The Upbeat
"Shuku"
Musicians
- Brandon Seider Bass
- Eric Vallen Rhythm Guitar
- Mike Organista Vocals
- Grant Cox Saxophone, Vocals
- Mike Honeyman Trombone, Vocals
- Brian LeBlanc Drums
- Zac Pike Lead guitar
- John Wilcox Trumpet
- Dan Boer Keyboard, Organ
Upcoming shows
None scheduled
Genres: Reggae, Rocksteady, Ska
Sound description: Unique blend of ska, roots reggae, and rocksteady, with politically and environmentally conscious lyrics.
Web site: http://www.myspace.com/upbeatska
Email: upbeatoreo@yahoo.com
History
The Upbeat was formed in 1985, and for the past 25 years has been pumping out a unique blend of ska, roots reggae, and rocksteady, with politically and environmentally conscious lyrics. In 1993, driven by their desire to promote the music they loved, The Upbeat released their debut 5 track demo under the moniker “Upbeat Recordings”. This stark freshman effort garnered them airplay across the country and a series of compilation offers from the likes of Epitaph/Hellcat Records, Moon Records, and SRH Productions.
In 1995, the band released their first full length album and sold 5,000+ units locally. By this time their live reputation preceded them, sending them into a series of surf, skate and snowboard videos including Transworld Video Magazine and The Fox Sports Network. This brought the band even further praise, securing them a world-wide fan base and setting the stage for the band’s subsequent, prolific west coast touring. During this time, The Upbeat shared the stage with the likes of such varied artists as The Skatalites, Burning Spear, Sublime, Sugar Ray, No Doubt, Bad Manners, The Specials, The Wailers, Fishbone, Steel Pulse, and The Twinkle Brothers, just to name a few.
In 2000, The Upbeat released their second album, “Backyard Knowledge”, and ten years later, a host of new songs have been released on their new album, “Shuku”, and is proof that this dedicated lineup still has all the passion they started with so many years ago.
Formed
1985, Carpinteria, CA
Influences
The Specials, The Selecter, Burning Spear, Studio One
Current status
New CD, Shuku, just released. Hawaii tour in October.
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