irie eyes

Bio:

Irie Eyes was formed in 2002 by founding members Luke Parry and Sam Cumming,originally as a two piece producer - orientated dub outfit. This took a natural evolution to become a seven piece full live band with horn section and sweet layered harmonies. Irie Eyes immediately began turning heads with their infectious songs & energetic live shows . A series of high profile support slots won them an immediate following in the South Island,and earned them a reputation as a formidable live act. Irie Eyes have supported such local acts as Salmonella Dub,The Blackseeds , Ladi 6 ,UK legends Overproof Soundsystem and Little Bushmen to name a few, as well as performing at festivals such as Kaikoura Roots, Alpine Unity,Canaan Downs & Rippon. Irie Eyes play what is essentially roots-reggae, with a healthy dose of dub ,a dash of dancehall & a pinch of jungle, Their songs are uplifting, heartfelt, thought provoking & insistently catchy. Characterized by conscious lyrics, soulful harmonies, skanking guitars , & driven by a heavyweight rhythm section, Irie Eyes have cemented a reputation as one of the best acts to emerge from the deep south in recent years... Although Irie Eyes have released a number of tracks on compilation albums and a self released E.P in 2005, they are yet to release a full length Album even though they perform regularly around forty solid original tracks. However, watch this space as Irie Eyes are putting the finishing touches on their debut full length album that should be released in time for Summer '09/'10 and are in the process of organising a Nationwide tour.

Member Since:

February 27, 2007

Members:

luke parry (bass/guitar/keys/vox/percussion), sam cumming (guitar/vox/), paul mclennan-kissel (drums/percussion) , toki wilson (guitar/vox/raygun)

Influences:

We are influenced whether it be directly or indirectly by all good music and genre. we write from the heart and from our experiences living in the south of beautiful Aotearoa. Local acts such as Katchafire, Trinity Roots, the House of Shem etc and International acts from Marley, Burning Spear, Sly n Robbie, Luciano along with Lee Scratch Perry and Mad Proffesor have all helped to shape our sound even on a subliminal level. We have never tried to consciously be influenced within our song writing but can accept if there are similarities in our style then we are proud of our influences.

Sounds Like:

The kind of music that'll put a smile on yer dial and make you dance.

Record Label:

Currently Kaitiaki Studios