Roots Collective

Roots Collective is Madison, Wisconsin’s hottest roots rock reggae band in the finest one drop tradition. Formed in 2005, by lead singer/keyboardist Michelle Flood, Roots Collective focuses on playing music with a message that speaks to all people no matter what race, age or background. The players, all from the Madison, WI area have performed with other popular local acts such as Natty Nation, Que Flavor!, Jose & Sumlimes, Tony Brown, Vibe Syndicate & The Mustache.

Making Roots Collective a roots rock reggae force to contend with, and setting them apart from other groups in the are flawless vocals as well as a strong rhythm section with killer guitar solos. Michelle Flood brings her naturally strong and elegant voice to original songs that have won her awards and wowed audiences that have experienced their shows. Joining the band in 2012 MC Mic Pro, transplanted to Madison from the Milwaukee area, adds his fresh and conscious urban flow to many tunes in the RC songbook.

These Days EP, the latest CD, released in June 2011 features four original tunes that feature heavy drum and bass beats, a touch of funk-rock reggae-ness surging underneath lyrics which speak about current times and feelings associated with these times. The EP was recorded live for a television performance and won best world album on the year in the 2011/2012 Madison Area Music Awards.

News! RC is currently working on a new six song EP releasing in 2013 to be available in the spring/summer.

The members bring over twenty years of musical experience to stage…and have shared the stage with many heavyweight reggae acts such as: Matisyahu, Eek-a Mouse, Justin Hinds, The Long Beach Short Bus, & Steel Pulse

Roots Collective achievements
~ Winner Best World Album "These Days EP" - Madison Area Music Awards 2012
~ Performer at MAMA's 2012
~Nominee Best World Song - 2012 MAMA's
~ Performer at Summerfest 2009 & 2010, the world’s largest outdoor music festival!
~ Performer at the Monona Terrace “Tunes at the Terrace” (July 2009 & 2010)
~ Performer at the 20th Annual Marquette Waterfront Festival (June 2009)
~ Performer at the 2009 & 2010 Lunchtime Live! Downtown Madison music concert series
~ Madison Area Music Award for best world song of the year 2007
~ Nominee for best world song and album of the year in the 2008 MAMA’s
~ Nominee for best female vocalist in the 2009 MAMA's
~ Nominee for best world song & album in the 2009, 2010 MAMA's
~Nominee for best world performer 2010 MAMA's
~ Performer at the 2008 SOCO Music Festival at Alliant Energy Center’s Willow Island

List of local venues played:
The Monona Terrace
Memorial Union Terrace
The High Noon Saloon
The Hody Bar & Grille
UW-Steven’s Point
The Majestic Theatre
The Crystal Corner Bar
Mr Robert’s Bar & Grille
The Club Tavern
Quaker Steak & Lube
The Nau-ti-gal
Legends Sports Bar & Grill
and many more….

Bios:
Michelle Flood – Born and raised in Madison, WI Started playing piano at age 5 and studied piano and voice at UW LaCrosse. Left UW LaCrosse in 1994 and was singing at a Madison Karaoke bar when she was discovered by an area reggae musician. Over the next several years Michelle would hone her skills to become Madison’s best reggae keyboardist playing with local reggae acts Blackstarr, OPTA and I-N-I. Vocals featured later in 1999 when she started the funk/r&b/reggae band Basil where she was the primary songwriter/singer/keyboardist. Started Roots Collective after watching a Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers Live DVD saying, “I want to do that again!!” Michelle wears many hats with Roots Collective (singer/primary songwriter/keyboardist, manager, sometimes sound engineer & booking person). Michelle can also be seen singing with the prestigious Festival Choir of Madison.

Steve Truesdell is a seasoned guitar player who weaves his excellent guitar playing into the Roots Collective songbook. Steve also plays with Weapons of Mass Defunktion.

Jared Flood (drums)
Originally from Oregon, WI Jared began studying drumset at age 13. He studied with Clyde Stubblefield "the original funky drummer" and Chicago based drummer Vincent Davis. Jared has played in many bands including The Full Watts, Autumn's Dance and Basil. Jared brings his funk/hip hop influence to the reggae drumming styles for a guaranteed good time.

Jason McGoldrick - Locking into the pocket of the one drop with Flood is veteran bass player Jason McGoldrick who has earned his chops touring over the past ten years as an original member of Reason for Leaving and is a current member of the popular Sublime Tribute of Jose and the Sumlines.

Jon Hoel brings the cool factor to the Roots Collective crew having seasoned his sax leads and fills while leading his own improvisational jazz group Nuggernaut. Hoel works closely with Flood's melodies in adding to the hip reggae sound that only a tuned in horn player can do. Plays in bands The Mustache, Nuggernaut and the Jonathan Ho