Project Description

TOP 5

Reggae Tracks

By

ECHO DRAMA

Interviewer: Brianna Denmeade

.

.

.

Much loved Melbourne nine-piece Echo Drama recently announced their new single Insanity, a heavy condemnation of the selfishness that rules in today’s society, which came out out June 18.  Hot on the heels of this massive track is the accompanying clip, directed by Carl Allison (Hilltop Hoods) and reflecting the band in an apocalyptic performance space.  Insanity will be launched in style with a celebratory show at The Workers Club Melbourne on July 26, where fans will be able to catch Echo Drama in their element – on the stage.

Insanity is a bold name for a bold track.  Echo Drama’s enormous sound is captured perfectly here; distorted horns draw the listener in immediately with an undeniable melody, while Alex ‘Sinks’ Sinclair’s (Recipient of 2017 Hilltop Hoods Initiative) verse is full of hard-hitting criticism on egocentrism.  Zimbabwean born Soul singer Thando Sikwila’s hook is similarly condemning, and sits proudly atop Echo Drama’s signature amalgamation of reggae, hiphop, rock, and dub.  Reflecting on the inspiration behind the track, Thando explains,

“This song explores how people are so fixated with self preservation and tend to turn a blind eye to bad things that happen because they’re not affected by them.  My hook is about looking inwards and confronting what being a human being really means, when people no different like us halfway around the world are left destitute all for the sake of profit.  It’s not sustainable.”

Looking forward to hitting the stage, Jeremy enthuses, “We really cut our teeth as a live band…you can expect slick, well rehearsed high impact performances from a large group with a large sound.  Echo Drama has always been about doing our own thing rather than conforming to genre expectations so Insanity really hits that point home for us…we went a little outside the box on this choice of track to show you all, and we’re excited to see how it’s received.”’

.

Echo Drama

.

Echo Drama is Thando Sikwila (vocals), Alex ‘Sinks’ Sinclair (vocals), Jeremy Schiftan (drums), Steve Phillips (keys), Duncan Schmoll (guitar), Stephen Lane (bass), Anthony Foon (trumpet), Jay Scarlett (trombone), Greg Sher (saxophone).

Amnplify writer Brianna Denmeade got a chance to ask these bonafide reggae rockers what their favourite Reggae songs are. Check them out below:

.

.

Midnite
‘Knocka Fia’

Midnite are prolific and as a result I dare say, I don’t love it all. But when it’s good, dammmnn it’s good. This groove is insane, pocket for days. Also I love just how loud that snare drum is in the mix. Let all snare drums be that loud from now till forever.

.

.

.

John Holt and The Paragons
‘Man Next Door (I’ve Got To Get Away)’

I actually first heard the Massive Attack version of this song, sung by Horace Andy (swoon) and loved it. Then traced it back to this original which is absolute gold. The vocals are raw and the mood is undeniable.

.

.

.

Groundation – ‘Babylon Rule Dem’

Groundation are a massive influence of mine and seeing them live was one of my favourite gig experiences of my life. Incredible musicianship and a great example of modern reggae done well. I think they nail the balance between homage to the traditions of the music whilst making something unique and progressive. They have many many songs that could have easily made this list, but I had to pick one.

.

.

.

King Tubby and The Roots Radics
‘Country Gal Dub’

This track will always have a very special place in my heart as the first King Tubby tune I ever heard. I found this album as a teenager in my sister’s collection and it blew my mind. That bass line, that percussion, that production. Dub at it’s finest by an absolute master.

.

.

.

Junior Murvin
‘Police and Thieves’

A classic and for good reason. Entrancing vocal delivery and incredible groove. We sometimes cover this in Echo Drama and I often reference this track for drummers as the perfect one drop. The hi-hat feel is out of this world. I have spent years trying to replicate it and may chase that elusive swinging perfection for years to come.

.

.

What an epic list of reggae beats, I hadn’t heard of some of those before, thanks, guys. Also, don’t forget to check out ECHO DRAMA!

.

.

.

THU 26 JUL | THE WORKERS CLUB, MELBOURNE VIC | 18+
Tickets | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets

.

Follow ECHO DRAMA here

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

.

And check out this

ECHO DRAMA 

music video: 

.

.

AMNPLIFY – DB