During the month of love, a celebration of everything we love, The Pier celebrates our continued love for Reggae. Looking at all the new records released this month, there is plenty to absorb. Check out these 8 new releases to help set the mood before spring.
February is a good time for groups to release material that they were working on over the holidays. As they release new material, a lot of the groups will hit the road to promote their latest release. Spring tours are being announced in conjunction with new music. Take a look at the list of 8 new releases and be sure to view our Show Locator page to see which of your bands will be hitting the road.
Check out the Album Releases from prior months:
February 2013 Album Releases
New Kingston – Kingston University
Release Date: February 5th
Best known as the music behind Collie Buddz live set, New Kingston has released their new album, Kingston University. The album contains 14 tracks featuring guest appearances by J-Boog on the song “Everlasting” and J Classiq on the song “Six 30.” The group recorded out of Kingston Studios, Anchor Records, Nuttin But Hot Prod & A Team Studios, working with producers K-Melz, Dean Fraser & Special Deliver Music out of France.
Read our Album Review for Kingston University by clicking HERE!
SOJA – Everything Changes (Remixes EP)
Release Date: February 5th
As a benefit for Amensity International, SOJA has released a Remixes EP for Everything Changes, exclusively on iTunes via ATO Records. The EP includes 4 songs with a slew of guest appearances.
Read what the group had to say about the Everything Changes EP, and stream the songs HERE!
Smiles Project – The Truth
Release Date: February 18th
Following the 2007’s OffShore Stylee is the Smiles Project’s new record The Truth. Led by Jason ‘Smiles’ Schmidt, bassist for the band, The Movement, the Smiles Project is set to create and spread positive energy and vibrations through the 14-tracks of The Truth
Kiwi – On The Move
Release Date: February 22nd
Infusing the Northeast with reggae-rock is the Jersey City-based group Kiwi. Featuring a new lineup, the group is now set to release their second full-length album. Rooted in reggae rhythms and tropicália-inspired melodies, Kiwi dynamically fuses jazz and soulful grooves into 13 uniquely uplifting tracks. On February, 21st the 8-piece outfit will release their much anticipated album, On the Move.
Read more about the release HERE!
Slightly Stoopid – Slightly Stoopid & Friends ‘Live At Roberto’s’ TRI Studios 9.13.11
Release Date: February 26th
Slightly Stoopid has officially announced the release of Slightly Stoopid & Friends Live At Roberto’s TRI Studios 9.13.11 for Digital & Physical purchase. The Event was hosted by Tommy Chong and features talented appearances by Bob Weir, Don Carlos, Karl Denson, Ivan and Ian Neville.
The result of that evening is a 31 song, 2hour / 2 set performance with a mix of acoustic and electric jams, including behind the scenes rehearsal footage, and a rare interview segment moderated by Tommy Chong and Bob Weir, all offered on high definition limited edition DVD / 2CD set. Or you can purchase the digital version for as low as $4.20!
You can read more on this release by clicking HERE!
The VeraGroove – Phoenix EP
Release Date: February 26th
From Phoenix, AZ, The VeraGroove, will be releasing their Phoenix EP, a 5 track collection of songs that features guest appearances by Danny Torgersen of Captain Squeegee, Travis Walpole of Fortunate Youth & Pedro Villescas of True Press. The album was tracked at Red Bull Studios in Los Angeles, CA by Eric Stenman. Keyboardist, Sean Lee said of the new release “Our music is a direct result of a recent rebirth, lyrically, conceptually, and because we are of the desert, fire seems to be a fitting element”. The group has also released a music video for new song “Broken Glass”
Etana – Better Tomorrow
Release Date: February 26th
This month, Jamaican singer and songwriter, Etana will release her third studio album Better Tomorrow. Recorded at Kingston’s legendary Tuff Gong Studios, Better Tomorrow has revealed Etana’s fiercest, most thought-provoking material to date. Her powerful lyrics and beautiful vocals lay over soulful reggae melodies on this 14-track collection produced by Jamaica’s own Shane C. Brown as well as Stanley “Relle” Hayden.
The Lions – This Generation
Release Date: February 26th
This Generation, The Lions’ debut album, will release on the 26th on Stones Throw Records. After the popularity of last year’s 7” 45 vinyl single releases, this record will drop in several formats. The group has created an all-vinyl box set, including eight 45s containing the album’s 12 tracks in addition to four additional “dub versions” not available on the CD or digital version.
Article By: Aaron Solomon