Pacific Dub will release their second full length album titled “Tightrope” which will be released on June 26, 2012. Their last full length album was “Fire Fly” which was released in August 2009.    And then they released an EP “To The Sky” in September of 2010.   These guys have come along way from their first release.  I only expect even bigger events to come with the release of this album.

The Expendables is set to release their first Acoustic Album “GONE SOFT” on May 17th!   The 12 track album includes two songs off previous albums “Bowl for Two” and “Positive Mind” and many more!  We all should be very excited for this release, as it’s the softer side of a band we have came to know and love!

When he debuted in 2002 with the album To Let, Xavier Rudd began a journey that would see him become one of the most iconic voices in Australian music, literally and figuratively. With each new album, this journey has wound like a river making its way toward the ocean - twisting and turning, flowing and cascading as it relentlessly pushes forward.

Introducing himself as an artist of both imagination and conscience, Xavier Rudd’s ability to marry uplifting melodies with thought-provoking themes and concepts produced music that, one way or another, made you feel good. With an array ofguitars, yidakis (didgeridoos), stomp box and percussion, Rudd re-introduced a lot of Australians to the sounds and stories of the land’s original owners, while introducing the rest of the world to an entirely new sound altogether. And, over the course of a decade, he has taken this sound to every corner of the globe; producing six studio albums, two live albums, multiple ARIA nominations and a global fan-base of likeminded souls.

This journey – truly befitting a storyteller – continues with Xavier Rudd’s seventh and most moving album, Spirit Bird.

Shaped by his history but continuing to break new ground, Xavier Rudd is at his most creative on Spirit Bird – once again painting breathtaking pictures with vivid, unmistakable tones. Hypnotic ceremonial rhythms ease effortlessly into tender folk songs. Gritty guitar blues sits perfectly alongside entrancing yidaki passages. Rudd’s voice, and the voice of his ancestors, yet again bearing truth and knowledge.

Led by the heart-warming Follow The Sun; Spirit Bird weaves together Rudd’s trademark mixture of blues, reggae, indigenous and folk music in new and familiar ways… at times recalling the simplicity of Solace, and at others the electricity of Dark Shades Of Blue. There is the youthfulness of To Let, but the wisdom of Koonyum Sun. It is Xavier Rudd by every measure.

And whether it is a message, or just some words from the heart; Spirit Bird is a defining moment in the evolution of one of Australia’s most important artists. The moment where the river meets the ocean.

CLICK TO READ ALBUM REVIEW

SOJA  has redefined the reggae scene in the US, the band has been building up this momentum for 15 years and hasn‘t stopped bringing together hundreds of thousands of people with a message that is slightly political, slightly environment and fully infused with love.

The stage has been set, the spotlight is on these guys, really on them for the first time, the time to shine is now and they are going to prove why they are the Reggae Superstars of the 21st century.  “Strength to Survive” is their breakout album, not just because it’s their first album on Dave Matthew Band’s Record Label ATO Records, joining  John Butler Trio,  311,  Umphrey’s McGee, Primus and many other notary acts. The band has been tweaking it’s sound over the years, which has given them the ability to gather more of the masses and I think they’ve done an incredible job with this on “Strength to Survive” without changing things up to much, it’s still the SOJA that so many of it’s fans have come to love and understand.  Continue Reading…

Album Review

Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad has gone through a few ups and downs since the creation of the squad in 2004 and their first studio album “Slow Down” in 2006.    One of those changes was a line up change,  some car troubles but then again change in the end isn’t all that bad, it just has some getting use to, just look at every great band out there who has gone through changes, doesn’t matter if it’s good or bad cause you always learn something from it in the end.

Giant Panda has shown it’s work ethic and determination this year, with the release of their first ever bluegrass/country album entitled  “COUNTRY” last month that marked the musical diversity of these guys, and I truly believe a lot of people don’t know about the album because Giant Panda was always looked at as strictly jammy roots reggae dub band but that has all changed with the release of that album.  Now the sky is the limit for these guys whose members are beyond just talented but truly game changers. Their newest edition Dan Keller who has shown to be a true asset to the team, now the squad is tighter than ever, and are getting ready to release their newest reggae psychedelic album entitled “In These Times”.  Having seen them play at the last two All Good Music Festivals , I think it would be awesome for them to play two sets, both their reggae stuff and country stuff at the festivals they do attend this year.  To open peoples eyes that diversity in music still alive and it’s an incredible thing….continue to read the album review!

For over six years, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad’s live show has defined the band. Touring relentlessly, the Rochester, NY-based group is sustained by its passion to reinterpret, explore, and expand its music night after night. giantpandadub.com

After the 2006 release of their debut album, Slow Down, GPGDS hit the road and never looked back. On April 10th, they will release their first electric studio album in six years, In These Times. This will be the quintet’s second release on the California-based label Controlled Substance Sound Labs.

In These Times consists of 12 tracks that showcase Giant Panda’s psychedelic reggae sound. Bassist James Searl, guitarist Dylan Savage, and guitarist Dan Keller trade off songwriting and lead vocal duties, with backup vocals provided by drummer Chris O’Brian, and multi-instrumentalist Aaron Lipp. The album was mixed by Atlanta-based producer Billy Hume (Nas, STS9, Ludacris, Josh Ritter), and dubbed by the band’s long-time engineer Joel Scanlon.

In These Times explores a variety of emotions and themes, from the feel good, sing along vibe of “Change You,” to the political anthem “Pockets.” Guests on the album include Hawaii’s The Green, contributing backup vocals on “All Night Music,” and John Brown’s Body’s horn section on “Next Best Explosion,” and “Healing.” “I think it would be fair to say that this is the album that long-time Panda fans have been waiting for” says Chris O’Brian.

In These Times follows the bands’ lyrically-driven roots Americana album, Country (released January 31, 2012).  Combining acoustic instrumentation including slide guitar, banjo, harmonica, upright piano, percussion, and bass, Country showcases songs as they were first created: on the road, riding in the van, and jamming backstage. “Like early Wilco, with a healthy powdering of the stuff that made Gram Parsons’ music so deeply moving, “Country” is a gorgeous collection of Americana ditties.” - The Buffalo News

Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad is on tour now in support of their new release

Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad - U.S. Tour Dates
March 22 - Saratoga Springs, NY - Putnam Den
March 23 - Burlington, VT - Higher Ground Showcase Lounge
March 24 - Portland, ME - Port City Music Hall
March 31 - Rochester, NY - Water Street Music Hall
April 10 - Worldwide - Acoustic Live Streaming House Concert
April 20 - Denver, CO - City Hall
April 27 - Buffalo, NY - Tralf Music Hall
April 28 - New Paltz, NY - SUNY New Paltz “Rock Against Racism”
May 03 - Northampton, MA - Pearl Street Ballroom
May 04 - Reading, PA - Brass Lantern
May 05 - Brooklyn, NY - Brooklyn Bowl
May 06 - Newark, DE - Mojo Main
May 10 - Cleveland Heights, OH - Grog Shop
May 11 - Chicago, IL - Martyrs
May 12 - Chicago, IL - Martyrs
May 17 - Cambridge, MA - Middle East Downstairs
May 25 - Newmarket, NH - The Stone Church
May 26 - Greenfield, MA - StrangeCreek Campout
July 13 - Lone Tree, IA - Camp Euforia
July 22 - Painesville, OH - Painesville Party In The Park
July 28 - Girard, PA - The Gathering @ Chaffee’s
Aug 04 - Sterling, NY - Sterling Stage String Fling
Additional Dates TBA

STAY CONNECTED

www.giantpandadub.com

Facebook.com/giantpandadub

Youtube.com/giantpandadub

Twitter.com/@giantpandadub

For over five years, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad’s live show has defined the band. Touring relentlessly, the Rochester, NY-based group is sustained by its passion to reinterpret, explore, and expand its music night after night in cities throughout the country.

Now, 767 concerts since the 2006 release of their debut album Slow Down, GPGDS is set to release a new album, Country, on January 31, 2012, on the California-based label Controlled Substance Sound Labs. With this release, the quintet has charted new territory and put together a lyrically-driven roots Americana album.

Combining acoustic instrumentation including slide guitar, banjo, harmonica, upright piano, percussion, and bass, the album showcases songs as they were first created: on the road, riding in the van, and jamming backstage. The production of Country taps into that spontaneous rhythm, allowing the music to wash over listeners like a conversation between old friends. James Searl, Dylan Savage, and Dan Keller trade off lead vocal duties, with back up vocals provided by drummer Chris O’Brian, and multi-instrumentalist Aaron Lipp.

Country is an immensely personal album that balances the themes of love separated by distance, while also inspiring reflection on the tumultuous times that we live in. On songs such as “Country” and “Kids In The Square,” James Searl explores elements of the social unrest and Occupy movements that have defined 2011. These emotions are evident when he sings “Time to get living is now / Youtube the moment try to teach us how / Run to the square with the people you know and you gotta get moving cause the movements been slow” (Kids In The Square).

Country was recorded at Scanhope Sound, the Colorado studio owned by the band’s longtime sound engineer Joel Scanlon. Searl says the album was born unexpectedly last summer when “we walked into Joel’s studio and he just pressed record. This is what got laid down. It was unplanned, fun, and real.” The album kept moving forward when Atlanta-based producer Billy Hume (Nas, STS9, Ludacris, Josh Ritter) mixed the tracks shortly after meeting the band at The Festy, near Charlottesville, VA this past October.

Later this spring, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad will release a full electric album, In These Times. The psychedelic roots sound will be more familiar to fans who have gotten to know the band through their concerts and live recordings. Controlled Substance Sound Labs will release Country on January 31, 2012, and In These Times on March 27, 2012.

For more information like tours additional tour dates please check out the following links.

www.giantpandadub.com | www.controlledsubstancesoundlabs.com

Facebook.com/giantpandadub

Youtube.com/giantpandadub

Twitter.com/@giantpandadub

Los Angeles, CA (December 8, 2011) – As they gear up for the January 31st release of their ATO Records debut Strength To Survive, DC-based band SOJA have announced plans for a headlining tour of North America. The road jaunt kicks off January 21st at the Kaka’ako Waterfront Park Amphitheater in Honolulu and runs through March 11th at the House of Blues in San Diego (full itinerary below).

SOJA fans are buzzing about the release of Strength To Survive, which was produced by John Alagia, whose credits include Dave Matthews, John Mayer and O.A.R, among others.

Earlier this week, AOL Spinner debuted an amazing claymation video for the album’s title track, which can be seen here:

Lead singer Jacob Hemphill says Strength To Survive was greatly inspired by Bob Marley’s Survival. “That’s the greatest reggae album ever made,” he says. “Marley wrote that album after he went to Africa, and I lived in Africa when I was a kid. I remember listening to that album for the first time and having all these long-forgotten memories unleashed. My dad was an IMF res rep [International Monetary Fund resident representative] in Liberia in the early ’80s, and I remember the coup happening and our family hiding in these iron bathtubs for three days straight, because the military was shooting at everything. I was seven years old. So Africa was always a big part of our lives—it defined our family, in a way. Music came right after that, so, for me, music was always tied to Africa and music was always something powerful.”

Over the course of the past few years, SOJA has sold more than 150,000 albums, headlined large theatres in more than 15 countries around the world, generated over 10 million+ YouTube views, and amassed over a half-million Facebook fans. The past year and a half has seen this 7-piece rule the road, playing more than 360 dates, including headlining sold-out tours of North and South America, as well as opening for O.A.R. and sharing stages with everyone from Dave Matthews Band to Matisyahu.

Don’t miss your chance to see SOJA live – tour dates are as follows:

Date Venue Location

Dec 28 Visulite Theatre Charlotte, NC

Dec 29 The Norva Norfolk, VA

Dec 30 The Music Farm Charleston, SC

Jan 21 Kaka’ako Park Honolulu, HI

Jan 22 Kilohana Pavilion Kauai, HI

Jan 27 King Kam Hotel Kona, HI

Jan 28 Maui Arts & Cultural Center Maui, HI

Feb 3 The National Richmond, VA

Feb 4 Electric Factory Philadelphia, PA

Feb 9 Bowery Ballroom New York, NY

Feb 10 Music Hall of Williamsburg Brooklyn, NY

Feb 11 Paradise Ballroom Boston, MA

Feb 12 Higher Ground Burlington, VT

Feb 14 Beachland Ballroom Cleveland, OH

Feb 16 20th Century Theatre Cincinnati, OH

Feb 17 High Noon Saloon Madison, WI

Feb 18 Lincoln Hall Chicago, IL

Feb 19 Cabooze Minneapolis, MN

Feb 22 The Waiting Room Omaha, KE

Feb 23 Bottleneck Lawrence, KS

Feb 24 Aggie Theatre Ft. Collins, CO

Feb 25 Ogden Theatre Denver, CO

Feb 26 Belly Up Aspen, CO

Feb 28 The Depot Salt Lake City, UT

Feb 29 Knitting Factory Boise, ID

Mar 1 Showbox at the Market Seattle, WA

Mar 2 Roseland Theatre Portland, OR

Mar 3 McDonald Theatre Eugene, OR

Mar 7 Fillmore San Francisco, CA

Mar 8 The Catalyst Santa Cruz, CA

Mar 9 House of Blues Los Angeles, CA

Mar 10 House of Blues Los Angeles, CA

Mar 11 House of Blues San Diego, CA

May 18 9:30 Club Washington, DC

May 19 9:30 Club Washington, DC

www.sojamusic.com

www.facebook.com/soja

@SOJALive

Santa Barbara, CA based band Rebelution, releases “Comfort Zone” today as the fifth free download from their upcoming album, Peace of Mind. The album is set for release on January 10^th through 87 Music with exclusive distribution partner Controlled Substance Sound Labs. Rebelution will simultaneously release two additional versions of Peace of Mind making it a triple disc album - Peace of Mind: Acoustic and Peace of Mind: Dub. The album version of “Comfort Zone”, along with the song’s dub and acoustic versions, is available for download at www.rebelutionmusic.com. Previously released songs from Peace of Mind include all three versions of “Sky Is The Limit”, “Meant To Be”, “Closer I Get”, and “Good Vibes”.

On January 11^th, Rebelution will embark on a 3 month headlining tour supporting the album in 43 cities across the United States. Tickets for the Peace of Mind Tour are now on sale and can be purchased by heading to the band’s website. The band will hold a T-shirt design contest running from December 7^th to December 14^th. The winning design as chosen by the band will be made into the official Peace of Mind Tour t-shirt. For more details on the contest, go here.

For the latest news, music and to purchase tickets, please go to www.rebelutionmusic.com.

After their upcoming album, Strength To Survive, is released on January 31st, they’re coming to share it with you on their Strength To Survive North American Tour 2012!

They’ll be island hopping in Hawai’i leading up to the record’s release, then heading back to the mainland to tour all around the country! PRESALE/Early Bird promotion w/Album bundling options begins December 2nd. PUBLIC on sale begins December 9th.

Joining  them in select cities throughout the tour will be The Movement, Fear Nuttin Band, Anuhea, Dubskin, Trevor Hall, and Gentleman & The Evolution.

Below is a list of where we’re coming the rest of this year and into 2012. Stay tuned for more tour and album announcements!

• December 3, 2011 @ Festival Full Reverberancia - Maracay, Venezuela | More Info
• December 15, 2011 @ Latitude 47 - Urbanizacion Marbella, Panama | More Info
• December 16, 2011 @ El Domo - Tres Rios, Cartago, Costa Rica | More Info
• December 17, 2011 @ Jaco - Jaco, Puntarenas, Costa Rica | More Info
• December 28, 2011 @ Visulite Theatre - Charlotte, NC | More Info
• December 29, 2011  @ The Norva - Norfolk, VA | More Info
• December 30, 2011  @ The Music Farm - Charleston, SC | More Info
• January 21, 2012  @ Kaka’ako Waterfront Park Amphitheater - Honolulu, HI | More Info
• January 22, 2012 @ Kilohana Pavilion - Kauai, HI | More Info
• January 27, 2012 @ King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel - Kailua-Kona, HI | More Info
• January 28, 2012 @ Maui Arts & Cultural Center - Kahului, HI | More Info
• February 03, 2012 @ The National - Richmond, VA | More Info
• February 04, 2012 @ Electric Factory - Philadelphia, PA | More Info
• February 09, 2012 @ Bowery Ballroom - New York, NY | More Info
• February 10, 2012 @ Music Hall of Williamsburg - Brooklyn, NY | More Info
• February 11, 2012 @ Paradise Rock Club - Boston, MA | More Info
• February 12, 2012 @ Higher Ground Ballroom - S. Burlington, NY | More Info
• February 14, 2012 @ Beachland Ballroom & Tavern - Cleveland, OH | More Info
• February 16, 2012 @ 20th Century Theatre - Cincinnati, OH | More Info
• February 17, 2012 @ High Noon Saloon - Madison, WI | More Info
• February 18, 2012 @ Lincoln Hall - Chicago, IL | More Info
• February 19, 2012 @ Cabooze On West Bank - Minneapolis, MN | More Info
• February 22, 2012 @ The Waiting Room - Omaha, NE | More Info
• February 23, 2012 @ The Bottleneck - Lawrence, KS | More Info
• February 24, 2012 @ Aggie Theatre - Ft. Collins, CO | More Info
• February 25, 2012 @ Ogden Theatre - Denver, CO | More Info
• February 26, 2012 @ Belly Up - Aspen, CO | More Info
• February 28, 2012 @ The Depot - Salt Lake City, UT | More Info
• February 29, 2012 @ Knitting Factory - Boise, ID | More Info
• March 1, 2012 @ Showbox at the Market - Seattle, WA | More Info
• March 2, 2012 @ Roseland Theater - Portland, OR | More Info
• March 3, 2012 @ McDonald Theatre - Eugene, OR | More Info
• March 7, 2012 @ Fillmore - San Francisco, CA | More Info
• March 8, 2012 @ The Catalyst - Santa Cruz, CA | More Info
• March 9, 2012 @ House of Blues - West Hollywood, CA (Night #1) | More Info
• March 10, 2012 @ House of Blues - West Hollywood, CA (Night #2) | More Info
• March 11, 2012 @ House of Blues - San Diego, CA | More Info
• May 18, 2012 @ 9:30 Club - Washington, D.C. (Night #1) | More Info
• May 19, 2012 @ 9:30 Club - Washington, D.C. (Night #2) | More Info

SOJA  will rise again with  “Strength to Survive this January to follow up their 2009 summer release of  “Born in Babylon”  This will be their first album on ATO Records.   Besides the band staying busy  on their “Everything Changes” tour.  Lead Singer, Jacob Hemphill has been busy with other things as well, being  Featured in a song with 311, another song with The Green, another song with J Bogg and will be on Rebelution’s new album coming out in January as well.   With a very original and vocals and catchy lyrics this guy doesn’t stop.

Having recently announced their winter headlining tour, The Peace of Mind Tour, Santa Barbara, CA based band Rebelution, has released another new song from their upcoming album, Peace of Mind set for release on January 10th through 87 Music . Rebelution will simultaneously release two additional versions of Peace of Mind making it a triple disc album - Peace of Mind: Acoustic and Peace of Mind: Dub. The album version of “Meant To Be”, in addition to the song’s dub and acoustic versions, is available for download from www.rebelutionmusic.com. The slow burning jam is the second in a line of new songs that will be released in anticipation of the new album.

The Peace of Mind Tour will kick off on January 11th in Albany, NY and will make stops in cities including NYC, Atlanta, New Orleans, Las Vegas, amongst others. Tickets go on sale November 14th and can be purchased by heading to the band’s website. Every online ticket purchase will receive a free download of a twelve track tour sampler featuring 3 songs from each band on the tour including an unreleased Rebelution song from the new album.

For the latest news, music and tour info, please go to www.rebelutionmusic.com.

All Good Presents has brought back the option to ring in the new year  with Reggae Superstars SOJA, as they did in the 2010 new year.   SOJA did just that where they debuted their recently released song “Everything Changes”.   That year there were many bands on the  bill like Easy Star All Stars, Fear Nuttin’ Band, Jah Works, Pasadena, Three Legged Fox, Among Criminals & 86 the Effort.  Right now there is I-WAYNE & Jah Works but more will be added soon.   Tickets will go on sale November 4th.  Check out the facebook even right HERE
Expect it to be an awesome time, they haven’t mentioned anything about cost or VIP but I am sure it will all be announced in the next couple of days.