Katchafire with Iya Terra Live at SOhO

Reggae is one of the bloodlines of New Zealand music, and the all-Maori band Katchafire has become its foremost advocate today. A family affair from day one in 1997, founder and lead guitarist Grenville Bell and sons Logan (lead vocals) and Jordan (drums), remain the core of the band. Transcending their origins in a Hamilton garage as a cover band, Katchafire took their Marley-inspired original music to the bars and clubs, building up a fan base of thousands. Their exceptional debut album, the prophetically named Revival, sold in excess of 45,000 copies (more than double platinum in New Zealand) and they scored massive hits with songs like Giddy Up, the nation’s biggest selling single of 2002-3.

 

After building on that success at home with the platinum follow-up “Slow Burning”, Katchafire took a major step forward when New Zealand foreign exchange students Introduced their Kiwi reggae vibes to the fertile soil of the Hawaiian Islands. Underground popularity soon exploded onto the airwaves, and by the summer of 2006 Katchafire was topping the sales charts in the Aloha State and headlining at the 10,000 capacity Waikiki Shell. That’s when the band started giving their passports a considerable workout, from festival appearances all over Europe to increasingly successful mainland U.S. excursions. They now draw huge crowds all over the Pacific, from Australia to Guam and Saipan.

 

On record, Katchafire reached a new level of musical depth and maturity on 2007’s “Say What You’re Thinking”. With jazz, pop, rock and even hip-hop influences enhancing a solid roots foundation, they scored their greatest American chart success to date with a #6 showing on the Billboard Reggae chart. Katchafire is well known for trading instruments among themselves during their marathon live shows. That versatility is demonstrated as never before on this album, with no less than five bands contributing songs and sharing lead vocal duties. Front man Logan Bell contributes four tunes including the instant classic love song “Meant to Be”. Jamey Ferguson contributes his unmistakable raspy leads on four more, including the thoughtful title track and gospel-tinged “Doesn’t Anybody”. Percussionist Leon Davey shows off his vocal skills on “Now Girl” and “Love Letter”, as does drummer Jordan Bell on “J. Dubb” and keybooardist Haani Totorewa with “This World”.

 

The last several years have found the boys supporting this landmark release with an increasingly hectic tour schedule, featuring stops at the Big Day Out Festival at home, Raggamuffin tour of Australia, and new island conquests like Fiji. And each U.S. tour is bigger than the last, with stops at SXSW, Reggae on the River, House of Blues and many more. With a long-awaited fourth album due this fall, combined with their relentless work ethic and phenomenal live shows, It looks like only a matter of time before the whole world is Katchafire country.

 

As the genre of Reggae continues to evolve, Iya Terra has remained distinguished in both sound and sustenance throughout their 4-year journey. Mashing up messages of traditional Roots music in a today version, the Los Angeles based band demonstrates a modern approach to creating conscious soundwaves that has them bound for infinite possibilities.

 

In 2016, Iya Terra reached new heights as they toured heavily throughout the western U.S. with bands such as The Movement, New Kingston and Arise Roots.

The group has kept the momentum rising with the release of their 3rd studio album “Sacred Sound” on March 17, 2017 debuting at #1 on the iTunes reggae charts. In addition to the album  Iya Terra will embark on  their first nationwide tour supporting Fortunate Youth, Josh Heinrichs, SkillinJah, For Peace Band & Cas Hayley.

Iya Terra continues to practice hard work and full passion with a loving connection to their ever-growing fan base. Their musical growth has earned them respect amongst an impressive resume of artists and 2017 is shaping up to be their best experience yet.