LIHU‘E — For local reggae band The Lambsbread, 2010 was a breakout year. The band released two singles, “Tenshun” and “Jah Will Make a Way,” which found its way on radio stations in Hawai‘i, Jamaica and Europe. The band repeatedly
LIHU‘E — For local reggae band The Lambsbread, 2010 was a breakout year. The band released two singles, “Tenshun” and “Jah Will Make a Way,” which found its way on radio stations in Hawai‘i, Jamaica and Europe. The band repeatedly sold out of its latest album “Rise,” and thousands of people turned out to support them while touring the West Coast.
2011 looks just as promising as The Lambsbread kicks off the year touring with the veteran reggae act Midnite.
The Lambsbread is powered by husband-and-wife duo Kaya and Nadia Rathje, who first crossed paths in 2000. Since then, they have independently released three albums, “Sing Praise,” “Salvation” and “Rise.”
“During the first album, we were just getting introduced to the music,” Kaya said. “We had a lot of creativity to put into it, but not a lot of experience.”
From there, Kaya and Nadia teamed up with various producers and other reggae artists, including Prezident Brown and Lutan Fyah to release 2006’s “Salvation.”
Kaya and Nadia were on tour when they recorded their third album, “Rise.”
“We lived in the studio for three months while recording this album. We made all these connections, and all kinds of people came in and started to work with us. It really expanded the possibility of what we can do.”
The Lambsbread sets itself apart from other local reggae acts by layering positive and socially conscious lyrics over its music.
“What drew me to reggae music was the feeling, the energy,” Kaya said. “I always felt strongly connected to the message of reggae. The more I understood what people were singing about, about freedom and liberation for poor people worldwide, I realized that I was drawn to it.”
“We play really traditional Jamaican reggae music compared to a lot of the music that is played here. A lot of people play Jawaiian, which is rock-reggae. We play roots, dancehall and there’s some hip hop in it.”
Kaya listed Morgan Heritage, Sizzla and Tarrus Riley among his influences, along with every new reggae song that comes out.
“I like to stay current. It’s important to listen to everything, but copy nothing. Everything I create is completely unique and original.”
With a solid following on the West Coast, the band has racked up more than 400,000 views for its music video “Love in the House,” which was shot on Kaua‘i’s North Shore.
The Lambsbread draws from the natural beauty of the island as inspiration in many of its songs, and Kaya lists Fuji Beach as one of his favorite spots to write songs.
“I’m always writing, I never stop writing. Every time I walk by Fuji Beach, I write a song,” he said. “It starts with a seed of an idea, it could be as simple as a verse or a hook, and then Nadia and I expand and grow with it.”
The origin of the band’s name comes from a verse in the Bible that talks about the bread of the lamb, which translates into the word of God.
Through its music, The Lambsbread hopes to uplift and bring positivity into people’s lives.
“A lot of people don’t know what to do right now. There’s no work, they’re trying to raise their families and survive these times,” Kaya said. “I want to lift people to a higher state of consciousness to help create something for themselves, to better themselves on earth.”
The Lambsbread and the Fyah Red Band performs with Midnite this Wednesday at Kuhio Lounge. Doors open at 9 p.m., and the show starts at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance. Visit groovetickets.com for more information.
• Andrea Frainier, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-3681, ext. 257 or afrainier@ thegardenisland.com.
