Michael Rose
http://www.michaelrose.info/
From his early solo work for Niney the Observer through a trailblazing stint as lead singer of Black Uhuru – netting reggae music it’s first Grammy – to his magnificent later solo work, Michael Rose has consistently remained at the helm of one of reggae’s most far – reaching sounds. He can always be counted on to be challenging, topical, musically expansive and lyrically visionary – no small feat in a genre that sets aside old styles like ska, rock steady, roots and dub for the rest of the world to mine as it drives relentlessly forward. Rose has often flown in the face of tradition, walking away from Uhuru at the peak of their popularity, incorporating sounds and styles lesser artists might eschew and following his own instinct where others might seek safe haven. As a result he has retained a top spot in a field that has seen many come and go. (text- Chuck Foster)
Heptones
http://www.myspace.com/theheptones
The Heptones are one of the most beloved harmony groups in the history of Reggae. Their classic work at the seminal Studio One label with songs like “Party Time” , “Equal Rights” , “Sweet Talking” and so many more , is one of the cornerstones of Jamaican music. Their later 70s work with Lee “Scratch” Perry on Island records , as well as the classic “Night Food” album made them a favorite with roots fans as well. Their tune “Book Of Rules” is an indelible part of the film “Rockers”. For this Dubquake show original Heptones members Leroy Sibbles and Barry llewellyn will be backed up by The Lions , one of LAs most respected young roots reggae outfits.
Stone Love
http://www.imexpages.com/stonelove/
There are over 200 sound systems in Jamaica to date, but when the question is asked as to which is the champion and reigning king of them all , without hesitation the answer is “Stone Love”. Stone Love made their entry into the dancehall business in 1972 and for the past 28 years it has been the sound system with the most potent and magnetic force to pull crowds and ‘cork’ any dancehall.
DJ Pinch
http://www.myspace.com/tectonicrecordings
Having brought Dubstep music to Bristol in early 2004 with his Context and later Subloaded nights, Rob Ellis, aka Pinch, worked hard to develop the sound in his home town and can lay claim to the title ‘Bristol’s Godfather of Dubstep’ as he is often dubbed by journalists – his original music productions being highly sought after, even finding their way to the silver screen (‘War Dub’ featured in Universal Pictures’ ‘Children Of Men’).
Pinch runs the successful Tectonic imprint ,releasing artists such as Loefah, Skream and bringing new signings such as Cyrus and 2562 to the table, Tectonic is also known as the main home for Pinch’s own productions, delivering the widely acclaimed ‘Underwater Dancehall’ LP in late 2007. The LP received huge support from the world press receiving 9/10 in Vice, 5/5 in Mixmag and album of the month in DJ Mag – to name a few.
He released leading tracks on Soul Jazz’s Box Of Dub 2 compilation in 2007, with a follow up single in 2008, ‘Chamber Dub’. His productions have received radio plays on many stations across the globe, including regular coverage on BBC Radio One shows such as Mary-Anne Hobbs’ Breezeblock and Rob Da Bank – even providing Radio One with exclusively prepared guest DJ mixes.
His reputation has taken him across the globe over the last few years, having played across most of Europe, as well as Russia, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and even China (being the 2nd UK dubstep artist ever to be invited to play in China). Pinch is regarded by his fans and peers alike as one of the main players in dubstep – always pushing boundaries forward both by means of his original productions and in his cutting edge dub plate led DJ sets.
Viernes 13
http://www.viernes13.net
Viernes 13 is one of the most popular bands from LAs burgeoning ska-core scene. Their high energy mix of ska, surf, and rockabilly sounds combined with a Latin punk flavor get crowds fired up and moving.
The Lions
http://www.myspace.com/lionsbread
THE LIONS are an example of the ever-growing musical family found in Los Angeles. Believe it or not, there is a vibe to be found in the spread out, artificial, Hollywoodland of LA. Many of THE LIONS met through the LA staple rare groove outfit BREAKESTRA and have stayed within many projects together throughout the past 10 years.
Their live set transcends any particular genre but is best described as a healthy mix of vocal and dub tracks, balancing classic reggae and soul cuts as well as new originals. THE LIONS have showcased their talents at Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, Sunset Junction, El Rey Theatre, The Roxy, Belly Up, Slims and The Echoplex, and have supported the likes of ANTIBALAS, FAT FREDDY’S DROP, THE AGGROLITES, BEDOUIN SOUNDCLASH and OOKLAH THE MOC. They have backed up reggae legends The Heptones on 2 previous occasions. A dream come true!
Jah Faith
http://www.jahfaith.com/
Jah Faith has been hosting and performing every week at the Dub Club for the past 7 years, and is the heart of the Dub Club experience.
His tune “Bun A One” (and its accompanying video), released as a 45 on the Jandisc label, has become something of an underground reggae classic. For this show he will be backed up by the Black Emeralds.
El Haru Kuroi
http://www.myspace.com/harukuroi
Since the spring of 2004, East Los Angeles trio El- Haru Kuroi has developed a powerful, unique style rooted in Mexican, South American and African melodies and rhythms, and influenced by Fugazi and Gang of Four. The rhythm section of drummer/percussionist Dominique Rodriguez and upright bassist Michael Ibarrra deliver with relentless urgency and swagger, while the voice and guitar of Eddika Organista enfold the music with labyrinthine grace and beauty. El-Haru Kuroi released their first album “Sabung” in May of 2007 at a huge party on a rooftop of a building in Downtown L.A.’s Toy District. Since then, the band has been actively playing clubs, parties, in the street-mariachi style, and many community fundraisers.
Scientist and Roots Radics
http://www.myspace.com/scientist
http://www.myspace.com/rootsradics
From its early creation in Jamaica as a way to fill up the B side of a 45 and give DJs something to chat over, Dub music has evolved, spread far and wide, and has had a huge impact and influence on popular music all over the world. It’s the original remix, it’s using the recording studio as a musical instrument, it’s a psychedelic battlefield, it’s the original “drum and bass” music.
One of the undisputed all time classic dub albums is: “Scientist Rids the World of the Evil Curse of the Vampires” by Scientist. Released in 1981, the album features dub master Scientist going to town on ultra heavy tracks cut by the Roots Radics band. Snippets of vocals dart in and out of the mix, snare drums crash like asteroids (or perhaps coffin lids), bass lines rumble through the night, echoes swirl around the listener like a cosmic fog. Several tracks from the album were featured in the video game Grand Theft Auto 3, introducing Scientist to a whole new generation of listeners.
At the first Dubquake festival on Oct 17, 2010 in Los Angeles, Scientist and the Roots Radics will perform this album live in its entirety for the first time anywhere.
Original Roots Radics members Style Scott (drums), Flabba Holt (bass), and Dwight Pinkney (guitar), will be joined by several guest players (replacing Roots Radics members who are no longer with us). On vocals will be Jamaican veteran Lloyd Hemmings, as well as 70s rub-a-dub icon Ranking Joe who will add his classic toasting style to the dubs.
Scientist learned dub directly from its creator, King Tubby. He started mixing records at King Tubbys studio at the age of 13, and has been working at the mixing board ever since.
The Roots Radics are one of the 3 or 4 most influential groups in the history of reggae. Their pounding yet swinging style dominated the 80s dancehall era, and their rhythms provided the raw material for innumerable dub versions.
Buyepongo
http://buyepongo.wordpress.com/
Buyepongo is a manifestation of the “migration patterns of people of the Americas.” Carlos (conga) is Guatemalan, Wilfredo (cowbell) is from El Salvador, Edgar (guacharaca), Randy’s (bass) parents are from Mexico, Kevin’s (conga) parents come from Mexico and Guatemala, Roberto’s (palago drums) parents are from Mexico and Ecuador, and Bardo’s (accordion) parents are from Colombia and Mexico. So it is only natural that Buyepongo plays Cumbia while consciously pushing the music that runs through its veins and always paying homage to its originators, Andres Landero and Sexteto Tabala, while consistently moving sweaty crowds with original songs and compositions.
Moving crowds and shaking masses and accelerating souls is what Buyepongo does, beating drums soaking dry dirt with dripping sweat, to uplift and to ground everyone to Earth’s original pulse.
Words by Gary Garay (Mas Exitos)
Jubilee Orchestra
http://www.myspace.com/theoriginalshakaman
Jubilee Orchestra is one of LAs premier reggae bands, led by veteran drummer Shakaman, member of Boom Shaka, The Rastafarians, and also a solo artist in his own right. At Dubquake he will be leading the Jubilee Orchestra in backing up a showcase of LAs best roots artists, including Empress Akua, Rootsman, Ras Benji, and more TBA
Dub Club DJs
www.dubcubla.com
For the past 10 years, the Echodelic sound system DJs have been bringing their love of reggae to LA every Wednesday night. Over the years the crowds have grown and grown, and now they are ready to spin the vinyl at the first Dubquake festival. DJs Tom Chasteen, Boss Harmony, Roy Corduroy, and Dungeonmaster will be playing both between bands on the main stage and doing a set in the dj tent.