Biography
ROOTS OF CREATION
"The Reggae-Jam Dubtronica Hybrid"
Bolstered by a sense of it's own colorful history and urged onward by the promise of a fruitful future, Roots of Creation approaches it's 4th year of full-time touring having evolved into a musical force of nature. With a hard-working ethic and an arsenal of upbeat, substantial songs, Roots of Creation have ascended to the top of their profession by putting their fans first and doing business with focus and respect. Writers, DJs, venue owners, and booking agents alike have joined ROC's steadily growing army of fans in heaping praise upon the New Hampshire quartet, and not just for the music - the band has forged a unique connection with their listeners that provides concert attendees with a highly personal experience. They also walk the walk when it comes to social and environmental activism. Having raised money for many causes.
The sound captured on their latest album, Live Vol. 1, is the result of years of absorbing diverse influences into their bedrock of "jam-meets-reggae." The latest style to work its way into the ROC sound comes courtesy in part of new bassist Chris Beam, whose background in electronic/trance music helped facilitate the band's recent shift incorporating lengthier dance-driven explorations, which are still spiked with ROC's own special dub/rock/reggae flavor. Beyond the amazing music contained within, and in keeping with their history of conscious efforts, the album's packaging is 70% post-consumer product recycled cardboard.
There's no better representation of ROC's recently perfected, bigger, badder sound than the fast-paced experience of Live Vol. 1, released by Harmonized Records on June 24th. From addictive reggae pop songs to consciously charged roots rhythms and berzerk electronic improvisations, the grace and precision with which ROC execute their bass-heavy works is overwhelming. Their roots are tinged with rock, their rock brushed with electronica, and they're as likely to dash off into a 10-minute guitar-led groove as they are to perform righteous vocal songs that resonate like the roots-rock classics of old. From the steamy opener "Oh Lord" to the extended jams on "Void" and "Proggae," both favorites from their critically acclaimed Rise Up album, there's an urgency and dedication to perfection unmatched by other live releases.
Besides signing with Harmonized, Roots of Creation's most recent praises came in the form of sponsorship from the well-known outdoor sports company Eastern Mountain Sports, who obviously see a connection between ROC's diverse, active fanbase and their products. In 2007, Rise Up garnered the band a nomination for Best World Music Act at the Boston Music Awards. On top of that, the band have recently found themselves in high-class musical company as they shared stages and audiences with artists such as chart-topping rapper Lupe Fiasco, reggae legends like Culture, The Wailers, Israel Vibration, Pato Banton, Toots, and Yellowman, plus well-known acts from all over the musical map such as Matisyahu, Slightly Stoopid, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, and Melvin Sparks.
ROOTS OF CREATION have rocked many a College and Private High School campus such as...
UNCA Ashville NC, Eastern Carolina University, NCSU, Virginia Commonwealth University, Warren Wilson, Franklin Pierce University, Southern NH University, Plymouth State University, Keene State College, University of Vermont, Green Mountain College, Colby College, UMaine Orono, Unity College, Berkshire Academy, The Kent School, Vassar College, Bridgewater State, UMass Amherst, North County Community College, St. Lawrence University, and Simons Rock College of Bard, to name a few.
...Shared the stage with national acts such as...
The Wailers, Pato Banton, Eek-a-mouse, RZA, Bassnectar, Tom Morello, Les Claypool, Barington Levy, EOTO, Conspirator, Toots and the Maytals, Matisyahu, Badfish, Paranoid Social Club, Zox, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Max Creek, Dubconscious, Melvin Sparks, SOJA (Soldiers of Jah Army) and Strangefolk. They have also shared the stage with members of Culture, Israel Vibration, Yellowman, Slightly Stoopid, and John Browns Body.
...Love to support a good cause...
ROC are philanthropists and have played numerous benefit concerts for various humanitarian causes most notably, the Peace and Justice Rally on the Boston common (in front of 10,000 people).
Here are some other examples of organizations they have donated money to and played and organized benefit concerts for: Peterborough NH food bank, Save Sudan, Livestrong Foundation, Institute for Justice & Democracy in Haiti, Bands for Cans and Strangers Helping Strangers food drives, NORML, Students for a Senseable Drug Policy, The Boston Aids Walk, and The NH and ME Fair Trade Fairs, War Child.
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Here is what the press has recently had to say about ROOTS OF CREATION
"Skillfully mingled bouncy dancehall beats with political overtones. The result: reggae funk rock that erupts on stage, severing artist-audience barriers while summoning fans to join them in an awakening"
- Devin Madden, Relix Magazine
"Guitar crunch and skank-friendly rhythms, white-soul croon and confident machismo. Chest rumbling, dub style splatt, delivers a solid blend that will no doubt satisfy those looking for deftly played progressive reggae"
- Casey Rea, 7 days, Burlington VT
"ROC have struck upon what could be considered America’s contribution to reggae music (well, the Brits had lover’s rock and two-tone and Canada has… Snow): the Jam-reggae hybrid. There are other bands dipping a toe into this sort of thing but none that have been able to do it so convincingly and with such infectious results."
- Brent Hagerman, Exclaim
"Right Coast Rude Boy ROC"
- Jedistylee
"Roots reggae aficionados will appreciate their nod towards Trench Town. Adding in some slight references to Sublime with punk guitars and smooth jazzy rhythms, Roots of Creation are definitely a group ready to party."
- J-Sin, smother.net
"Mixing the laidback slacker cool of Sublime with the interpretive musicianship of bands like Phish and O.A.R."
- Ryan Bray, The Noise. Boston, MA
"Rise Up is a step in the direction of relevancy beyond the notoriety ROC already enjoys in the relatively exclusive and self-sustaining jamband circuit"
- Pulver Radio
"Rock and reggae have always been odd bedfellows, then along comes Roots of Creation, a quartet from, of all places, Boston, that deftly if not delicately blurs Bob Marley, P.O.D., Rage Against the Machine and Phish influences"
"bursts of what can only be described as musical schizophrenia"
"reveal the band's musical dexterity by embracing rock, prog and jamband sensibilities."
"Listening to Roots of Creation really is like hearing three different albums by three different artists with the player set on shuffle. The band's lyrical link, however, keeps this music connected."
"Roots of Creation aren't afraid to take a stand and voice their opinions. The band's lyrics are just as challenging as its music, and almost as compelling."
- Michael Poke, seaoftranquility.org
The website for...progressive rock, progressive metal , and jazz fusion
"Heavy grooves and warm Hammond organ sounds bubble under Wilson's rapid-fire lyrical style and dancehall delivery informed stylistic versatility while still retaining an overall focus, making for a pleasing listening experience from end to end."
- Dave Brewer, High Country News, Boone, NC
"Roots of Creation aren't screwing around, and when the title track kicks off the CD with band leader Brett Wilson's voice saying, Rise up, everybody rise up yeah / Won�t you hear these words? it's an order."
"The band proceeds to flat out rock, throwing in the occasional half time reggae feel and then taking the music to epic heights sure to please the jam crowd, but without alienating the ska fans."
- Jon Nolan, The Wire Portsmouth NH
"Expressing the desire to end social segregation, the end of war, absolute freedom and liberation for all"
- Erica Febre, The Hippo, Manchester NH
"It's definitely worth your money if you enjoy bands like Sublime and Phish."
- Jimi Devine, The exchange, Franklin Pierce College, Rindge, NH
"Reggae masterminds, driving rhythms set with sharp lyrics."
- Joshua Cameron, Cardinal Points, SUNY Plattsburg NY
"Upholding Freedom through Song"
- Dave Madeline, Berkshire Eagle, Pittsfield MA.
"The music is mastery, poetry set to music, lyrics filled with fire, quick changes, and variety rarely heard in Reggae. Did I mention the Hip-hop, Punk, and Soul influences?"
"A Reggae band from New England? Yeah, that's what I thought too, but the spirit of Bob Marley lives on in the Roots Of Creation."
"A strong message of peace, love, the
lives of the working class, and social justice issues that probably won't win them any points with the Bushs, Clearchannels, Sonys, and Rupert Murdochs of the world but need to be said anyway."
- Billy Jones, Bloggingpoet.com
"Most definitely not your average reggae album. It truly rocks!"
Ben Watkins, Localbandsri.com
"Rise Up is one of those albums that even people who don't traditionally care for the reggae genre can appreciate."
"Roots substitutes the needless filler content that you find in most reggae-oriented bands with energy and attention-grabbing jams that are difficult to resist. The end result is a combination hip-hop/punk/soul/reggae, which I'll call Hippusogae because I'm retarded. It's music that will appeal across a broad range thanks to its youthful-yet-mature sound. It's simply good stuff."
"This album features 15 tracks filled with addictive music and intelligent lyrics. This isn't your stoner cousin's reggae. Browse around the web and discover Roots of Creation. They're a good group that's worth looking into."
B+
-Baron
http://www.shakefire.com
"Used to listen to a lot of heavy metal in high school, and that definitely shows in the music...."
- The Hook. Charlottesville, VA
"...Since then, they've become kingpins on the happening Jam scene, setting themselves apart with music that is fused with some strict social values and a desire to save the world. Superheroes? Maybe a little. Their sound is reminiscent of Sublime and Phish, but fused with the hard edges of social commentary on which Rage Against the Machine built their own legend. Playing for AIDS walks, food drives, and peace and social justice events, they keep it real not only by bolstering the spirits of their easy going listeners, but also by putting their money where their mouths (and obviously hearts) are into charitable and social causes."
-Rebecca Carter-The Pulse-Worchester, MA
More articles and the full-length version of some of these articles are available in the Press section of this EPK.
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PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE TESTIMONIALS:
"ROOTS OF CREATION was the most attended concert at Green Mountain College in the Spring of 2005. They were energetic, interactive, easy to work with, and played a great show! Our students loved them and have overwhelmingly requested that they return in the upcoming Spring semester. Without hesitation, I would bring (and am bringing) ROOTS OF CREATION back to our campus and, with extreme confidence; I recommend that other schools book ROC. You will not be disappointed."
-Bryan J. McGrath
Director of Residence Life/Student Activities
Green Mountain College
"People like to feel like they're a part of the music they're listening to, and Roots of Creation makes this desire a reality in a truly powerful show."
-Aaron Whaland
Concert Director for CAB
Franklin Pierce College
"Roots of Creation made the show very easy. The band made frequent contact with me to follow through with show details. ROC is a very professional band who has a great sound, promoting a great cause which will get everyone to move their feet to their beats. I promise you great show and no worries going into the show."
- Jon Shyer
Music Chair at Southern NH University
"Roots of Creation is the kind of band that makes you want to dance. Wait, I take that back: You just HAVE to. The students here at the college loved them. I love how low-maintenance, organized and professional they are. I would definitely invite them back."
- Dustin G. Rhodes
Director Student Activities
Warren Wilson College
“Roots of Creation was an amazing band. Came in without any problems and really drew up the crowd's attention. ROC are extremely generous boys and interacted with their audience at a great level! I would def want ROC to come back to BCC! They're a great bunch of guys, lots of heart & energy! Thanks Roots of Creation!!”
-Omama Marzuq: VP of Student Senate 06-07 Activities Coordinator for Senate at Bristol Community College, Fall River MA
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CONTACT INFO:
BOOKING:
Gabe Johnson
IN THE POCKET ARTISTS
Ph: 617-996-9060 F: 617-996-9078
gabe@inthepocketartists.com
www.inthepocketartists.com
Label & Management for Roots of Creation
Brett R. Wilson / Bombshelter Records
Ph: 603-801-4477
rootsofcreation@gmail.com
www.rootsofcreation.com
TOUR PUBLICITY
Chis Pearson
Bombshelter Records
Ph: 203-767-1884
Spaceboy92@gmail.com
ROOTS OF CREATION Web Links:
Website: www.rootsofcreation.com
Myspace: myspace.com/rootsofcreation
EPK: www.sonicbids.com/rootsofcreation
RISE UP CD: www.cdbaby.com/cd/roots2
End of the Beginning CD: www.cdbaby.com/cd/roots
Text Message Fan Club:
broadtexter.com/rootsofcreation
Demand ROC in your town:
www.eventful.com/rootsofcreation
Snail Mail:
Roots Of Creation
c/o Bombshelter Records
PO Box 491
Rindge, NH 03461
Instrumentation
The names of musicians are listed from left to right in relation to our "high res" press photo in the media section of our EPK...
- Mike Chadinha: Drums, SPDS sampler (electronic drums and loops), Vocals, and Percusion
- Brett Wilson: Main Vocals and Guitar
- Tal Pearson: Keyboards and Melodica
- Chris Beam: Bass
Discography
1. Go Back to Your Roots E.P. (2000) OUT OF PRINT
2. Live at the Jaffery House (2001) OUT OF PRINT
3. Another Song of Freedom E.P. (2002/2003)
OUT OF PRINT
4. The End of the Beginning (2004) 2,000+ SOLD!!!
- Tracks #5 and 6 on "The End Of The Beginning": "Another Song of Freedom" and "Baby" get airplay on 92.5 The River, NPR, and college radio across the nation.
5. Live @ The Stone Church
Limited edition of 1000- OUT OF PRINT (2005)
6. RISE UP! (September 2006)
Played on internet, college, and indie radio stations across the country
7. Live Volume #1 (June 2008)
Charted on the www.jambands.com radio charts.
Links
| http://www.rootsofcreation.com |
| ROC's booking agency: In The Pocket Artists |
| ROOTS OF CREATION: RISE UP CD Link |
| ROOTS OF CREATION Myspace page |
| Studio Metronome |