roots

Don Letts’ came to notoriety in the late '70s DJing reggae music to punk crowds at 'The Roxy' club in London. He also started to document the punk rock movement in 'The Punk Rock Movie'. He continued to make documentaries across the spectrum of credible music including a celebrated film about Bob Marley. Musically, he was a founder member of Basement 5 and Big Audio Dynamite,the latter with The Clash's Mick Jones, managed the all woman punk group The Slits and collaborated with many post-punk outfits in the 1980s.

Now arrives Jess Harlen, a taste of soul, urban roots, lyrical stylings and poetic incision. This songstress hails from the rolling hills and coastlines of New Zealand and is of Ngati Porou and Nga Puhi decent. Moving to Australia with her family at a young age, Jess spent her school years growing up in Brisbane where she began singing and was taught to play the guitar by her family. Throughout her musical upbringing, influences include blues artists such as John Lee Hooker and Nina Simone, Motown greats such as Otis Redding and Gladys Knight...

Thriving and following the steps of independent acts before them, benjalu is a band that prides themselves on the old school approach of constant touring to promote their music. Since their formation in 2006 the Newcastle based roots-rock outfit have made the most of their successes. In 2007 benjalu concentrated on playing every week, mainly focussing on shows in their hometown. They capped off the year when the band released their debut EP ‘Reflecting On’ to an overwhelming response.