Over the years, the Washington, D.C., music scene has become best known for its hard-core (Minor Threat) and go-go (Trouble Funk) alumni, but reggae has been represented as well. SOJA has risen to the forefront by creating their own blend
Over the years, the Washington, D.C., music scene has become best known for its hard-core (Minor Threat) and go-go (Trouble Funk) alumni, but reggae has been represented as well. SOJA has risen to the forefront by creating their own blend of conscious roots music entwined with the traditional rhythms of reggae. The Washington Post described their music as coming “across with passion and depth.”
SOJA is not that easy to define though. Although they are rooted in reggae, they are not limited to it. The band grew up listening to reggae, hip-hop and rock. In their sound, reggae became the predominate influence because it is dedicated to a real message and promotes revolution.
The group, which includes a pair of lead singers who also pull double duty — Jacob Hemphill on guitar and Bob Jefferson on bass — as well as Patrick O’Shea on keyboard, percussionist Ken Brownell and drummer Ryan Berty, joined forces in 1997. Since 2000 the quintet has issued three full length albums and one EP, “Get Wiser.”
In a recent press release Hemphill defined the album’s title. “The new album is called ‘Get Wiser’ — that’s the idea. We as a society tend to have blinders on. We are trying to uplift peoples’ consciousness by breaking down what makes us blind. To do this, we got to bring back truth. People get wiser.”
With SOJA calling their own shots, “Get Wiser” proves that the band’s message and music will only continue to grow stronger with each successive release. In support of their latest album SOJA is embarking on a journey around the world.
The band will be on Kaua‘i as part of their Hawai‘i tour Jan. 11 at Kaua‘i Veteran’s Hall. Tickets are $20 advance or $25 at the door. Tickets are available at the following outlets: Papayas Natural Foods in Hanalei and Kapa‘a, Hanalei Music, Healthy Hut in Kilauea, City Liquor in Lihu‘e or online at inticketing.com.
