Media Blog Project 2: Rebelution and the "Peace of Mind" Album

Introduction:

Music is one of my favorite parts of the media. It is a way to change a culture, especially the youth of nations. Reggae music has always talked about liberation for many different issues that we deal with. Rebelution, a southern California reggae-rock band, came out with their new album, “Peace of Mind”, sets that tone in music around the country. 

(From Left to Right: Eric Rachmany, Rory Carey, John Wesley Finley, and Marley D. Williams)

Describe:
A band that started as a couple college students covering old roots-reggae star, Don Carlos, are now hitting the music scene big. Eric Rachmany, lead vocalist/guitarist, brings a powerful, yet soothing voice and mad guitar solos that provide the leadership of Rebelution. Marley D. Williams, bassist, is who I believe to be the backbone of the group; with his amazing reggae bass lines, Eric is free to stop playing and focus on singing. Rory Carey, keyboard, is a lot like Marley; he brings the key elements to making the songs more vivid to the audience. Westley Finley, drums, has this insane ability to come up with the most unique drum beats for the group. He sets a great tempo and controls the speed of the music.Together through their success, they have their own label, “87 Music” partnered with Controlled Substance Sound Labs.

Rebelution has their creditability as well. They are the winners of the “iTunes Editor’s Choice for Best Reggae Album of 2007”, “Top Reggae Albums (“Courage to Grow” was No. 4 in ‘08, “Bright Side of Life” at No. 1 in ‘09, and “Peace of Mind” topping the No. 1 spot for ‘12) Top Independent Reggae Albums of 2012 (“Peace of Mind” at No. 1), Top Digital Album (“Peace of Mind” at No. 8), and number 13 on the Billboard 200. Rebelution topped their other albums with more collaborations and a three disc set; an album that sold more than 16,000 on its first week.


Analyze:

Every band wants to be different; set apart from others within their genre. Rebelution is one of the few to actually change a genre of music, maybe even start their own kind. They’ve help create this southern Californian Reggae, a mix of many cultures that reside in that part of the state.


I listen to two other reggae-rock bands, The Expendables and Slightly Stoopid. Comparing their albums against Rebelution is simply unfair. Why? Look at the Billboards and tell me who holds three tops spots for Reggae hits, and neither of those bands come close. While they are along the same lines as Rebelution as far as the reggae music sound, Rebelution is proactive. They are telling the viewer about a way of life, not about partying and living free. Rebelution comes to educate where others simply will not. They have tapped into what many new reggae-rock bands forget: roots rock reggae. What does that mean? It means that the message is positive and we band together as people.

Last year, I went the Ragga Muffins Festival 2011. This venue had a lot of traditional, old-school reggae singers and bands. Most of the people were of Jamaican or African descent. When introducing Rebelution, the host was very rude, saying, “I don’t know who they are or why they are here at this reggae festival, but give it up for Rebelution...” It was a rude introduction, but the crowd did not care. After opening up with “Attention Span”, everyone was on their feet. After playing two more other songs (Green to Black, Bright Side of Life), Rebelution humbly exist the stage. The crowd is cheer, “Bring ‘em back! Bring ‘em back!” The host tries to introduce the next performer, but was greeted by angry boos. Inevitably, Rebelution returns to the stage and continues to perform. Not only has Rebelution superseded their expectations within their genre, but have shown to be a tough act to follow.


After seeing them in Hollywood on February 17th, you could tell by the size of the crowd that their humbleness has paid off. A sell-out crowd at the Palladium, everyone looked excited and ready to here the band play their set. Opening up was Pep Love, a hip-hop rapper who flowed well with the reggae beat. Then, The Green played and got people off their feet. As soon as Rebelution came on, the crowd when wild. From the balcony, you could see thousands of lighters illuminated the room and a cloud of smoke around the stage as the laser lights piecing through haze with red, green, purple, and yellow colors. They played for two hours straight, no pauses. They exited the stage, only to come back as the crowd cried out their name: “Re-bel-u-tion! Re-bel-u-tion! Re-bel-u-tion!” After only 2 minutes of continues chanting, Rebelution, literally, ran back out on the stage and played for another half hour. The started at 10:45 pm and rocked th house until 1:00 am.



Interpretation:



Rebelution’s general message is simple and can be made into a statement and question about life, just based on their albums: “Rebelution” says to have some “Courage to Grow”; because if you don’t look on the “Bright Side of Life” how will you ever have “Peace of Mind”? Rebelution’s work is important to our culture because they send a message that anyone can listen too. The target audience is mostly college-aged students, but crowds are growing. Teenagers and middle-aged adults are growing in increasing numbers. Many parents are turned away by their references of marijuana; yet if you stop and listen to the lyrics, they talk all about positivity and growing as a community. We have so many different type of music that promote violence and anarchy,  Rebelution changes the pace to give the reggae some rock and tell others to care for each other. It reflects a part of our culture that wants to promote the unity of everyone, regardless of class, race, etc; they promote social justice to start with the individual. They target mostly open-minded people; the college scene has eaten up their music as well.


Engage:

I own every single Rebelution album. I cannot resist their music because it is so bluntly genuine. I was first introduced to Rebelution by my dad, who is a huge fan. I bought their first two big hit albums upon their release in 2007 and 2009. Since then, I’ve been diligently trying to get others interested in their music. It can be hard to come by great music these days, so whenever you find something, it is our jobs to spread the word. Going to the concert is a once a year event for my family and me. We don’t see each other very often, so we do things that we can all agree on when we do have the time. Strengths of the album's message is the promotion of having peace. The only thing holding them back from being a household favorite is the constant marijuana referencing.


Summary:



In conclusion, Rebelution has proven once again that they can hit the top charts with their music. Through their success as a band, the have inspired other people with their reggae rock vibe. This award-winning band is slowly sweeping across the nation, making a name that will be remembered for years to come. From covering the roots of Don Carlos to standing on the top of the reggae billboards, Rebelution is a band that you want in your collection. They will not cease to entertain you with all their albums.