Embracing their reggae and ska roots, festival favourite Koahlition are back with a new single ‘Rastaman Inside’, available now on all digital platforms. With their first release since their 2013 debut album ‘Under The Sun’, the multicultural act from Koah, Far North Queensland teamed up with Jamacian producer Stephen Maxwell (Katchafire) for the Bob Marley inspired track, the song a tribute to the reggae icon.
It was in the latter half of the 70’s that Rohan Rusch first heard Bob Marley and The Wailers, with his music instantly striking a chord with the Koahlition frontman.
“At that particular time our family was living in a housing commission on Murray Street in West Cairns, and being a bit of a rebel I was attracted to the music. There was definitely a stigma attached to us so called hoods from Murray Street which was relative to what Bob was singing about. The philosophy and feelings in Bob’s songs sat well with me and reiterated my parents philosophy that ‘honesty was the best policy” said Rohan Rusch.
Borrowing his brothers guitar and learning upside down (due to being left handed), Rusch found reggae rythyms natural to him. After many years of performing the reggae legends music, Rusch thought it was fitting to write a tribute to the man who inspired him.
“I have enjoyed playing Bob Marley’s songs for pleasure and as a professional musician for many years now. I also write original songs in the Reggae genre so I wanted to thank Bob Marley for the many years of goodness he has given me”.
The track ‘Rastaman Inside’ also featured as well as being recorded/produced by Jamacian producer Stephen Maxwell from legendary NZ reggae outfit Katchafire.
“Stephen was great to work with. He does his best to deliver what you want and is also a producer and writer himself which is very beneficial.He is also a very nice person,quietly spoken and patient and honest so that always makes for a comfortable recording situation.He also communicated well and met my budget and timeline .Not to mention contributed his musical skills and played a mean lead break in the song.”
With an upcoming performance at The Tanks Arts Centre supporting the Melbourne Ska Ochestra on September 15th, the band will be reunited with MSO frontman Nicky Bomba after jamming with him at a house concert last year.
“A real nice guy. The whole band just loved jamming and meeting him. We have played ska and reggae in FNQ for many years now so it was a match made in heaven for us. I first saw him at Reggaetown Festival and was very inspired by his talent and how he warmed to the crowd”.
Koahlition perform at The Tanks Arts Centre on Sat 15th Sep supporting MELBOURNE SKA OCHESTRA. Doors open 6.30pm. Show starts 7.00pm. Tickets from ticketlink.com
Koahlition – Rastaman Inside is available now from bandcamp and all digital stores.
Mitch Sullivan
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