The Red Eyes
Australia
Unique Antipodean Reggae
The Red Eyes, “Melbourne’s own Reggae Superstars”, have firmly established their position as one of Australia’s leading original Dub/Reggae acts. Known for their explosive live shows, the 7-piece combines masterful beats and shake the house dub rhythms with heartfelt lyrics that offer a unique antipodean spin on the broad Reggae genre. The band is led on stage by enigmatic front man El Witeri who draws on his Maori heritage for inspiration.
Recent release Red Army received critical acclaim including a nomination for Best Blues & Roots Album at the 2010 Australian Independent Record Label Awards and Album of the Week on PBS FM and Radio Australia. Building on their 9 year history and the success of previous full length release Rudeworld (2007) and EP’s Prolific/My Kingdom (2005) and Highplace (2004), The Red Eyes have enjoyed solid airplay in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, the Pacific Islands and Canada, collectively selling over 12,000 albums and EP’s worldwide.
Since their inception in 2002 The Red Eyes have toured widely in Australia, regularly playing at major festivals nationwide including Woodford Folk Festival, Pyramid Rock, Meredith, Peats Ridge, Bellingen Global Carnival, Great Escape Festival, St Kilda Festival, Raggamuffin, Earthcore and Island Vibe. International performances include Fest du Nord in New Caledonia, and forthcoming appearances at Fest Napuan in Vanuatu and a string of dates in NZ will see them further extend their pacific reach. They have supported or been billed alongside artists including Mary J Blige, Jimmy Cliff, Maxi Priest, Horace Andy, Luciano, The Mad Professor, Easy Star All Stars, Dub Syndicate, The Original Wailers, Salmonella Dub, The Black Seeds, Katchafire, Cornerstone Roots, Concord Dawn, Sola Rosa, Pitch Black and The Resin Dogs to name a few.
“People, the word is out – The Red Eyes are definitely on the next big thing list. Melbourne’s dub/reggae superstars, The Red Eyes, will bring their unique sound, masterfully produced beats, and soulful lyrics to Bluesfest 2011 – and we can’t wait to have them!” (Bluesfest program, 2011)
“Melbourne’s very own Reggae Superstars” (PBS FM)
“The Red Eyes have cemented their status as one of Australia’s greatest exponents of dub reggae... easily matching the standard set by similar acts from New Zealand including Salmonella Dub, Black Seeds and Fat Freddy’s Drop.” (Chris Familton, Faster Louder, June 2010)
‘The Red Eyes’ fan base flock to hear the Melbourne outfit’s party dub sound.’ (Rolling Stone Australia, April 2007)
‘…such is the power of top-shelf dub. True to the spirit and messages of the music’s long history, The Red Eyes are breathing new life into dub in Australia and are doing it with soul and authenticity.’ (In The Mix)
THE RED EYES BAND MEMBERS
El Witeri (Vocals)
Damien Charles (Guitar, BV’s)
Pat Kilby (Bass)
Jimi Orr (Saxophone, Samples, Percussion)
Adrian Shaw (Trumpet, BV’s, Percussion)
Nig