""Whether you want love or money /good fortune or fame / you want a brand new card / you want the world to change / you better take some action right now, oh yes."" Oh yes, don't these words sound just like that oh-so-familiar voice in your head? Well, you're not the only one who can relate to the lyrics from ""Courage to Grow,"" one of Rebelution's songs. In fact, relating to their audience is exactly Rebelution's intent.
Rebelution formed in 2003 at Santa Barbara College in California, and since their formation, this reggae band has continually increased their nationwide popularity. The band consists of four exceptionally talented young artists: Eric Rachmany on vocals and guitar, Rory Carey on keyboards, Wesley Finley on drums and Marley Williams on bass.
In an interview with Rachmany, I couldn't resist asking the most cliché of all questions—if you were stranded alone on a desert island, what three things would you want to have with you? ""Food, water and my guitar,"" Rachmany responded. ""It's all I'd need to survive.""
My second most anticipated question was: what is the origin of the name Rebelution? The mellow yet strongly inspirational quartet believe their music to be a voice for a new kind of ""revolution,"" one that despite all the social and political issues taking place in our incessantly demanding world, everyone, even the rebellious non-conformists, can find common musical ground in a peaceful manner. While each band member has diverse tastes in musicians and musical genres, they all concur on the foundation of their music's aspired theme: encouragement.
Early on, Rebelution regularly performed covers from some of their favorite artists like Bob Marley and Don Carlos. Their enticing message of ambition was not introduced until their first full-length album, Courage to Grow. Upon its release, Courage to Grow came to be Rebelution's breakthrough album, praised for its captivating melodies, socially cognizant lyrics and savoir-faire fashion. Nevertheless, Rebelution revisited their roots in July of 2010 when they covered Bob Marley's ""Natural Mystic"" on Putumayo World Music's Tribute to a Reggae Legend.
""Safe and Sound,"" the third track from Courage to Grow that played a large role in the album's ascension towards the top of Billboard's Reggae Charts, remains the band's most popular tune. When asked if he had grown tired of the persistent request of
""Safe and Sound"" at every concert, Rachmany expressed his view in amiable contradiction. ""Over time we have experimented with infusing varying styles into our music,"" he said. ""But it's ‘Safe and Sound' that has taught us how to please our audience in evolving as musical entertainers.""
As for his personal favorite tune, Rachmany favors performing ""Moonlight"" because of the gentle acoustic variation of its melody, as well as the meaningful passion integrated into his lyrics, ""Don't worry, we'll be fine if we just wait / Let's try to relate, in our own worlds we'll be okay.""
Behind all the peaceful composure presented in Rebelution's lyrical serenity and stylistic tranquility, Rachmany and his bandmates feel one of the biggest challenges they face as musical entertainers is the constant stress of ""moving from place to place and finding that continuously switching comfort zone"" while touring. To all those aspiring musicians out there who believe musical fame is all glitz, dough and glamour, Rachmany affirms that even laissez-faire bands like Rebelution face challenges as successful artists. ""If you're trying to make it big, aim to play for as many people as you can,"" Rachmany said.
Rebelution is undoubtedly excited to be back in a college environment such as Madison. ""Performing in a college town really showed us the importance of playing for kids—they're the ones constantly surrounding themselves with music,"" Rachmany said. ""But the bottom line is to stay true, enjoy the music and appreciate what you're doing for your audience, your bandmates and yourself.""
Rebelution will be performing at Madison's Majestic Theatre tonight as part of their ""Give Thanks Tour."" Artists Pepper, Zion I and Tribal Seeds will also be performing tonight. Tickets are available at the door for $24.. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the music will begin at 7:30 p.m.
