IrieFuse
Novato, California, United States
Music
Press
Regional favorites like Arden Park Roots, IrieFuse (Counter Culture), Valufa, and Grace B. Taholo warmed the crowds with their familiar and much loved charms while international stars kept the festival groovin' from late morning to night. - Examiner.com
"The group of talented, young men rounded out the Reggae flavor with their "Dubrock Reggae" and their sexy, casual charm...
(full feature article) - Examiner.com
"With Joe Endoso as lead vocals and guitar in a light-grey polo and jeans, he led an almost continuous stream of music; the tunes barely paused and thus, neither did the dancing." - Novato Advance
If Sacramento Reggae festival fans were looking for something a wee bit different but still packed with Reggae roots goodness, Counter Culture would have fulfilled their demands to the utmost. The band was newly formed about a year ago with young California musicians who discovered a harmonious blend of personality and talent as they came together to create Counter Culture. The original band members consist of singer/songwriter and multi-instrumental talent Ryan Lee, drummer Scotty Bohm, bassist Mike Gil, vocals and guitar Joe Endoso and additional musicians Will Rushton and Patrick Dwyer.
Counter Culture appeared on the Labor Day weekend Sacramento"One Love One Heart" Reggae Festival stage at Rio Ramaza Marina park on Sunday, September 2, 2012. They had an early performance around 2:00 p.m., causing the larger evening crowds to miss their contribution to the Reggae line up of incredible talent. Their sound has been compared to "artists such as Sublime, Rebelution and Iration" as they blend influences from roots, island and dance-hall reggae, ska, dub, rock, punk and hip-hop. Whatever their unique style or however it might be categorized, it is sure to make its mark in the Reggae and general music world. - Examiner
It is not too often that a local band builds up steam within a world pumped with cover and tribute bands monopolizing the club scene. But IrieFuse is doing just that — even with a sudden name change from Counter Culture in recent months — its Bay Area fan base has continued to grow.
The Marin County-based reggae and rock group is ranked number one on ReverbNation with its grooves compared to artists such as Sublime, Rebelution and Iration.
The fresh and original sound can be attributed to its band members: Joe Endoso of Novato, lead vocals and guitar; Ryan Lee of Petaluma, keyboards; Patrick Dwyer of Novato, keyboards; Taylor Stecker of Santa Rosa, lead guitar; Michael Gil of San Rafael, bass; and Scott Bohm of Novato, drums.
The bands’ first EP Sun is Rising, to be released in early July, includes tunes such as I On the Prize, Midnight, Search, as well as the titled track. A full album will follow in January 2014. The band’s influence is clearly roots, island and reggae, ska, dub, rock, and hip-hop. Mix that all together and you have that original sound that is IrieFuse.
This group of long friends began performing together in 2011. The young group has fast become favorites at local universities as well as the local club scene and farmers markets and festivals. They are scheduled to perform on Sunday, June 9 at the Novato Festival of Art, Wine & Music on the Seventh Street Stage and on June 14th at 5:30 p.m. at the Point Richmond Summer Concert Series.
IrieFuse can be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @iriefusemusic as well as at iriefusemusic.com. - Local Music Vibe
Counter Culture is doing big things in Northern California! Their single, Sun Is Rising, is a positive, feel-good tune with some well written lyrics - a very tantalizing peek at what’s to come on their debut album set to be released this summer. You can catch them live at Reggae in the Hills 2012 or any any one of their numerous shows throughout California and Oregon. Check their tour schedule and download some free, unreleased music on their website at www.counterculturemusic.com. - Jam's Space Facebook
Counter Culture rocked the Ukiah Brewing Company. This band is blowing up fast with thier catchy tunes and infectious grooves !! Counter Culture is the REAL deal ! BOOM ! - Facebook (Preacha D of KMEC Radio)
"[Sun is Rising] HAS BEEN REQUESTED ON MIAMI BEAT FM MORE THAN 4 TIMES IN ONE SHOW. THE BAND IS AWESOME AND WILL BE FEATURED ON THE SHOW" - Miami Beat FM
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Bio
IrieFuse is a collection of long-time friends and fresh talent, homegrown in the hills of Marin County, California. Originally formed as Counter Culture in 2011, they hit the scene hard through a flood of live shows and numerous festival appearances - refusing to let their music go unheard. They have gained recognition rapidly, packing the local bars and music venues repeatedly. The young group has become a favorite at numerous Northern California universities, weddings and house parties. Touring artists, venues and agents love IrieFuse as they bring positive vibes everywhere they go and their festival appearances frequently draw press attention.
Performing as IrieFuse since early 2013, they successfully toured the US West Coast and held the #1 spot on the local music charts, winning over the hearts of promoters and new fans at every stop. They have directly supported artists such as Richie Spice, Junior Kelly, Anthony B, Junior Ried, Natural Black, Prestige, Mystic Roots, and are currently the backing band for international reggae artist Ras Indio.
The grooves of IrieFuse are influenced by bands such as Sublime, Rebelution, Iration, Tribal Seeds, Fortunate Youth and of course, the reggae legends Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and more. Their debut EP, Sun is Rising, released July 26, 2013 and is available now.
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