SOJA, the DC reggae band, just recently unveiled that they will be playing on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” next Monday, March 12th. Accompanying them will be comedian Adam Carolla and singer Jessica Simpson.
Strength to Survive, SOJA’s debut record with ATO Records, has been receiving some much deserved attention. The Washington Post said the new album was a “mix of traditional roots reggae broken down for the casual listener and party reggae as re-imagined by jam bands such as Dave Matthews Band and Phish,”
Relix wrote, “Passionate and well-crafted songs… One can easily see, after spinning through the tracks on this superb and timely release, why these reggae road warriors—with more than a touch of hard-earned soul—have attracted a dedicated following.”
Not only is it ranked no. 1 on the Billboard and iTunes Reggae Charts, but it also shot up to no. 3 on the iTunes Album Chart. Jacob Hemphill, the lead vocalist/guitarist for SOJA, said the inspiration for the album came from Bob Marley’s “Survival,” what he calls the greatest reggae album of all time.
The 7-piece band will also, in the near future, be playing shows with the Dave Mathews Band, Steel Pulse, as well as Questlove from the Roots. The guys have clearly been working hard so be sure not to miss them on “The Tonight Show” next Monday Night and catch them on their Strength To Survive tour!
SOJA Tour Dates:
Mar 3 @ McDonald Theatre, Eugene, OR
Mar 7 @ Fillmore, San Fransisco, CA
Mar 8 @ The Catalyst, Santa Cruz, CA
Mar 9 @ House of Blues, Los Angeles, CA
Mar 10 @ House of Blues, Los Angeles, CA
Mar 11 @ House of Blues, San Diego, CA
Apr 19 @ House of Blues, Myrtle Beach, FL
Apr 20 @ House of Blues, Lake Buena Vista, FL
Apr 21 @ Wanee Festival, Live Oak, FL
Apr 24 @ Jannus Live, St. Petersburg, FL
Apr 26 @ Vinyl Music Hall, Pensacola, FL
Apr 28 @ La Zona Rosa, Austin, TX
Apr 29 @ Houston Intl Fest, Houston, TX
May 1 @ Granada Theatre, Dallas, TX
May 18 @ 9:30 Club, Washington, DC
May 19 @ 9:30 Club, Washington, DC
June 2 @ Wakarusa Music Fest, Ozark, AR
June 7 @ Bonnaroo, Manchester, TN
June 14 @ The Friendly Gathering, Windham, VT
July 6 @ Summeriam Festival, Cologne, Germany
July 13 @ First Niagara Pavilion, Burgettstown, PA
July 14 @ First Niagara Pavilion, Burgettstown, PA
July 19 @ All Good Music Festival, Thornville, OH
July 28 @ Floydfest, Floyd, VA
SOJA Links:
SOJA Editorials
SOJA Website
SOJA Facebook
Article By: Jason Gallagher
Photo By: Kit Chalberg
SOJA “Strength to Survive” Music Video
