Natural Incense

Formed from the ashes of the progressive punk rock-reggae band Isle 3, Natural Incense debut disc is a five song ride the doesn't fail to satisfy. From the opening track "And I Dream", to the closing tune, "Meant to Be", Natural Incense offers a reggae-rock fusion that easily induces a medatative and philosophical state of being in the best tradition of socially concious reggae. Aside from the Burning Spear and Steel Pulse influences, a bit of Chili Peppers' funky spirit and Slightly Stoopid's genre mixing game keep these dub tunes flowing nicely. The band has just been signed to an independent Canadian label, I in Eye Records, so we can no doubt expect some more irie tunes soon. - Santa Barbara Independent Vol. 21 - No. 089 9/27-10/4/07 pg.49

-Natural Incense selected to perform on **Mallet's Place** **TV Show**. **Mallet's Place TV** is a television show supporting the mission of "Keeping real music alive" - broadcast from **Staten Island, NY** and reaches up to **60,000** **Viewers**. The show is taped once a month, and the program **Repeats** at lease **Three Times** on CTV's local access **Channels 34-35** located in Staten Island, NY. Look for Natural Incense in August of 2009. http://www.MalletsPlace.com - Mallet's Place TV

Cover: Avenged Sevenfold

Pg. 74

"Formed in 2006 from the ashes of a progressive punk rock reggae band, Natural Incense has grown into a force of nature almost as mighty and free-flowing as California's Pacific Ocean currents.

Their self titled debut ep on the I in Eye Records label is quickly becoming a top seller on CDbaby.com. With their peace and love lyrics, Rock-Infused Reggae, and stellar three-hour long concerts, vocalist/guitarist Eric Singer says the band is all about being a "family, and about the ocean and the sun, living for the day and making the world a better place."

Natural Incense is nearing the milestone of 200 shows before the bands second anniversary, a feet Singer says they will soon eclipse [most of 2008 is already booked]. More than fame or money, Singer wants people to know about "the positive message in our lyrics... friendship and equality, strength, heart, giving and honor" Check out the funky Reggae-Rock sound of Natural Incense at www.myspace.com/Naturalincense

**Skope Magazine**. Skope puts over **30,000 prints** to press per issue on a bi -monthly basis. Skope Magazine is **sold at over 1500 locations** **Internationally** including Barnes & Noble, Hastings, B Dalton, Newbury Comics, Borders, etc! Past covers have featured Linkin Park, Maroon 5, Thrice, Jurrasic 5, and many more. Special thanks to Mike Friedman for his interest in N.I. - [Mar/April '08 cover is Avenged Sevenfold] www.SkopeMagazine.com - Skope Magazine - Mar/Apr '08 Issue

Natural Incense selected by **Indie 103.1 Fm** and **Resin Music** to open for **OPM** on Aug. 12, 2007 at The Malibu Inn. Show also sponsored by SRH, Suburban Noize Records, and more. OPM gearing up to tour Japan. Resin Music also gearing up for Reggae by the Bay @ Queen Mary Park with Barrington Levy, Junior Reid, Common Sense, Iration, OPM, and more... http://www.myspace.com/ResinMusic - Indie 103.1 fm

May 13, 2008

Natural Incense is everything you could want in a contemporary reggae-rock band, and, quite frankly, more than anything you could have expected if you aren't normally a listener of this style of music. Imagine if RX Bandits decided to focus solely on writing reggae tunes (take NI's "Another World" for example). NI is the perfect band to chill out to or throw in for a drive. Whether playing a stripped down, acoustic tune or rocking with a full band, Natural Incense's songs are easy to enjoy and provide a unique escape to a genre you may have never thought to give a chance. - MusArtExchange.com

May 26, 2008

Santa Barbara's Natural Incense has just released its first full-length album, Step Inside. Like the band's previous self-titled EP, the album features a reggae rock sound with inspiring melodies. Vocalist/guitarist Eric Singer is here to give the latest lowdown on this growing SoCal band.



The Pier: So tell us how did Natural Incense get together to begin with?


Eric: We were all in another band called Isle 3. Will (Henderson) played percussion, Eagle played keys, and I was singing, playing guitar and keys as well. We three had a different determination in us then other guys that made up the six-piece we were then. Will jumped to bass, Eagle to drums, and I kept doing the same thing.



The name Natural Incense is from an old Isle 3 song. So Eagle suggested we name the new band, Natural Incense. I was pulling for The Extension Chords... just playing (haha).



The Pier: When did you learn and start playing guitar/singing?


Eric: About 12 years ago, I was 19 at the time. I knew then I would spend my life trying to make it in a band.



The Pier: What is the music scene like in Santa Barbara and was it hard or easy to get established there?


Eric: The music scene is amazing these days in Santa Barbara. Bands like Rebelution, Iration, Ihizzi, Wrong Again and many more are working hard. Reggae Tuesday always goes off thanks to the cool ruler of 92.9, and of course you have the one and only Isla Vista, CA, where all the USCB students dwell.




(Eric Singer - Natural Incense vocalist/guitarist)



The Pier: Your song And I Dream is one of the band's more popular songs to date. Why do you think that is?


Eric: A few lines in it really stand out to people, "When you get lost you can always follow your dreams," and "If your feeling all alone I promise it goes away, when you stop looking for the end that's when you escape." Also it is the first song on the EP with the most catchy melody of all the songs, we all love a good melody.



The Pier: Tell us about your new album Step Inside? How was the recording process for this your first full-length?


Eric: The album is a real accomplishment for us for many reasons; we were on tour and recording on our days off at the time. I think we played close to 50 shows between day one of the recording to the last day. Also I was a bit under the weather through out the process - it was tough.



The album is filled with great messages and features Eric Rachmany from Rebelution singing and playing guitar on a number of tracks. We worked with Dave Escobar again and it was a great time, he really cares about what he is doing. The album is 13 tracks, 60 minutes and it's a step up from the last. We learned a lot too, so we can make our next full-length even better. We will record another album in April 2009. I can't wait!



The Pier: Do you have any interesting stories about the origins of any of the songs on it?


Eric: Every song on Step Inside has an interesting story, you will have to read the book I write in a few years... The song 580 Cypress came from many real life moments from different friends, it's cool to sing for someone else sometimes.



The Pier: What is some of your main inspirations for your song-writing?


Eric: Band-wise there is Pink Floyd, Rebelution, Slightly Stoopid, Nine Inch Nails, Tool and Sublime.



The Pier: Besides the release of the new album what else have you got coming up? Any tours?


Eric: We will be playing 6 cities in California in May, then we are headed cross country from June 1st to August 20th. Halloween night at Mongos in Grover Beach will be off the hook!



The Pier: What is your favorite summer hang out destination?


Eric: Simple, Isla Vista, California. My true home sweet home...



Thanks to Eric for taking his time to answer these questions and look for Step Inside on CDbaby.com and iTunes very shortly.

http://www.thepier.org/interviews/NaturalI-01.html - ThePier.org

-Natural Incense selected for coverage in **Performer Magazine** February 2008 issue. Circulation runs apx. **35,000 copies**. Performer is distributed everywhere musicians are - instrument retailers, rehearsal spaces, active music venues, and recording studios. - Performer Magazine