Adrian Sherwood has been around for a long time. He's the man behind the On-U Sound label, and eponymous sound system. The one that usually does the rounds at least once a year, and has done so for as long as you can remember. If you've ever been to an On-U gig you'll know it's loud, uncompromising, live dub sound, and you'd remember there's lots and lots of noise, as you recall the ringing that's left in your ears for hours after.
I Blame Coco is headed by Coco Sumner (real name Eliot Pauline Styler Sumner), supported by Joy Joseph and Raphael Mann from Mr Hudson & The Library on drums and bass. According to the Caesar Songfacts, Sumner is the daughter of the musician Sting and actress Trudi Styler. In 2008 she signed with Island Records, and after sending time writing and recording in Sweden she released her debut single Caesar as I Blame Coco on February 1, 2010.
Marlon Porter aka. Elf Tranzporter is an eminent MC from Melbourne, Australia. Originally from Los Angeles CA, Elfs rhymes and unique unmissable sound have seen him tour the world. One of the founding members of seminal local hip hop group Meta Bass 'n' Breath, who's album cover was featured on DJ Shadows The Private Press artwork. A true all-rounder, Elf uses his skills as a hip hop performer to conduct workshops and tutor disadvantage and 'high-risk' kids at schools, community events and juvenile justice centres (from urban to outback).
Direct Influence is one of Australia’s premier reggae acts. Described as a mixture of the deep rooted reggae of the Wailers, the sounds of Che Fu and a little Damian Marley, Direct Influence create a fusion of Hip Hop and Roots Reggae whilst also encompassing the hearty soulful music carrying messages of peace and hope. An electrifying combination of sweet reggae licks, a monstrous rhythm section and a multi-talented vocalist who can both sing and rap, Direct Influence create exciting and energised live shows that leave audiences across the country wanting more.
There are at least two artists that share the name Declan Kelly. 1. A Sydney-based soul and roots act. 2. Declan Kelly, the deejay, has been an active member of Melbourne's music community for the last 10 years. Through Dj'ing in; clubs, bars and festivals; producing music; designing sound for theatre; touring international artists; and his well-received and eclectic radio programs on PBS and RRR, he has gained a reputation as someone who cares about sound and constructs it as such, often working in tandem with musical partner Richard Campbell under their Research & Development alias.
Ali Campbell has one of the UK’s most distinctive and recognisable voices. As lead singer with the world-renowned group UB40, Ali Campbell has sold over 60 million records worldwide, toured across the globe, notched up four number No. 1 world-wide singles, over 40 Top 40 UK singles, released 18 studio albums and received an Ivor Novello Award for International Achievement. At this years Grammy awards UB40 were nominated for best reggae album, for their most recent album released in 2006.
A wicked pensioner who mixes up robust reggae riddims, and throws in life advice to boot.
The music of Kooii is unique, resting readily in a morphing Australian way of life. Their songs click with many, and the music is held dearly. Kooii breathe, roll and transform. They are a seven-piece collective with a ‘rootsy-tribal-groove’ that is both urban and earthy. Reggae, Jazz and Latin are realised in the sound. The group started some two and a half years ago as a duo of trumpeter Peter Hunt and percussionist Anthony Forrest (who both also play guitar). It has since grown to its present form.
The Toasters came out of the lower east side of Manhattan, New York in 1981. Cutting their teeth at legendary punk rock clubs, like CBGB’S, the band has proceeded on to defy gravity and industry skeptics alike by staying true to their original 2-Tone roots and earning their rightful place in the history of international Ska music. In their role as consummate outsiders, the band has turned down major record deals and have opted instead to run down their own track where...
Hailing from Brisbane, Australia, the 9 piece Reggae, Dancehall, Electronic/Acoustic mash up and sound blasting festival favourite have honed the deep down, high energy sound that has become instantly recognisable and slated as a must see act on the live music calendar. Combining fat electronic and acoustic drum rhythms, horns, synths, guitars and the completely unique vocal gynmastics of indigenous superstar D- Kazman, Dubmarine have vibe by the bucketload.