Jesse James Pariah—the surfer, singer-songwriter, and founding member of Slum Beach Posse—has officially released the lyric video for his latest single, “Horns Under Halo.”
Produced by DENM, the track showcases a compelling blend of personal storytelling and genre-bending sound.
The lyric video, directed by Bonez and produced at Bonez Studios, vividly illustrates the internal battle between light and darkness. As the lyrics unfold, Pariah confronts his past demons, offering listeners a raw look into his personal journey of transformation and redemption.
Pariah’s life story reads like a movie script. Born and raised on the island of Kauai, he was a skateboarding, surf-loving kid who often felt misunderstood. A series of poor decisions and the influence of the wrong crowd led him into the grip of addiction. But through the healing power of music, he pulled himself from the brink and rewrote his future.
“The inspiration for Horns Under Halo basically comes from my life story,” remembers Jesse James Pariah. “Like many people, I was misunderstood for most of my life, and others often failed to see my true, pure intentions. I suppose I just came across as a skateboarding, surfing, drug-addicted punk—which I probably was most of the time—but I swear I wasn’t trying to be. Life is a trip, and if you’re lucky enough, it will come full circle, like it did for me.” He continues, “I went down a dark path and turned to drugs. I was an intravenous drug user, addicted to opioids and pretty much anything I could get my hands on. It got so bad that I was stealing from my own friends and family. It wasn’t until I went to jail and then rehab that my life changed for the better. During that time, a good friend of mine came by and gave me his ukulele. That instrument saved my life.” Pariah shares. “From that point on, I never looked back. My goal is to share that experience of strength and hope with others through my music. If it can help even one person, then I have succeeded in my mission.”
“Horns Under Halo” is already making waves, earning airplay on Los Angeles’ iconic radio station 106.7 KROQ and the nationally syndicated show Skratch ‘N Sniff, hosted by Allison Hagendorf and Malcolm Ryker. The show reaches more than 55 Alternative and Active Rock stations nationwide.
Where he’s been & where he’s going
Deeply rooted in Hawaii’s surf culture, Jesse James Pariah has built a bridge between the surf and music worlds. His musical influences span from Eminem and The Doors to the Southern California punk scene. He began his musical journey with the ukulele, which became a form of self-therapy and creative release.
Pariah’s passion for music eventually led him to link up with DENM, who became both a mentor and collaborator. Through this connection, he met other Huntington Beach creatives like Landon McNamara and Benny Ranks. One spontaneous jam session sparked the creation of Slum Beach Posse—a collective of surf-inspired musical misfits blending reggae, rock, and soul.
Their debut album, Slum Beach Posse Vol. 1, was recorded during a week-long session at McNamara’s house and has since accumulated over 30 million streams, launching the crew into the national spotlight.
Anticipation is building for Jesse James Pariah’s debut solo album, slated for release in spring 2025 via SVN/BVRNT and Regime Music Group. The Pier recently named it one of the “Most Anticipated Reggae Rock Albums of 2025.” The record promises a dynamic mix of island reggae, punk, and alternative rock—an audio journey through the highs and lows of Pariah’s life and art.
Fans can catch Jesse James Pariah live when he joins Sublime at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre on Friday, April 18, 2025. This historic show marks the first time Jakob Nowell, son of the late Bradley Nowell, will headline as Sublime’s frontman at Red Rocks.
Pariah is also slated to perform at BeachLife Festival on May 3, 2025, in Redondo Beach, CA, sharing the stage with Sublime, Long Beach Dub Allstars, and Sugar Ray.
