Xavier Rudd - Follow The Sun -2012-

Tribal Seeds - SoundWaves EP -2011-
(Roots, Rock, Reggae)

From: San Diego
Website: http://www.tribalseeds.net/

With heavy influence from Bob Marley, Steel Pulse, and Midnite, Tribal Seeds brings a refreshing rock vibe to roots, reggae music. Spiritually driven and musically talented, Tribal Seeds have created an art form for rebel music enthusiasts! They bring an authentic sound that reaches a broad demographic and an energy that gets crowds moving to their infectious rhythms. The SoundWaves EP is the fourth release from the San Diego natives and is full of warm dub effects, bouncing rhythms, meaningful lyrics, tight instrumentation and plenty of energy. This short EP stands as a beacon for some truly great music to come.


Tribal Seeds - Soundwaves


Tribal Seeds - In Your Eyes

Boy & Bear - Moonfire -2011-
(Folk, Rock)

From: Sydney, Australia
Website: http://boyandbear.com/

They've only been together since 2009, but in their short life Boy & Bear have achieved a lot: they've won the Triple J Unearthed J Award and toured with Mumford & Sons and Laura Marling. Now they've dropped their catchy debut album, Moonfire. The band relocated to Nashville, Tennessee to record the album with noted US producer Joe Chicarelli (The Shins, My Morning Jacket). On Moonfire the Sydney folksters serve up the kind of rich melodies and lush vocal harmonies that has seen them collect many fans across the globe.


Boy & Bear - Feeding Line


Boy & Bear - Part Time Believer


Boy & Bear - Golden Jubilee

The Head And The Heart - The Head And The Heart -2010-
(Folk, Rock, Americana)

From: Seattle
Website: http://www.theheadandtheheart.com/

So many decisions in life and in the music we love can come down to a critical tug between the logic in our heads and the hot red blood beating through our hearts. Seattle's The Head and the Heart live authentically in that crux, finding joy and beauty wedged there. Their music pulses effervescently both explosively danceable and intuitively intelligent. With Americana roots and strong vocal harmonics that swell like a river, this band finds its anchor in solid songwriting that has even the jaded humming along by the second listen. This is an album for people who unabashedly sing and drum along on the steering wheel, and also for those who appreciate a well-crafted collection of songs that build into something wholly beautiful. There is in this music a counter-cultural optimism, with roots that grow deep and melodies that lodge themselves far into that place inside you where the head meets the heart.


The Head And The Heart - Couer D'alene


The Head And The Heart - Down In The Valley


The Head And The Heart - Lost In My Mind

The Heavy - The House That Dirt Built -2009-
(Rock, Soul, Hip-Hop)

From: Bath, England
Website: http://theheavy.co.uk/

The Heavy make dirty, guitar-scorched hip hop soul that you just may have heard in some sort of soundtrack over the last couple of years. With a background in the joys of sampling and a foreground in scuzzy guitar, bass and beaten up drums, with schizo music tastes and a West Country pace, they've been building brick by dirty brick. Now, they'd like to welcome you into their beautiful home for a little nose around, a kind of party if you like. And if a little blood gets spilled then that's just how it is. Nobody said it was going to be a spread from "Hello" magazine. It will, though, be the best party you've ever been to. The House That Dirt Built represents a huge step forward from an already fantastic debut in Great Vengeance & Furious Fire. Since then The Heavy have toured the world and, where the first record was sample-based, the new one is much more a product of working as a band. The House That Dirt Built is larger than life, funny, terrifying and occasionally beautiful. It is, in fact, a house you'll want to visit again and again.


The Heavy - How You Like Me Now?


The Heavy - Short Change Hero


The Heavy - Cause For Alarm

Beirut - The Rip Tide -2011-
(Indie, Folk, Rock)

From: New Mexico
Website: http://beirutband.com/

Zach Condon's music often parallels the exotic mysteries of world travel. Since Beirut's last album, 2007's The Flying Club Cup, sang a love-letter to France, many asked where his songs would voyage next, but few predicted the inward journey Condon takes on The Rip Tide, an album with the most introspective and memorable songs of his young career. Recorded in Upstate New York, Brooklyn and, of course, Condon's hometowns of Albuquerque and Santa Fe, The Rip Tide marks a distinct leaping-off point for Beirut. Beginning life as small melodies conceived on piano or ukulele, the songs were built upon by the entire band in the studio before Condon's paring down and retrofitting. The results sound like they were recorded in a single session, with exciting rhythms matching the upbeat horns and contrasting the mournful strings. No direct geographical affiliation was exhumed; rather, the style that emerges belongs uniquely and distinctly to Beirut-one that has been hinted at all along. Purchase album for $6.99 by clicking above album art.


Beirut - A Candle's Fire


Beirut - Santa Fe


Beirut - East Harlem

Dispatch - E.P. -2011-
(Indie, Folk, Reggae, Rock)

From: Boston
Website: http://dispatchmusic.com/

It’s been more than a decade now since we last heard new music from Dispatch. For fans, 10 years without new music from these indie reggae/rockers probably felt like 20 years. Well, the wait is over – Dispatch has released a six song E.P. and it features all of the group’s familiar trademarks. The six songs on the E.P. vary in tempo and feel as Chetro, Braddigan and Re-Pete trade off lead vocals and instruments. The boys don't miss a beat on these new recordings. They sound as good as they ever have on 'Con Man', 'Beto' and 'Broken American' and I can personally guarantee that they are still one of the best live bands in the world. So if you are one the many Dispatch fans who have been withering away since their last album, this E.P. will be a cool, refreshing collection of songs to tide you over until they release their full-length in 2012. Stay tuned for more from this amazing band. Click the cover art to purchase for only $4.99.


Dispatch - Con Man


Dispatch - Beto


Dispatch - Broken American

Other Lives - Tamer Animals -2011-
(Folk, Progressive, Rock)

From: Stillwater, Oklahoma
Website: http://otherlives.com/

There’s no point in trying to unearth an obvious “single” in Other Lives’ second album, Tamer Animals. Here’s a better idea instead: succumb. Let every last song wash over you like proper long players once did, from the swift strings and pulsating horns. Other Lives are: Jesse Tabish (lead vocals, piano, guitar), Josh Onstott (bass, organ, backing vocals), Jonathon Mooney (piano, violin, guitar), Jenny Hsu (cello, piano, backing vocals) and Colby Owens (drums). Tamer Animals is a fantastic piece of art that has been sculpted by some very talented musicians. Other Lives has given us a beautiful album that only gets better with each listen. Click album art above to purchase for only $7.99. Enjoy!


Other Lives - For 12


Other Lives - Tamer Animals


Other Lives - Dust Bowl III

Stephen Marley - Revelation Pt. 1: The Root Of Life -2011-
(Reggae, Roots)

From: Jamaica
Website: http://www.stephenmarleymusic.com/

If you think you don't know the music of Stephen Marley, you do-you just don't realize it. A member of the celebrated Marley sibling group The Melody Makers since the age of seven, the Grammy winning producer, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist has also been the driving creative force behind the music of his brothers. Stephen Marley acts as the roots anchor for the clan on Revelation Part 1: The Root of Life. While Part 2 is planned as a more electric and future-minded affair, this first Revelation is a roots reggae-oriented effort. Think Father Bob's Uprising and you're close to the feel here, which goes from cool and woozy to stately and militant. Stephen has truly found his own voice plus his songwriting has grown with subtle imagery and rich storytelling. These are the reasons to return to the album, but familiarity is an equally strong point, and also its initial pull. Stone-cold grooves and socially conscious lyrics run rich in the Marley bloodline. Fans of the Marley family can rejoice with yet another album that keeps the legacy alive. Click album art above to purchase album.


Stephen Marley - Break Us Apart (Ft. Capleton)


Stephen Marley - Can't Keep I Down


Stephen Marley - She Knows No

Peter Goetz - Indian Summer -2011-
(Folk, Surf, Reggae, Rock)

From: Venice Beach
Website: http://goetzmedia.com/

Goetz had the honor of collaborating with some of the most talented musicians across the globe while recording his first full-length album, "Indian Summer". Sessions in both Brazil and California have yielded a cross-cultural fusion of California soul, reggae and world beats. Goetz teamed up with an all-star cast of players: Jason Yates (Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals, Citizen Cope), Dave Ralicke (Jack Johnson, Beck), Grecco Burratto (Sergio Mendes, Shakira) to name a few. While in Brazil, Goetz recorded two tracks with Arthur Maia and Sergio Chiavazzoli, both 15 year veterans of Gilberto Gil's band, Brazil's current minister of culture. The multi-talented Goetz has created a very chill album full of good vibes and catchy hooks. Click the album art to listen to the rest of the album or purchase.


Peter Goetz - Crystal Ball


Peter Goetz - Two To Tango


Peter Goetz - Freeflowing

A few months ago, the Dispatch website became quite active for the first time in almost 3 years. A mysterious countdown appeared on the website which turned out to be for the announcement of 6, now 12 concert dates scattered around the U.S.

In 2004, Dispatch played their final show in Boston at Hatch Shell. The show was intended to have in the range of 10-30 thousand. It is estimated that over 100 000 people showed up for the event. In 2007, Dispatch came back for a charity concert entitled ‘Zimbabwe’ at Madison Square Garden, selling out its tickets almost immediately after going on sale.

The 2011 concerts are as follows:

June 3- Morrison, Colorado at Red Rocks
June 4- Morrison, Colorado at Red Rocks
June 5- Morrison, Colorado at Red Rocks
June 7- Chicago, Illinois at UIC Pavilion
June 8- Chicago, Illinois at Millenium Park
June 11- Berkeley, California at Greek Theatre
June 12- Los Angeles, California at Greek Theatre
June 18- Harrison, New Jersey at Red Bull Arena
June 21- Atlanta, Georgia at Chastain Park
June 24- Boston, Massachusetts at TD Garden
June 25- Boston, Massachusetts at TD Garden
June 26- Boston, Massachusetts at TD Garden

Since their break-up in 2004, members of Dispatch have done a few separate acts such as State Radio as well as solo careers. With these new shows, Dispatch has also recently said that they will be coming out with a new album sometime during the year. It is going to be a great summer!

**For Tickets click on the Dispatch logo above**

Kooii - In This Life -2010-
(Afro-Beat, Reggae, Jazz)

From: Brisbane
Website: http://www.kooiimusic.com/

Rising out of the fertile soil of Brisbane's West End, Kooii has nurtured a uniquely local sound that weaves musical influences from around the world. Almost five years after their landmark debut album Beads On a String, Brisbane's innovators of Afro-Reggae have released their second LP entitled In This Life. Recorded over the last eight months, the band have once again collaborated with Paulie B (The Beautiful Girls, Tanuki Dub), engineer/producer extraordinaire of Kooii's stunning debut album. Whilst the edgy, driving Afro-rhythms of In This Life steer the group towards uncharted territory, the music is still laden with the stirring harmonies and sublime lyricism, inherent in Kooii's distinctive sound. The music is organic and the vibes flow throughout each fantastic track.


Kooii - What On Earth


Kooii - One Step


Kooii - Preparations

SOJA - Everything Changes (Single) -2010-
(Reggae, Dub, Roots)

From: Washington D.C.
Website: http://sojamusic.com/

New 2 song single from one of the best in the business when it comes to reggae. 'Everything Changes' has been a staple of live shows for awhile now and it is good to hear a nice polished studio version, but for that matter it is just good to hear anything from Soldiers Of Jah Army. Born In Babylon was one of the best albums of the year and I for one cannot wait for the next full length LP. But in the meantime check out the regular and remix of 'Everything Changes', it is a really nice track.


SOJA - Everything Changes

Full Service - Roaming Dragons -2010-
(Acoustic, Rock, Reggae)

From: Austin, TX
Website: http://www.fullservicemusic.com/

You don't often see a metal band come out with an album that is a great mixture of acoustics, percussion, harmonies, and folk influences, but that is exactly what Full Service delivers to the listener on Roaming Dragons. Lead singer and writer Hoag explains the reason for this drastically different approach and sound, "This album is defined by harmony. As I grieved for a lost love, I sought the compliment, the harmony, to grief, which to me is music. And as I was losing a love, I sought and found a love, which is Roaming Dragons." Overall the album is a blend of acoustic guitars, harmonized vocals, and just enough percussion. Other instruments, especially a melodica, are seamlessly strewn throughout the album giving each track its own unique sound.


Full Service - Lately


Full Service - Roaming Dragons

The Old Ceremony - Tender Age -2010-
(Indie, Pop, Rock)

From: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Website: http://theoldceremony.com/

The Old Ceremony is led by songwriter Django Haskins, and includes bassist Matt Brandau, drummer Dan Hall, vibes/organist Mark Simonsen, and violinist/keyboardist Gabriel Pelli. TOC plays lush, literate rock and with over six years of touring and four albums under their belt, the band occupies its own darkly lit corner of the musical world. It is a corner filled with ominous rumblings and world-weary but hopeful characters. The sound of Tender Age the latest release from TOC draws a lot of inspiration from 60's folk/pop. Commercially poppy and a little psychedelic, Tender Age has some real nice tracks. The middle of the album lags a bit, but overall a very nice effort.


The Old Ceremony - Tender Age


The Old Ceremony - Ruined My Plans

Bantaba - From The Ground Up -2010-
(Reggae, Dub, Roots)

From: Germany
Website: http://www.bantabamusic.de/

Bantaba is one of many fine German reggae bands making a name for themselves. Their exciting and authentic take on reggae is on display throughout From The Ground Up. Heavy bass lines alongside tight drum grooves, mighty organs, nyahbinghi-rhythms, tickling guitar licks and some sweet horns-arrangements are what are in store for you. Bantaba is an up-and-comer in the reggae world so keep an eye out. Real chill tunes.


Bantaba - Eagle


Bantaba - Gratitude


Bantaba - When I Cry

Fistful of Mercy - As I Call You Down -2010-
(Acoustic, Rock, Folk)

From: Los Angeles
Website: http://fistfulofmercy.com/

Debut from super-trio featuring Ben Harper, Dhani Harrison (George's son) and Joseph Arthur. The trio formed in early 2010 and wasted little time before laying down tracks for what would become As I Call You Down. Deeply melodic and willfully groovy (thanks, in part, to world-class session drummer Jim Keltner), As I Call You Down shines with acoustic guitars, some killer slide from Harper, and those undeniable harmonies. It’s the sound of three very experienced musicians, each used to running his own show, coming together and having a ball. Written, produced and recorded in Harper's studio, As I Call You Down is comprised of nine songs complete with soulful harmonies and blues-infused folk guitar seamlessly blended with an indie rock backbone. As I Call You Down effortlessly crosses through genre defining borders and is sure to please fans of all three performer's previous work, while welcoming new listeners with open arms. Download album for only $3.99! by clicking album cover above.


Fistful of Mercy - As I Call You Down


Fistful of Mercy - Fistful of Mercy


Fistful of Mercy - Father's Son

Katchafire - On The Road Again -2010-
(Reggae, Dub)

From: New Zealand
Website: http://www.katchafire.co.nz/

For over a decade, Katchafire have been ambassadors of roots reggae music in New Zealand. Three long years after the release of their last offering Say What You're Thinking, Katchafire present their highly anticipated new album On The Road Again. Katchafire's sound has always thrived off their strong cultural identity and self awareness. Their music embodies the feel good nature of life in rural New Zealand towns. On The Road Again is a testament to life spent on tour since the release of 'Say What You're Thinking'. Over the past three years Katchafire, the hardest working band in New Zealand, have toured religiously across New Zealand, Australia, the greater Pacific (including Hawaii) and USA playing to over 30,000 people at selected events. The album is a melting pot of musical sensibilities including Jamaican dance-hall, r'n'b, roots, reggae and funk. Katchafire never disappoints and always puts out incredible reggae tunes.


Katchafire - On The Road Again


Katchafire - Yr Dreaming


Katchafire - Groove Again

The Radio Dept - Never Follow Suit E.P. -2010-
(Indie, Pop, Dub)

From: Stockholm, Sweden
Website: http://theradiodept.com/

Though Swedish indie pop trio The Radio Dept have only released three LP’s in nearly a decade, they have always put out a string of EP’s in between. Never Follow Suit is one of these EP's following the release of The Radio Dept critically acclaimed new album Clinging On A Scheme. Alongside three new songs, and a lengthy trip hop remix by Pistol Disco, Never Follow Suit EP finds the outfit meddling with the familiar shoegaze and dream pop genres, whilst shifting into the land of dub. Johan Duncanson’s distinct reverberated vocalization helps fabricate the dreamy landscapes and certain inkling of nostalgia The Radio Dept is famous for; backed with the aforementioned dub, Never Follow Suit indicates the trio is definitely broadening their horizons.


The Radio Dept - The One


The Radio Dept - Never Follow Suit

James Vincent McMorrow - Early In The Morning -2010-
(Folk, Pop, Acoustic)

From: Dublin
Website: http://www.jamesvmcmorrow.com/

James Vincent McMorrow released his debut record, Early in the Morning, in Ireland to widespread critical acclaim in February 2010. A stunning collection of songs recorded over 5 months in an isolated house by the sea, the album is a completely self recorded and played affair, filled with beguiling and vivid stories, fables that move from a whisper in your ear to a mountainous crescendo in the space of a song, all the while retaining the environment and sentiment in which they were formed. Whatever that near future might hold, you get the strongest sense that there are some truly wondrous things to come for this man. “Music to me is this fluid notion, I’ve captured one element of it with this album, but there are endless others out there to be sung and written about”. If you are a fan of Bon Iver or Iron & Wine you will absolutely love James Vincent McMorrow!

James Vincent McMorrow - If I Had A Boat


James Vincent McMorrow - This Old Dark Machine


James Vincent McMorrow - Down The Burning Ropes