d t h n g i l a t o p B S
New Riddim The New Riddim is ultimately a reggae band — the word "riddim" is there in its name — but its members seem to understand that the best way to inhabit a genre is to draw from outside it. Kidnapped!, the Kansas City seven piece’s 2012 LP, includes a cover of "Barbados," a Charlie Parker tune, and a few tracks have more in common with 1960s soul than Peter Tosh. Its members also play in bands that explore other styles: trombonist Mike Walker with the country revivalists Starhaven Rounders, bassist Kian Byrne with Celtic-rockers the Elders. Referencing the old quote about white boys like Mick Jagger and Paul McCartney earnestly playing black music, frontman-organist Dan Loftus calls the New Riddim a "plastic soul" band. Introduce yourselves. We are a band of fellow travelers dedicated to bringing you the finest in ska, rocksteady, reggae, and soul music -- collectively known as the New Riddim. Daniel Loftus - lead vocals / organ Rico Pierce - drums Kian Byrne - bass Conor Loftus - guitar Nick Howell - trumpet Mike Walker - trombone Marshall Tinnermeier - tenor saxophone
You’ve won a couple Pitch Music Awards now. What’s the secret? We don’t try to be anything that we’re not. What you see and what you hear is who we are and what we do. We try to bring the same level of passion and energy every night, regardless if we’re playing to five people or 500 people. Tell us about what all you’ve got in the works -- recent and upcoming shows, new recordings, etc. Just got finished playing in Lawrence, KS, for the first time in a couple years, and it felt great. We got a good response. We’re currently in the process of booking tour dates and recording a follow-up to our first album with Joel Nanos at Element Recording in the near future. Who are some musical heroes? Tommy McCook, Don Drummond, Roland Alphonso and the entire Skatalites band. James Brown. The Rolling Stones. Favorite Slackers album? The Question. Ska? Reggae? Rocksteady? Soul? How would you describe your approach to genre(s)? We specialize in what we like to call Jamaican rock & roll. Equal parts soul, jazz, and rock & roll with a 1960’s-era Jamaican influence. Thoughts on the reggae scene in KC? There are lots of great bands and DJs playing reggae in Kansas City. We support anyone around here that brings reggae and soul music to the people. Big up to DJ Johnny 2Tone, DJ Jabberock, 77 Jefferson, Arm The Poor and Born In Babylon, among others. pitch.com
september 19-25, 2013
the pitch
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