Dancefloor-shaking roots-heavy reggae, potent social commentary, and nuff band members to form their own separatist state. The Upsteppers represent the new signature sound of Brisbane conscious music, and have come to get you moving in positive directions.
The sound is anthemic, compelling roots rhythms and conscious message delivered in big band format; skanking guitars and keys, vintage 3 piece horns, honey-sweet backing vocals, and a workhorse rhythm section.
Their potent live sound has lead The Upsteppers play alongside the world’s leading reggae acts such as Jamaica’s Chaka Demus & Pliers and Jah Mason, New Zealand’s Katchafire and Black Seeds, and Australia’s very own Kingtide and Rastawookie.
After a fortune-filled 18 months of staging their own packed and sold out shows, playing on grand festival stages, & touring regionally and interstate, The Upsteppers have again bunkered down in local studios to record their second release due out late 2009 (listen to samples of work-in-progress track Bush Fire - sneak preview posted on this page).
This new release will follow on from the success of their debut EP, 'Ready That Stony Ground' which was launched in 2008 to a burning hot hometown reception, and was hand-picked for regular spins on Triple J’s Roots’n’All program. The bands foundation release presents six fresh and diverse songs that illustrate the fundamental worth of Brisbane’s newest roots massive.
What sets 'Ready That Stony Ground' apart from other releases worldwide is that funding was generated through an innovative new funding model, created by The Upsteppers. The Neighborhood Recording Deal (NRD) is grassroots funding in action, whereby listeners get involved in the recording process by lending small loans to the band which are used to pay recording costs. Many of these ‘micro-loans’ were as small as $15 and The Upsteppers rewarded their supporters by paying them back their loan with 20% interest.
The intake of these ‘micro-loans’ has allowed The Upsteppers to pay for the entire recording process. It is an example of grassroots arts funding designed and carried out by innovative independent Brisbane musicians.
In word and deed, The Upsteppers bring the social, political and the personal together to the one stage and challenge universally accepted truths. They promote community driven grassroots action, and call for us to look for our own new ways of being.
You will know The Upsteppers by the quality of their following.
“The Upsteppers bring the message of peace, unity and environmental awareness to you in a rubba dub big band style - Brisbane's best loved conscious roots band."
- Morgyn Quinn, Rudekat Records/Island Vibe Festival
"The boys are one of the most exciting and fresh around, with a real roots reggae feel rarely found in White Boyz, they are one of my Favourite OZ Reggae bands ever!"
- Mickie Sellton, Reggae town Festival Cairns.
Hey guys, Im a big fan of your music and vibes, and I am getting a gig together to support local brisbane bands predominantly reggae bands! There isnt a date yet im still in the act of getting a venue up and going so i would love for you guys to play! That would be sweet, so just let me know.
Hey... So Glad you got to see them I used to Sing with them many Moons ago before I had my Little girl! Those we're the Dayz! &^_^& xXx Loving your Tunes xXx
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