If you have been into the underground reggae scene for the better part of the last decade, there’s a good chance you may have heard of Polynesian Underground Entertainment. Originally founded in 1999, the organization has decided to expand its’ success, announcing that it will now house a record label known as PolyUnderground Records!
PolyUnderground Records is a subsidiary of Polynesian Underground Entertainment, Inc., and its’ first official release was the all-star collaboration between Natural Vibrations and Marlon “Ganja Farmer” Asher on the single, “Let It Grow.”
According to the organization’s founder, Mana Thome, “This release captured the essence of the PolyUnderground Records label. The creative process was so fluid between these two music majors, despite their differing genres, that the product was #MusikMagik and supported the identity we wanted to launch the label with.”
[Related: Natty Vibes New Single ft Marlon Asher]
The overall goal of the new label is to “encourage and support unity through music and the ‘Aloha’ vibe.” Partnering with Niels Schroeter (Artist/Entertainment Ind. consultant and previously of Surf Dogs Records) and Ilka T. De León (Ange Jolie Publishing and SEEN PR) has allowed the organization to strategically provide a full-circle support team to help promote and boost artists within the camp. Poly Underground has also expanded their efforts to Central and South America while currently working on partnerships overseas in Europe.
The label was launched with the official signing of Hawaiian natives, now residing in San Diego, California, with Natural Vibrations. The two camps have developed a strong relationship over the years and Mana explains that, “…it was a natural fit to merge our visions and support their new and aggressive move to the mainland through a partnership with PolyUnderground Records.”
The label is currently working with Natty Vibes on an Acoustic effort to be the first album officially released under PolyUnderground Records. They are also in works with up-and-coming artists, Hi Roots and more.
[Related: Natty Vibes Acoustic Album]
Mana gave The Pier a little more insight into the background behind the Poly Underground organization:
“I founded Polynesian Underground Entertainment in 1999 because I missed the music and island vibes of Hawaii. I had some friends who wanted to come to the mainland to tour. Arranging that gig turned into a lifelong love for spreading the “Aloha” way of life. The response and growth allowed me to create relationships with so many artists who struggle daily to be heard and noticed. The never-ending talent is what drove me to create another level of PolyUnderground’s support to artists. With the creation of PolyUnderground Records, the label broadens our artistic focus to include the vast and diverse “underground” cultures and influences from all over the world that culminate in various genres like island reggae, pop-rock, hip-hop or roots. The expansion of the level allows us to consider the globe and its many talented artists on the mission to spread the “Aloha” lifestyle worldwide.”
Stay tuned for more big announcements coming from the Polynesian Underground family!
Natty Vibes East Coast Tour 2013 w/ The Movement & Fear Nuttin’ Band:
Oct 24th @ Pisgah Brewing Company. Black Mountain, NC*?
Oct 25th @ Ziggy’s. Winston-Salem, NC?
Oct 26 @ California Roots The Carolina Sessions. Wilmington NC?
Oct 27 @ Amos’s Southend. Charlotte NC?
Oct 29 @ The Social. Orlando FL?
Oct 30 @ Smith’s Olde Bar. Atlanta GA?
Oct 31 @ Music Farm. Charleston SC?
Nov 01 @ Jillian’s. Columbia SC?
Nov 02 @ Terror on the Traxx. Melbourne, FL?
Nov 03 @ Guanabanas. Jupiter FL?
Nov 05 @ Rams Head Live. Baltimore MD?
Nov 06 @ The Saint. Asbury Park NJ?
Nov 07 @ Hard Rock Cafe. Philadelphia PA?
Nov 08 @ Maximum Capacity. Chicopee MA?
Nov 09 @ The Dugout at Scores. Keene NH?
* = No Fear Nuttin Band
Polynesian Underground Links:
Poly Underground Website
Poly Underground Facebook
Natural Vibrations Links:
Natty Vibes Website
Natty Vibes Facebook
Article By: David Garcia
Photo By: Kit Chalberg
Listen: Natural Vibrations ft. Marlon “Ganja Farmer” Asher – Let It Grow
Watch: Natural Vibrations live 9/20/13 (Video by: SoCal Reggae)