MusicMafia presents Rebelution - the biggest reggae band you've never heard of

Despite being 100% independent, with no major label backing or marketing support, Southern Californian Indie Reggae band Rebelution have become one of the biggest-selling mainstream US Reggae artists of the last decade, selling over 280,000 albums. Their last album, ‘Peace Of Mind’ went straight to No. 1 on both Billboard’s Reggae and Independent charts, and debuted at a hugely impressive No. 13 on the US Top 200 Albums chart.

Rebelution follow up that runaway success with Count Me In, their fourth full-length release, on June 10. It is their first to receive a formal UK release, and will be released on Rebelution’s own label 87 Music, in partnership with Easy Star Records.

Produced by the band themselves and recorded in Miami and Burbank between September and December of last year, the album features special guest appearances by dancehall singer Collie Buddz (Hate To Be The One) and legendary reggae vocalist Don Carlos (“Roots Reggae Music”). Buddz has toured with Rebelution, and Carlos has been an enormous vocal influence on Rachmany, so these are both special pairings for the band.

“From writing these songs to mixing and mastering the album, we were involved in every step we’re becoming comfortable expressing ourselves both in the studio and on stage. This album was truly fun to make, it’s an honest expression of who we are”, says Rebelution’s vocalist/guitarist Eric Rachmany.

While the music and lyrical content varies on Count Me In, the album’s 11 tracks provide positive inspiration, encouraging fans to create a proactive and optimistic impact on society and life. “A lot of what we hear every day is that money measures success” added Rachmany. “This new album is a reminder to spread love and positivity to the people around us - these are the true measures of success.”

Originally formed in Santa Barbara, CA in 2004, Rebelution’s strong DIY mentality, relentless touring and deep connection to their fan base via social media (they have more than 800,000 Facebook likes and 58,000 Twitter followers) has led them to become one of the best-selling reggae artists on the planet, having independently sold over 280,000 albums

Since the 2007 release of debut Courage to Grow, Rebelution’s music has been praised for its crafty melodies, socially-conscious lyrics and savvy musicianship. Courage to Grow was selected as the iTunes Editors Choice for Best Reggae Album, went to #4 on Billboard’s Reggae charts, and the track “Safe and Sound” was in rotation at powerhouse radio stations such as San Francisco’s Live 105, San Diego’s 91X and KROQ in Los Angeles.

Bright Side of Life, the band’s second album (2009), took the No. 1 spot on iTunes in the Reggae music genre, charted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Reggae Album chart, and at 54 on Billboard’s Top 200. And - despite giving away half of the album to their fans during the six weeks leading up to its release - Rebelution’s third album Peace of Mind, aptly demonstrated a steady and impressive growth when it debuted at No. 1 on Independent and Reggae charts, and at 13 on the Top 200.

Rebelution tour relentlessly, with hundreds of live shows per year. Highlights include performances at festivals such as Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits and Glastonbury, alongside regularly sold out headlining performances at amphitheatres across the USA.