COMMON KINGS

Common Kings are more than a band of musicians, they are a family, a lifestyle, a community, a brother and sisterhood, having grown up together in California’s Orange County, four college mates who first met at a backyard barbecue 20-some years ago. Music was the common bond for these Pacific Islanders (all but one first-generation Americans) who have together transcended their Polynesian reggae roots to achieve pop crossover success since releasing their first music in 2011 – Samoan-born Hawaiian lead singer Sasualei “Jr. King” Maliga and Hawaii-raised Samoan guitarist Taumata “Mata” Grey; Fiji-born bassist Ivan “Uncle Lui” Kirimaua, and L.A.-born Tongan drummer Jerome “Big Rome” Taito. The band has toured with Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars, Meghan Trainor, Fifth Harmony and CeeLo as well as headlining their own shows and music festivals around the world.

Common Kings have been releasing music on their own Island Empire/Mensch House Records label for more than a decade, with their first full-length debut, 2017’s 'Lost in Paradise', nominated for Best Reggae Album at the GRAMMYs. The long-awaited follow-up, aptly named CELEBRATION, follows a series of five songwriting camps around the country (Miami, Hawaii, Orange County, Nashville, L.A.), winnowing down 120 songs to 12 over the course of almost two years during and after the pandemic. Common Kings’ island rhythms are as seductive as a lazy ocean breeze, with a narrative that is an All-American story with a tropical twist.

STEEL PULSE

Bearing witness to the accelerating negativity of global affairs, Steel Pulse emerges with musical vengeance to halt the disarray of humanity. The bands twelfth studio production, titled Mass Manipulation, reflects four decades committed to bettering mankind through music. Steel Pulse continues to be revolutionary in engaging controversial topics of racial injustice and human rights on a global scale. Their musical stance and conceptualizations are as potent and relevant today as they were at the beginning of their career. The album's uniquely thematic approach provokes thought as it presses forward, toward humanities unification. A manipulation of our minds has been influenced by a New World Order currently dominating humankind. Steel Pulse reappears at a fated moment, armed with compassion, encouraging all people to reject false ideals, set higher goals, and demand more from themselves to further this unification.

Lead singer and guitarist, David Hinds' creativity, human persona, and visionary views are revealed through inspiring compositions that capture the effects of the African Diaspora. These songs weave and interlock with each other, enticing all to stand together and unite.

The album begins with a continuation of past struggles in attaining freedom. From the opening song, "Rize," one can hear, feel, and be uplifted through urgency established in its cadence. This urgency compels participation in the Windrush generation's cause to rise against evil and controlling forces. Ancient melodies paired with catchy lyrics in "Stop You Coming and Come" transport the mind to a period of time where secrets of an African dynasty are unmasked. "Thank The Rebels" follows as a classic Steel Pulse anthem with powerful messages of awareness and inspiration. From the opening trumpet call, Hinds picks up the torch of wisdom, rallying humanity toward great aspirations. In "Justice in Jena," rolling drums and repeated chorus structure highlight the hatred and racial intolerance that persists, despite the notion that society has progressed into a post-racial world. Haunting organs and eerie guitar interplay in "Human Trafficking" emulate the atrocities of this underground world, while desperate drumming and frantic horns bolster an emotional plea to admonish this horror.

Mass Manipulation evolves and sets to navigate the political transformation of changing social and economic environments. Impassioned vocals convey the pain and suffering experienced throughout "Cry Cry Blood." This song features blistering horns to help settle the nerves and uneasiness felt. "No Satan Side" follows with its intoxicating tempo, rhythmic chanting, and riveting lyrics, defining the African Diaspora with redemption cries for, "Rastafari and live." "N.A.T.T.Y (Natural And True To Yourself)" explodes with syncopated drumming and purposeful bass to unburden the soul. It is here where we find Hinds at his most personal and reflective state. The album's title track, "Mass Manipulation," positions exploding horns to drive home its warning, bursting the corporate glass which would serve to protect the deceitful and corrupt. In "World Gone Mad," a jolting rap broadcasts the horrifying consequences of madness. Ensnaring drums and seducing bass encapture those evil and controlling powers embodied in "Black and White Oppressors," while defiant lyrics, weaponized with energetic horns, serve to penetrate Babylon's evil and systematic ways.

The album comes full circle as Steel Pulse's legendary musical abilities aim to achieve a greater community for all. The promise of mankind's salvation is prominently positioned with vocals offered to still calm in "The Final Call." Stunning harmonica jousts invoke inward reflection and set free courage to conquer. "Higher Love (Rasta Love)," a beautiful Hinds reggae reinterpretation of Steve Winwood's "Higher Love," exudes charisma and energy hailing for love across humanity. The album crowns with "Nations of the World." Stabilizing lyrics, enforced by a commanding rhythm, beg freedom fighters, leaders, and citizens from all nations to come together in peace.

In the midst of today's strife and turmoil, Mass Manipulation is Steel Pulse's indispensable musical gift, as their forty year legacy continues to define the magnificent power and beauty of reggae music. As reggae revolutionaries, Steel Pulse is revered by the younger generation of artists and remains a powerhouse on stages around the globe. Through the example of Mass Manipulation, Steel Pulse demonstrates the endless possibilities that come from breaking down the walls of systemic greed and nurturing the fellowship of mankind.

LONG BEACH DUB ALLSTARS

Long Beach Dub Allstars formed in 1997, rising from the tragedy of Bradley Nowell’s passing to carry on the spirit of the reggae-rock movement that Sublime helped pioneer. Founded by Bud Gaugh and Eric Wilson, alongside Long Beach music staples Opie Ortiz, Miguel Happoldt, and Marshall Goodman, the band became a driving force in blending reggae, dub, ska, punk, and hip-hop into a sound that shaped an entire generation.

Their early albums, Right Back (1999) and Wonders of the World (2001), were foundational for the reggae-rock genre, bridging Sublime’s legacy with a new wave of artists. Their sound captured the raw energy of Southern California, blending reggae grooves with punk attitude and hip-hop rhythms, influencing countless bands that followed.

After a hiatus, LBDA reunited with fresh energy, dropping their self-titled 2020 album and solidifying their place as torchbearers of the reggae-rock movement. Their latest record, "Echo Mountain High", takes their sound to new heights—mixing psychedelic elements with reggae, ska, and dub, while staying true to the signature Long Beach sound. Written during the pandemic, the album was crafted in Opie Ortiz’s backyard before coming to life in the studio with an all-star lineup, including Chris Dowd (Fishbone), Jesse Wagner (Aggrolites), and Devin Morrison (Expanders). The result is an album that pays homage to their roots while pushing the genre forward.

With Opie Ortiz (vocals), Miguel Happoldt (guitar), Tim Wu (horns), Roger Rivas (keys), Ed Kampwirth (bass), and Gil Sharone (drums), Long Beach Dub Allstars continue to evolve, proving their music is more than nostalgia—it’s a living, breathing force. From headlining festivals to inspiring new generations of musicians, their influence is undeniable—keeping the sound and spirit of Long Beach alive and thriving.

EVERGREEN

Ever Green is an emerging Cali-Reggae Band with Positive vibes and Big Sound!  Cultivated in the central valley of California, Ever Green is the musical manifestation of a lifetime surrounded by a mixture of cultures.  Equipped with this experience, Ever Green offers a unique blend of Hip-hop, rock, Roots, Reggae, and Dub, creating a Signature sound!  

Since Ever Green's creation in 2020, the band has been quietly composing and perfecting their sound.  The band has played several events at venues such as Cellar Door, Fulton 55, Full Circle Brewing, Salty walrus, Mountain View Reggae Festival, while also sharing the stage with Artists such as Kyle Smith, The Rudians, Fayuca, Skyler Lutes, and others! Ever Green has most recently prioritized studio work, and the release of new original music.  As an independent artist, Ever Green released several singles, and is set to release their first album drop.

Prepared to hit the ground running in 2026, Ever Green plans to release multiple singles, and with the culmination of their first album, Live Events and tour dates are sure to follow!  With so much potential, and so many big plans, Ever Green is without a doubt a band to keep your eyes and ears tuned into!