Rebelution Brings Reggae to Stone Pony Summerstage

Rebultion Brings Reggae to Stone Pony Summerstage

By Brian Aberback

Rebelution has hit the top of the Billboard Reggae Charts with its laid-back island rhythms and message of hope and optimism. But what makes this band special is the way it has expanded upon its solid, traditional reggae foundation through the years. For instance, on its forthcoming new album, Count Me In, delicate guitar lines open the gorgeous "Fade Away," a straight-on ballad-like standout. "Notice Me," meanwhile, has a reggae/rhythm-and-blues groove.

"Count Me In," Rebelution’s fourth album, hits stores on Tuesday, June 10, and the band plays the Stone Pony Summerstage on Friday, June 13. This year Rebelution is celebrating its 10th year together. We spoke with singer-guitarist Eric Rachmany.

Patch: While Rebelution is a reggae band at heart, your new album incorporates other styles. Has building upon your reggae foundation been a natural progression?

Rachmany: We really like all types of music and Count Me In has a bit of everything. There’s a sense of R&B, pop, a little bit of singer-songwriter and folk. Definitely for us reggae is the foundation, but reggae is also a great style of music to bring in other genres. To create a reggae hip-hop song or reggae folk song is really fun for us. Count Me In is definitely our most diverse album to date.

Patch: What makes reggae an ideal complement for other types of music?

Rachmany: Reggae starts with a steady groove of drum, bass and rhythm. That’s the most characteristic sound of reggae. Once you have that rhythm locked in you can add swing or sit back or play it heavy. There are many possibilities.

Patch: "Count Me In," the title of your new album, seems like it could be a statement about your lyrical message of hope and optimism.

Rachmany: It’s really about us and the people that are listening and the connection that we have. Count me in for good times, for being there both as a musician and as a fan. I think there’s a power within music and it doesn't necessarily have to be in the lyrics but the vibe of the music. I listen to what the music is telling me. People are able to soak in a message better, I think, through music than a speech.

Patch: In the song De-Stress you sing that you’re too blessed to be stressed. In today’s chaotic world it would seem to do a lot of people good to take that viewpoint.

Rachmany: I think overall we’re trying to uplift people. That’s our goal. I want to make people happy and be encouraged and motivated.

Patch: The album features guest appearances by legendary roots reggae vocalist Don Carlos ("Roots Reggae Music") and modern dancehall singer Collie Buddz ("Hate to Be the One"). What was it like working with Don Carlos?

Rachmany: Don Carlos is my favorite musician of all time. I wrote this song called Roots Reggae Music and our sound engineer, who was Bob Marley’s sound engineer and has recorded every reggae artist you could think of, said we had to get Don Carlos to be on the song. We got him on the phone and he said he would love to do it. It was so cool to see how it all comes back around, from him influencing us to actually playing on one of our songs.

Patch: How did the band form?

Rachmany: We all met as students at the University of California in Santa Barbara. We didn’t think about making it a career, but we had success during school. One of our songs, “Safe and Sound,” became a hit in Hawaii and we played there while still in school. As soon as we graduated we decided to give it a try and it’s kept on going since then.

Patch: Reggae is associated with summer. Are you excited that the new album and supporting tour are happening in the summer?

Rachmany: I definitely love being in flip-flops on stage, being outdoors and playing for the people. It will be great to play Asbury Park. Reggae has a really strong connection along the coasts. It touches the beach community.

Patch: How would you describe a Rebelution show?

Rachmany: A Rebelution show is pretty upbeat. It’s melodic, a lot of sing-along parts. I think there’s no right way to soak in the music. Some people don’t move and just take everything in and that’s cool. And of course a lot of people are dancing. Some even bring hula hoops. What you’ll find is a lot of different ages, cultures and races. Our music is for everybody.

Patch: Where do you see the American reggae scene now?

Rachmany: We felt there was a new wave, a reggae movement going on when we started, but at that time I didn’t have a grasp of how much it was spreading. I'm so proud to be a part of it. We just enjoy recording and playing live.

www.rebelutionmusic.com

IF YOU GO: Rebelution, Iration, The Green and Stick Figure. 5 p.m. Friday, June 13. Stone Pony Summerstage, 913 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park. 732-502-0600 or www.stoneponyonline.com. $29.50 advance, $35 at the door.