Four extraordinary talents, one scene-shaking reggae band.

That's The Green, four boys hailing from Hawaii who burst out last year with their self-titled debut album. Amazingly for a new band, the disc rocketed onto Billboard's 2010 Year-End Top 10 Reggae Chart, was honored as iTunes' Reggae Album of the Year, won Best Reggae Album at Hawaii's 2011 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, and has sold over 20,000 copies. Now the promise of The Green's youth-infused roots reggae revival is set to be fulfilled with their sophomore disc, Ways & Means, scheduled for an October 25, 2011 release on Easy Star Records, the pioneering indie reggae label. The startling speed with which the band has built up its strong and loyal following can only accelerate from here.

The four members of The Green take pride in the pop-burnished roots reggae style they've cooked up—edgy enough to make tastemakers sit up and take notice, yet accessible to all ages "from little tiny kids, to people who just want to rock, to grandmas and grandpas who just love music," says guitarist-singer Zion Thompson. Four distinct voices, four sharp songwriting talents, masterful musicianship, and monster grooves add up to one exceptional band with an unforgettable sound and a powerful story.

Each of The Green's four core singer-songwriters could be a solo artist in his own right, yet they're a tight, down-to-earth unit. Caleb Keolanui and JP Kennedy are first cousins who played together in a band called Next Generation. Caleb, The Green's soulful, golden-voiced singer and charismatic front man, had already performed on Hawaii's biggest stages by the time he was 16, with hit songs on heavy rotation on Hawaii radio. His pop/dancehall sensibilities show up strongly on the new album, to which he contributes songs like the sophisticated yet irresistibly catchy "Decisions" and the perpetual-motion "Love & Affection" with its warm but unexpectedly sly lyrics.

Meanwhile singer-guitarist JP Kennedy was honing his own writing skills and blues-and-soul-inspired musical chops while studying engineering and putting together a home recording studio, which remains invaluable to the band as its pre-production headquarters. His songwriting pushes the boundaries of reggae, while still resonating closely with reggae traditions. The contemplative and intensely emotional "That's The Way" and the soul-suffused "Good Vibration" are both forward-thinking, introspective pop songs, while "Jah Love" and "Travlah" evoke the classic sounds of Third World and Steel Pulse respectively.

The other two core members, singer-keyboardist Ikaika Antone and Zion Thompson, had worked together in the band Stir Crazy. When that group split up, the four musical brethren of The Green knew the time had come to make the new band truly flower. Ikaika, with a strong Hawaiian music background, feels a special connection to the land—when the band gigs locally, his whole clan comes out, bringing a real sense of ohana (family) to the shows; his anthemic "Gotta Be" perfectly expresses this side of The Green. Zion, who had previously spent time touring with other bands, recalls that "I missed home, missed my music" when on the road with other musicians; "All I could think about was I want to be [touring] with the boys!" His song "Ways & Means" strongly demonstrates Zion's ability to play with form – jumping from a slower reggae groove to a sped-up ska chorus and back – while still serving up a poignant love song with a soulful delivery.

Righteousness—pono in Hawaiian—is everywhere in The Green's music and its message, and has been since the beginning, when they released the hit single "Love I" from their debut album. The Pier called it "a brilliantly constructed gem of modern reggae music, combining heavy drum and bass with smooth vocal melodies and enchanting lyricism," while Maui Time said the disc "shines like the Honolulu city lights that decorate it."

Why the name "The Green?" As JP explains, "We wanted a name that didn't really point you in any direction. It's just a color, it makes you figure out what you want it to mean." The same can go for the music, according to Zion: "It's OK if it just makes you move, or maybe it's something new for the ear—it's a good challenge to try and get people to open their minds a little."

The band's dominant modern reggae sound has a distinct Hawaiian undercurrent, especially in the lyrics, says Zion. "Even people who don't know Hawaii will realize that we're taking about a beautiful place you can relate to." At the same time, the band reflects a more realistic and modern vision of the Islands, not just the usual Island paradise vibe. The band proudly pushes broader themes of Hawaiian culture and history, while still writing about the day-to-day life they know. They are not afraid to shine a light on reality, as in "That's The Way": "Honolulu, it makes me sick / I never thought that I would say it…"

With songs contributed by all four core members, a strong shot of assistance from touring bassist/producer Brad Watanabe and touring drummer/producer Leslie Ludiazo, and the mixing skills of Danny Kalb (Ben Harper), Michael Goldwasser (Easy Star All-Stars), Jim Fox (Rebelution, SOJA, Israel Vibration), and Matthew Honda, the message of Ways & Means boils down to bringing people together and respecting all people for who they are, whether it's through a love song like the title track, a spiritual like "Jah Love," or a paean to perseverance like "Keep On" on which all four songwriters collaborated.

On Ways & Means the band also interjects doses of R&B, Soul, and Pop, making them an accessible listen to fans outside of reggae circles without diluting their roots. Though The Green is an important player in the new wave of homegrown reggae artists, they stand out with their ability to play both classic roots and modern dancehall, their vocal harmonies recalling reggae's golden age, and their four distinct songwriting and singing voices. With their upcoming extensive US tour kicking off around release date, The Green is poised to break out on a national level.

Natural Vibrations, the Pacific's premiere reggae band, just released their long-awaited and highly anticipated 6th full-length album, titled Got This Music. The project, their first full-length release in five years, is produced by Imua Garza and Brett Ortone, the same production team responsible for blockbuster hit titles by Rebel Souljahz and Kolohe Kai.

A veteran of the Pacific reggae scene for over 15 years, Natural Vibrations has been repeatedly praised by critics for their straight- ahead, no-holds-barred pop/rock/reggae musical style and their dynamic and energetic live concert performances. With its winning combination of the classic Natural Vibrations sound and an edgy, modern production style, Got This Music solidifies Natural Vibrations place at the top of the reggae ladder.

Being Hawaii's top party and dance band, it is only appropriate that the new Natty Vibes album lead off with the hot track "Party & Dance", a hard-driving song about the joys of just letting go in the clubs after a long week of working, complete with blistering lead guitar solos throughout. It is followed by the title track, "Got This Music", a catchy reggae song sung by bass player Jehua Evans with its message of the positive healing power of music.

Lead singer Peni Pua'auli's daughter, Quela Pua'auli–Puahi, is featured on a duet with her father on the song "Don't Worry", a solid mainstream reggae song in the classic Natural Vibrations vein, that is already garnering significant airplay on many top island music stations.

Guitarist Wayne Enos' song compositions include the longing "Anxiously Waiting", a medium-tempo track about anticipating a pleasurable relationship; and the tracks "Can't Stop", and "The Vibes", both featuring guest 2Boi on the mic.

Papa T from B.E.T. is featured on two of Peni's tracks, the upbeat "Are You Ready?" and the pro-ganja dancehall track "Sensi Nation".

One of the song highlights of the Got This Music album is "Sound So Easy" featuring a blazing sax solo from Simplisity's Andy Sexton, one of Natural Vibrations early influences.

Natural Vibrations have big plans for 2011/2011, starting with a series of CD Release Parties throughout Hawaii and the West Coast, followed by an international tour.

Natural Vibrations is booked by Rick Davis at the
Davis Entertainment Agency (808) 239-5867.

Got This Music is released through
Go Aloha Entertainment (808) 478-8176

Na'an Stop is one of the biggest up and coming reggae bands in Colorado whose fusion of roots, rock, reggae and ska will surely get you moving. Formed back in 2010 by 5 students from around the country who met at the University of Colorado, Na'an Stop has quickly developed a unique sound that is hard to resist. The vibrant horn section, 3 piece harmonies, and alternating bass and guitar players are just some of the traits making this band one of a kind. With original music composed by three different lead singers, this bands seductive style is no imitation. From house parties to the big stage, these kids know how to put on a show.

Billy Van is a unique combination of hyper aggressive sounds, funky improvisation, and pop songwriting. Infectious melodies and stirring progressions are the foundation of his music, and his ability contrast those beautifully delicate crafts with filthy bass interjections has captured millions of listeners.

Billy's first introduction to the EDM world came via YouTube remix/covers that he fondly calls "remashes". Taking current pop hits, mashing them together harmonically and lyrically, he would recreate the tracks as EDM bangers and cut fresh vocals on top. This video series has received millions of views to date.

After seeing the response to these videos, Billy quickly put together an EP of dubstep remixes, the Cardigan EP. Featuring remixes of LMFAO, Breathe Carolina, Chris Brown, Lights, and Eiffel 65, this mix of classic hits and current jams spanned demographics and reached many new ears. With some creative marketing, the EP was downloaded for free by over 7 million people. The viral success of this remix EP firmly secured Billy as a EDM/Pop force to be reckoned with.

The Cardigan remixes paved the way for Billy's original music. In October of 2012, He released his debut full length album, Retro Punch. This collection of originals displayed the versatility of Billy's production, featuring electro house, dubstep, drumstep, moombahcore, and glitch hop tracks all in one expertly crafted LP. The songs all feature Billy's unique musicality. Retro Punch debuted at number 61 in the iTunes Top 100 Dance Charts.

Its clear that Billy Van is just getting started, and with a dedication to his craft and break-neck pace, Billy is on his way to the top.