When: 9 – 11 February 2018
Where: Ruapuke Motor Camp – 1510 Whaanga Road, Raglan
Ruapuke Roots Festival returns in 2018 to the same beautiful spot for 3 days of outdoor sound system culture and a big line up of international and local performers.
More info:
Ruapuke Roots website
(Bent Backs Records, 2017)
Digital! What an amazing time in reggae music the digital era was. And the first thing that got me on this riddim was the fire digital sound. A collaboration between Brooklyn label Bent Backs Records and Paris-based riddim-maker B-No, it has an authentic sound accompanied by the conscious lyrics of the one like Lutan Fyah. (more…)
Auckland, Wed 24 January @ The Powerstation
Wellington, Thu 25 January @ The Opera House
Brisbane, Sat 27 January @ Triffid
Sydney, Sun 28 January @ Metro Theatre
Melbourne, Mon 29 January @ Forum
Adelaide, Wed 31 January @ The Gov
Perth, Thu 1 February @ Astor Theatre
Taupo: Fri 4 Aug @ Finn Maccuhals Pub
Whakatane: Sat 5 Aug @ Boiler Room
Whangarei: Fri 11 Aug @ Tikipunga Tavern
Kerikeri: Sat 12 Aug @ Homestead Bar
Auckland: Fri 18 Aug @ Stampede Bar
Hamilton: Sat 19 Aug @ The Local Tavern
Wellington: Fri 1 Aug @ The Grand
When: Saturday 26 August
Where: The Grand – 69 Courtney Place, Wellington
Koha entry, 10pm – 3am
More info:
Momentum website
Straight out of Titahi Bay, Porirua NZ, Josh AKA DJ Crazyeye brings some favourite selection! Growing up in Whakatane and moving to Wellington in the late-90s saw Josh surrounded by the Capital’s roots sound. From Trinity Roots, Fat Freddy’s Drop and Kora through to the legendary Roots Foundation sessions, all of these sounds have heavily influenced his musical taste ever since. (more…)
(Easy Star Records, 2017)
Sharp and Ready is the debut full-length from Tour De Force member, Dub-Stuy Records co-founder, and John Brown’s Body affiliate Jay Spaker aka Double Tiger.
Expect heavyweight roots in a modern style with a positive mindset, as well as forays into lovers rock and other sub-genres of reggae. No surprise, bass lines are pushed to the forefront while proper stylistic respect is given. Perhaps not a classic, but a strong effort from a legit talent. (more…)
All vinyl selection by Roots Agenda ft. Tenor Steppa live and direct, taking inspiration from both new and old dubwise riddims. (more…)
Dub Terminator consistently lives up to his namesake, and Dub Toys successfully pairs the Kiwi producer’s reliable low-end theory with a veritable crew of guests. The distinctive bass tone, amped-up yet still well-rooted, serves to connect the ten-track album tonally, while the meaningful topics and conscious lyrics provide a similar sense of continuity and an elevated listening experience. (more…)
New Zealand-based label Reality Chant – comprised of Messenjah and Midnight Dubs – resurfaces with a fine EP showcasing a true Jamaican legend: Cornell Campbell. He is joined on this two-riddim release by Elijah Prophet, Hi Kee, and Raggadon, who bring about a nice range of vocal stylings. (more…)
