- S I M P K I N - P R O J E C T - A L B U M S -
IN THE WAKE
This new work is a giant progression from our first album both in our recording and song writing skills; besides being some four years apart. When we decided to create a second record we embraced a "cut no corners" state-of-mind and went to every length to make sure that our album was done right. In order to achieve that sound, we found it necessary to record using only vintage analog preamps, compressors, EQ's, microphones, real acoustic pianos, vintage Fender Rhodes E. pianos, Hammond organs with leslies, classic essential guitars and eclectic percussion instruments. This however was also combined with modern recording techniques and editing to form a unique synthesis of both the new and old school approaches. Our main objective in using the modern digital medium was to enhance the traditional, more analog sound that is rightfully the sound of roots music. Our inspiration is strictly the reggae music created in Jamaica and England, produced during the 1970's and 1980's, which has inevitably blended with all other musical backgrounds which move and inspire us as musicians and music fans today.
WALK ON TALL
Back in the summer of 2003 Phil Simpkin, Shawn Taylor and a handful of close musical colleagues got together in a recording studio and collaborated their musical talents in the hope to create a unique reggae album. Sweating away in the control room they worked from the end of summer all the way into that following October. The result, six original songs and four dub re-mixes. Once mixed and mastered it sadly was never released. Only 500 or so copies of the album in its full length actually got handed out. But despite all that, Phil's music managed to radiate out into the world and began to work itself into various circles of listeners and had astounded every ear it came in contact with. It is an extremely rare thing when you have a record with songs that are so good that when you play it, no matter who listens to it, loves it from the very first note all the way to the very last. With a brand new sound and deep message that the entire world can come together under, Walk on Tall is The Simpkin Project’s debut album featuring the songs “Walk On Tall”, “sad Song”, “Pyaka”, and “Pick It Up There” just to name a few. Recorded at Hughes Drive Studios in Huntington Beach, and release in 2007, Walk on Tall remains to be something very different from the typical "roots reggae" of the past, yet it’s sole influence is only the classic reggae music from the past. The songs include a synthesis of various traditional reggae styles including: pulse, Ska, one drop and dub combined with both up-tempo and slow-tempo dynamics, which leaves each listener with the melodies and songs stuck forever in their heads.
- S I M P K I N - P R O J E C T - C O N T A C T - U S -
- S I M P K I N - P R O J E C T - W E B S I T E S -
Welcome to the official Simpkin Project MySpace page. On this page you will find everything Simpkin Project, from show dates, to videos, pictures and song downloads. Subscribe to the blog to stay up to date on our performance schedule, new multimedia updates, and special events. Add us as a friend or send us a message. If you would like to help spread our music to the masses, visit our STREET TEAM photo section, for the most recent fliers for upcoming shows. You are now tuned in. ENJOY-
Established in 2003, The Simpkin Project is a high energy reggae band from Huntington Beach, California with its own unique version of Jamaica’s most culturally celebrated music, reggae. Whether in L.A. Orange County or San Diego, The Simpkin Project has been captivating audiences one by one with their thumping drum and bass lines, powerful guitars rhythms, thick keyboards, striking vocal harmonies and positive message. Their dedication and respect of reggae music is both scene and heard through their non-stop, enthusiastic live performances, songwriting style and studio recordings. The Simpkin Project’s set list features a large variety of original reggae music combined with an endless amount of classic roots cover material to honor reggae music’s most legendary artists, and to ensure that every audience member enjoys the show.
Over these past years, The Simpkin Project has had the opportunity to perform at a number of Southern California live music venues including: The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, The Blue Café in both Huntington and Long beach, The Galaxy Theatre in Costa Mesa, Gallagher’s Pub in Huntington Beach, St. Rocke’s in Hermosa Beach, Winston’s in Ocean Beach San Diego, Mozambique in Laguna Beach and even the University of California in San Diego. Moreover, they have been fortunate enough to share the stage with many of today’s legendary and contemporary reggae artists such as: Steel Pulse, The Abyssinians, Midnite, Bambu Station, Don Carlos, URoy, Cornell Campbell, Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, Rebelution, International Farmers John Brown's Body, and S.O.J.A. With two full length studio albums already under their belts, The Simpkin Project now looks forward to their third full length album scheduled for release in 2009
The mission statement of The Simpkin Project is simple; “Provide quality professional grade entertainment and make certain that everyone involved, from staff to management, vendors and fans, has an electric and unforgettable experience while staying true to the positive messages and styles of reggae music”.
“We love reggae music period. It is what we were all raised on. Strictly roots, rock, reggae. What other genre of music exists solely as the vehicle that carries with it messages of peace, positive vibes, respect, love, empowerment, and spiritualism?”
-The Simpkin Project-
- S I M P K I N - P R O J E C T - S H O W S -
We play live all the time. For us, it's the best thing ever. Nothing beats a crowd tuned into the vibe, dancing and singing the words to your songs. It adds so much fuel to our fire. The whole musical experience immediately elevates quickly to a whole new level. You can just feel the audience and respond to their needs. With reggae, you can never go wrong. Every genre barrows from it. It's probably because reggae speaks to a broader demographic of people than most other styles of music. Everyone struggles throughout life, and reggae music is the perfect release to drown out our voluminous troubles. Reggae makes you feel great, which is why it is so infectious. Wherever we play, good vibes are always to come because of our dedication to the sound of roots. The rhythms are like a heartbeat, and are easily meditated on, which makes them impossible to resist. We are from Southern California, and primarily play in that region.
- SIMPKIN PROJECT EXCLUSIVE -
THE MAKING OF "IN THE WAKE"
WATCH 'IN THE WAKE" GET MANUFACTURED AT
RAINBO RECORDS, IN CANOGA PARK, CA.
Every band needs a way to get around. Here is the new member of the band, our Ford E-350 15 passenger home away from home. This has been a project long in the works. We would like to thank Phil, S.K and Mark for the extra hard work and time they have put into making this dream become a reality.
is the humboldt show at Hum Brews or at 6 rivers? i remember either phil or sean saying that it was at 6 rivers.... anyways, i can t wait to see you guys. my phone is turned off right now but i should have it on by the weekend. drive safe and stay blessed. los
CALIFORNIA TOUR Sept 01 @ Belly Up: Solana Beach, CA Sept 02 @ Belly Up: Solana Beach, CA Sept 03 @ Key Club: West Hollywood, CA Sept 05 @ Mystic Theatre: Petaluma, CA Sept 06 @ Truckee Park Amphitheatre: Truckee, CA Sept 07 @ The Independent: San Francisco, CA
Hey Mons Reggae style Rastafari boo-yackah-shah bouys Jamaica LOVE da SIMKING PRODJEKHT always remember positive vibrations and death to baldheads NYABINGHI !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
