Rebelution proves that, contrary to what your mom thinks, your college cover band can become commercially successful.
The five-piece reggae rock band recently released its fourth studio album Count me in, which debuted at No. 14 on the Billboard 200 chart and took the top spot on the Reggae Album chart. Rebelution is currently on the Count Me In summer tour, with Iration, The Green, Stick Figure and DJ Mackle. The tour hits Eugene’s Cuthbert Amphitheater on August 17.
“Coming back to the West Coast, the energy is going to be crazy!” said bass player Marley Williams in a phone interview.
Rebelution formed in 2004 in the sunkissed city of Isla Vista, California.
Williams, who’s named for Bob Marley, was attending the city college and had recently switched from playing baseball to playing bass and singing in choir. Williams immediately connected with frontman Eric Rachmany when he heard someone playing reggae music behind a closed door.
“I know I loved reggae music. That’s what I was raised on,” Williams said.
The band grew to five guys who started playing reggae cover songs they liked and various shows. In 2006, they independently released a five song EP which became popular in Hawaii, Williams said. 2007 marked the release of their first studio album, Courage to Grow.” The band’s next album, Bright Side of Life was released under their own label, 87 Music and reached No. 1 on the Billboard Top Reggae Albums chart.
The band prides itself on its independence. With the creation of their own record label, Rebelution joins the ranks of other music biz DIY-ers, including Nine Inch Nails and Kid Cudi.
“We figured out that if we were doing all this work, we might as well be under some kind of umbrella,” Williams said. “Mainstream labels are not the angle we’re taking. Our purpose happens to be a more grassroots independent thing.”
Another aspect of the band that’s impossible to ignore is their positivity. With lyrics like “Think about your life, the thrill/Don’t you cry look on the bright side of life” and “Empty out the hatred in life/ We’re bringing only good vibes,” it’s not hard to imagine a group of college guys stoked to sing these songs on a beach.
After ten years, they’re still stoked to sing them.
Williams encourages fans to follow their passions.
“I went from being a quote-un-quote ‘jock’ or ‘meathead’ to being in a reggae band,” Williams said. “Don’t let yourself stop you from what you want to achieve. Go and get it and don’t get in the way of yourself.”
Listen: “Roots Reggae Music”
Aug 17 Rebelution at the Cuthbert Amphitheatre (601 Day Island Rd.), tickets $30 in advance, $35 day of show. Gates open at 5 p.m. Show stars at 6:30 p.m.