing “Mirror”?
Pepper: (Yeesod) We only have a half hour to play, so not this time. (Kaleo) The best thing for Denver is that we will be back for a complete inspection in the fall for a full show at The Fillmore I believe.
DRS: Sweet! “LAW Records” is your independent label that features the likes of Iration, The Supervillians and Passafire. Is it true that “LAW” was once a record label that Yeesod’s father started in the 80’s?
Pepper: (Yeesod) It was his band called “The Law” actually, and our record label logo was their band logo. They started their own label in 1983, released their own album, and then the band broke up. (Kaleo) Their album was awesome! We would actually like to re-do their album if we ever get good enough. They had hits like “Baby don’t you know…You’re a hooker.” (Brett) The genes were so strong that “The Law” was a three piece just like Pepper.
DRS: You guys teamed up with Volcom back in 2001, which set the stage for you guys joining the Warped Tour and the release of your 2nd studio album “Kona Town”. How much of a role does “Volcom” play now that you guys have your own record label?
Pepper: (Kaleo) The relationship has been so good. It never ever went south and you always hear these story’s and cliché’s about record labels and bands getting into these huge arguments over contracts and money, blah blah blah, but to this day, we have the best time working with each other. In fact, if you pay attention to our lifeguard outfits you will notice how “Volcom” made everything we are wearing from the shirts, to the track jackets and the shorts, everything! Everyone at Volcom Entertainment we have nothing but love for! We are also doing the volcanic Volcom Hawaii Tour in December. It’s gonna be Kaua’i and O’ahu and then Maui and the big island. (Brett) Pepper and Volcom are stronger than ever!
DRS: We are gonna have to try and make that one! You guys were in the Volcom lab with designers, designing your very own Pepper board shorts. Are those available yet and how do your fans pick some up?
Pepper: (Yeesod) They will be available as part of their spring line in the spring of 2011. I’m pretty sure you can buy them online but they will be everywhere Volcom is sold.
DRS: Excellent! So, in the UFA point skit on the album “No Shame” who does the voice of the wine sucking Pepper groupie?
Pepper: (Kaleo) That’s Brett!
DRS: Can you give us a little sample?
Pepper: (Brett in wine sucking groupie voice) Oh, you so nasty! (Kaleo) The coach was leading it perfectly! We did all that in one shot. (Brett) It was very romantic to be honest.
DRS: Just cried a little (laughs). So we have one last question… Is it true that the song “Tounges” on “Kona Town” was written by Jack Johnson? How did that come about?
Pepper: (Kaleo) Um… He started writing it and we found it in his trash. See, he dated this girl with an upside-down uterus for a long time. He lived next door on the north shore around the same time. He actually threw it out, and when they broke up, he was so mad ‘cause she was spending a lot of time with us or whatever, and she was like, “Here, why don’t you pay attention to a real song” and pulled it out of the trash and threw it to us. So we kept it and decided to release it.
DRS: Wow…true story?
Pepper: That’s what we read on Wikipedia. (Brett) We want to give a shout out to C.J out there. You’re a sweet girl, get that thing fixed.
DRS: Thanks for taking the time to interview with Dub Rock Syndicate! Guys, have a great show and good luck with the rest of the tour!
Pepper: Bring it in, on 3! One-Two-Three, DUB ROCK SYNDICATE!

'Take Your Chances' Video (2009) The Black Seeds

Interview with The Black Seeds

Interview by Chad Hillje
Editing by Kyle Hillje
Photography by Mark Franzen

DRS: We are at The Fox Theatre in Boulder, Colorado once again and we’re sitting with guitarist and lead vocalist of The Black Seeds, Barnaby Weir. How are you doin’ tonight buddy?
Barnaby: Doin’ good and feeling good. I love it!
DRS: It’s good to have you guys here in Boulder, Colorado. We heard that you guys had a little bit of a rough time getting your visas approved. Now that your tour has started, how was Canada and how has the start of your tour been so far?
Barnaby: Yeah we did have some issues getting into the states and missed a couple stops on the tour, such as the Vancouver show, but we re-scheduled the show for the Monday night and it went well. So, that was good. We arrived in Victoria and then went to Oakland and to L.A., and one of the nights on our stop, we played with Fishbone. We were pretty stoked to play with them and now we are here so it’s all good man.
DRS: We’re glad you made it! You guys have a great funk/reggae sound. What influences your guys’ sound?
Barnaby: I’d have to say all American music. English music as well as Jamaican music influences us. You have to realize that music is influenced by many cultures all over the world. Down in New Zealand, we get a lot of American media, so we are influenced highly by a lot of American soul such as Al Green, Otis Redding and Ray Charles. We are not trying to copy them; we are just influenced by them the same way we are influenced by Jamaican music. We are highly inspired by all kinds of music from different countries, but American and Jamaican music is what really inspires The Black Seeds.
DRS: You guys inspire a lot of Americans as well. In October of 2009, you guys released your live album/dvd which was only released in New Zealand and Australia. Are you guys planning on releasing it in the United States anytime soon?
Barnaby: We would absolutely love to. From the states you can find it online and iTunes sells it as well. You can also go onto our website “theblackseeds.com” and at the moment, we have a free five track download. All you need to do is give your e-mail and you can check out a remix of “slingshot” done by a dubstep producer by the name of Truth. We would like to make our stuff as accessible as possible for everybody in the U.S.
DRS: Tell us a little bit about Surgery Studios back home in New Zealand.
Barnaby: Surgery Studios is not the average studio. It’s not flashy and it’s like a warehouse really. When I was almost 19, I got a student loan to go to a University in Wellington and I spent it on recording at a place called “Original Music Workshop” which is now “Surgery”. It doesn’t look very professional but when you’re there with a bunch of other musicians, you get the feel of intimacy with the place. We like to make it affordable for musicians to record at “The Surgery”.
DRS: Is it the same studio that “Flight of the Choncords” recorded at as well?
Barnaby: They did do some recording there. They did some recording in America in L.A. as well. That band is awesome. They are our mates! We have known each other for a long time and Bret McKenzie was actually a member of the Black Seeds from it’s inception for about six years.
DRS: Is it true that your 2008 album release “Into the Dojo” was given the name due to the fact that “Surgery Studio” used to be a karate dojo?
Barnaby: Wow, you have done your research! (Laughs) As I said, “Original Music Workshop” was a part of it, but back 15 years ago, it was a karate dojo, and that’s where The Black Seeds practiced down the hall from the studio.
DRS: That’s cool to know that little piece of insight about you guys. Your fans want to know what kind of music you listen to. If we found your iPod, what would be on there?
Barnaby: The first one would be AC/DC for sure! I also like the Beetles, and as far as American influence is concerned, I really like Jimmy Hendrix. You would also see Fat Freddy’s Drop on there. They are a great dub/reggae band from Wellington and you should check them out if you have not already. I really like KRS-One, N.E.R.D, Dr.Dre, Outkast, Run DMC, De La Soul, Beastie Boys and Public Enemy as far as the hip-hop genre is concerned. I mix it up!
DRS: Barnaby thanks so much for your time! We love your music and keep it coming.
Barnaby: Dub Rock Syndicate! BIG UP! Thanks for listening to some kiwi tunes and I’d like to thank Katchafire for playing with us. Your readers can check us out at theblackseeds.com and get a free 5 track download that also includes some unreleased stuff.

SEE-I ANNOUNCE COLORADO TOUR

DC Band Featuring Members of Thievery Corporation in CO August 6-8

See-I have three shows coming up in Colorado, including first ever performances in Denver and Aspen. Six of the eight band members are also part of the internationally renowned group Thievery Corporation.

See-I plays a unique blend of classic roots reggae, mixed with funk and soul. The Washington, DC-based octet has become one of the east coast's premier party bands because they know how to keep people dancing all night with a smile on their face.

A weekly Wednesday night residency at DC's prestigious Eighteenth Street Lounge has given See-I the opportunity to perfect their performance. They've created a fresh sound that's become popular at ski resorts, beach towns, and concert halls alike.

"Enter Zeebo and Rootz, two Rastafarian brothers who provide the rude boy vocal snippets...Their music is as eclectic, stylish, charismatic, genial, witty, sophisticated and worldly as they are." - High Times

Tour Dates
Aug 04 - Washington, DC - Eighteenth Street Lounge
Aug 06 - Denver, CO - Cervantes' Other Side Info
Aug 07 - Aspen, CO - Belly Up Aspen Info
Aug 08 - Durango, CO - Abbey Theatre Info
Aug 14 - Baltimore, MD - Power Plant Live
Aug 22 - Atlantic City, NJ - Bally's Atlantic City
Sept 05 - Montauk, NY - Surf Lodge

Interview with Tatanka

Interview by Chad Hillje
Editor – Kyle Hillje
Photography – Mark Franzen

Tatanka has seen recent success playing alongside acts such as Passafire, Katchafire and the Black Seeds to name a few. We caught up with the up and coming kings of “dubtronic” after their set at the Fox Theatre in Boulder on July 15th 2010 and this is what they had to say. Enjoy!

DRS- Amazing set tonight guys. You really set the stage for Katchafire and The Black Seeds! How you guys feelin’?
Tatanka- We’re good Chad. How you feelin’?
DRS- Another beautiful night at the Fox Theatre in Boulder! You guys played last night at Cervantez Masterpiece Ballroom with the Black Seeds and tonight you guys are here at the Fox with Katchafire and the Black Seeds. How has the last couple nights treated you guys?
Tatanka- The last couple of nights have been very nice to us. Denver came out and rocked with us really hard on Wednesday night and Boulder was an incredible show and well worth it and we give it a 9.5 out of 10!
DRS- You guys have been around for a couple of years now. How did Tatanka come about?
Tatanka- (ChampIan)-Wow that’s a long story man (laughs). (The Mexico)- I was walking to class and I seen Ian. I had seen him the night before at The Expendables show here in Boulder and recognized him and said, lets go burn one and that’s pretty much how it started. (Malonestarr)- I moved back from Vermont after graduating college and I was hittin’ up all these weirdo’s on craigslist and you would not believe what type of people are on there, It’s crazy. I ended up finding the only post in regards to reggae and thought that this has got to be cool. So, I replied and got a call from Ian. Him and I met everyone at his house and we banged it out.
DRS- Awesome! Not only can you get hookers on Craigslist but you can also get a band mate.
Tatanka- Trust in Craig! (Laughs)
DRS- You guys have some pretty awesome names. Details?
Tatanka- (Malonestarr)-My last name is Malony and that’s an interpretation of all sorts of nicknames such as Bologna, Ba-logue-nuh and Malony-head. I get spaced sometimes and I feel like I’m in space when I play music and that’s where the “Starr” comes from. I also like Malone-ranger. (The Mexico)- It started back in high school by this kid Luke Van Leary and I’m Mexican, my names Mike and not much more to say. (ChampIan)- My life off of stage and on stage are completely different so it’s an entity that I can be and express myself through different than my normal self. It’s ChampIan now and might be something later, ya know? For right now, I feel like the champ, like we are fighting, like this is what we gotta do and we’re gonna do it. Not much more than that.
DRS- You guys used about 30 minutes for your EP “Sounds In Technicolor” therefore, there must be more music on the way. Can your fans look forward to an album soon?
Tatanka- You can never rush greatness. The album might come out in a year, it might come out in two years, or it might come out in three months. We will definitely let our fans know. As of now, we have a few things we are working on like getting out on the road.
DRS- Excellent. We will definitely do our part and let the DRS fans know when you guys are ready. You guys are becoming quite the staple in the dubtronica sound. Have you guys given it some thought about teaming up with electronica dj’s and producers to create some songs or do some remixes of your songs?
Tatanka- A lot of dj’s like certain recordings a certain way and we will probably produce some tracks and mix them down. Also when we play in Denver we like to bring our dj by the name of dj Del Rio. He always brings the proper sounds after we are done and before we play. It’s just a matter of time before we all start mixing and doin’ one thing.
DRS- You guys played in Austin last spring at ATX Wildfire. How was that for you guys?
Tatanka- It was a blast! We bunked with the Silver Surfer dudes for like four days and we were on the floor. There were way too many dudes but it was fun. The Episode Phive and Music Bailout guys were really cool too.
DRS- Sounds wild. You guys have both an electronic and reggae feel to your sound. Who influences your unique sound?
Tatanka- (Malonestarr)- Lately I have been listening to a lot of that dubstep that is from the U.K like Skream and Benga. (The Mexico)- Same thing man, all of that new dubstep shit. Ian has shown me a lot of new bands like Fat Freddy’s Drop and The Black Seeds. (ChampIan)- I really enjoy John Brown’s Body. I have always thought that those guys bring it really hard. They are the ones that really inspired me to do this kind of stuff. The Black Seeds are really good. I like how they bring the funk. I like Fat Freddy’s Drop and anything that comes in with a fat bass line and a heavy punch. That’s when I’m like, thank you!
DRS- Thanks for your time guys! Are there any last comments you want to share with your fans?
Tatanka- You guys can pick up our E.P for free at tatankadub.bandcamp.com and make sure you check out our weekly schedule and come out and see us!

NEW PASSAFIRE ALBUM!

PASSAFIRE's new live album ‎"LIVE FROM THE ROAD VOL. 1" is officially being released tomorrow! Starting at midnight tonight, the new live album from PASSAFIRE will be available exclusively at iTunes music store. Get it!