Rebel Zion is a band that believes in the power of music to move and unite people. A Utah band with roots in Hawai’i as well as Salt Lake City, they perform some of the best roots reggae and infuse it with some tight hip hop beats and vintage soul. “Rebel Zion brings it every night. They’re definitely a crowd pleaser, and deliver some seriously soulful roots music.” says Reed Hew-Len co-founder of Many Islands Music and Pacific Sound Productions.
With a debut CD recorded at Salt Lake Recording Services nearing completion, they’re gigging consistently throughout the Salt Lake Valley. Regarding their forthcoming album, front man Kimo Watanabe states, “For us, it’s all about that raw, soulful, roots music, and I don’t think anybody could’ve captured that better than the guys at SLRS.” The album, which consists of mostly original reggae tracks also includes a couple choice acoustic tracks and dub mixes. The album is currently being mastered at the House of Blues studios in Memphis Tennessee.
Rebel Zion is a collaboration of master musicians from around the valley and was formed with the goal to create positive and empowering musical experiences for all those involved. “I couldn’t have asked for a better group of musicians and guys to create music with. It’s been an amazing experience to play music that the crowd responds to so positively. There’s an energy, that’s generated and shared between the band and crowd, and that makes it all worthwhile.” says Watanabe. Rebel Zion has opened for Reggae legends such as Don Carlos and Pato Banton, and has headlined at some of the best reggae venues in Utah.
Looking forward to the release of their debut album, Rebel Zion is excited for 2010, and connecting with more music lovers.
Rebel Zion is:
Page McGinnis – Lead Guitar
Aaron Okura – Bass
Shaun Thomas – Drums
Kimo Watanabe – Acoustic Guitar & Vocals
