Riddim Riders

RIDDIM RIDERS
www.riddimriders.com
~ delivering an authentic reggae sound with a modern vibe ~
roots reggae :: lovers rock :: dub
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
email: info@riddimriders.com

  || Band Bio ||

Riddim Riders are a reggae band from Hamilton, Ontario. The group started out in 2004 when singer/percussionist
Mike Rajczak showed up to work for a Bob Marley tribute project, where he met bass player Richard Dailey and
keyboardist E.J. Dailey, two brothers of Jamaican background, and long-time musicians steeped in reggae music
since childhood. Rajczak, along with vocalist Sharon Musgrave, had been looking to put together a reggae act at
the time but until then, hadn’t been able to find the right musicians. With the Dailey brothers and friend Franklin
Joseph, a slick drummer who could also drop a wicked toast on the mic, the crew had what they needed. They
started playing a weekly gig at a club in Hamilton’s Hess Village and quickly built a tight local following. After a
few years and a couple line-up changes, Brian Carson joined the band on guitar, as Musgrave moved on to focus on
her solo career. 

For the first five years, weekly gigs in Hamilton’s Hess village produced a following of reggae rocker fanatics.
Fans were blown away to see a reggae act of such calibre coming out of the steeltown. Old and new fans alike
continue to indulge in the classic songs Riddim Riders are now known for, including hard-driving roots/dub-
inspired versions by renowned artists like Gregory Isaacs, Dennis Brown, Johnny Osbourne, Frankie Paul, Luciano,
and Bob Marley. During the last four years the band has enjoyed a growing fan base as they develop into larger
venues and festivals, including capacity headlining gigs at Pepper Jack’s and the Casbah - venues often reserved for
high profile international touring acts. And as the band matures they continue to focus on delivering a classic
reggae sound with both conscious lyrics and "lovers-rock" style vocals. Their tight rhythm section, smooth melodic
vocals and spot-on vocal harmonies give them their signature sound, along with subtle yet innovative guitar licks
that add a more modern distinctiveness. And while Richard Daily and Franklin Joseph consistently add their deep
soulful backing vocals, they also occasionally sing lead while Rajczak fills out the riddims with authentic conga
and hand percussion. 

Working on new tracks through 2010 the band recently dropped their much anticipated debut studio release to a
sold out crowd at the Casbah in Hamilton (both rooms), and on a night with horrible driving conditions and no
ADV tickets available/sold. Recorded at the legendary Grant Avenue Studio in Hamilton, and mixed by Toronto’s
international Juno Award-winning reggae crew Dubmatix, the 8-song release stays true to the foundations of classic
reggae and lovers rock, while at the same time adding elements that are completely modern through the innovative
use of keyboard hooks, backing vocals, and creamy guitar riffs. All songs written by Riddim Riders except “Rock
On” by Gregory Isaacs and Tafari Music.

Look for the band branching out nationally and internationally through 2011. Their original brand of "steeltown
reggae" is set to take music fans on a sonic journey. We hope you join them for the ride, Riddim Riders style.

Riddim Riders are Franklin Joseph on drums & vocals, Richard Dailey on bass & vocals, Erold Dailey on keys &
vocals, Brian Carson on guitar, and Mike Rajczak on lead vocals & percussion

~ please visit the Riddim Riders website for more information, pics, and mp3s ~
www.riddimriders.com