The Aggrolites

Norwich! Are you ready for some dirty reggae? Of course you are. L.A band The Aggrolites are heading to Norwich, armed with their Dirty Reggae sound and a lust for a wild night with you guys at The Owl Sanctuary. I spoke To Roger Rivas, who plays his organ with the band (fnar) about all things Aggro.

How did you start making music, as individuals and as a band?

Everyone in the band has a unique story of how they individually became musicians. As a band we started making music because we were going to record our first album. Initially, The Aggrolites started as musicians that met during the course of a recording project for Derrick Morgan. We began to play local shows doing cover songs of classic Skinhead Reggae & Rocksteady tunes. As soon as we decided to create an album (Dirty Reggae), that’s when the original Aggro written songs first came out.  Songs that would include each members flavour and style….Dirty Reggae!

What’s the reggae scene like in L.A?

Los Angeles is very fortunate! We have had the pleasure of travelling the world with The Aggrolites. Also been able to witness first hand the “scenes” and “subculture” that is associated with this beautiful music out of Jamaica. Los Angeles is a hub for other scenes worldwide to visit. We have so many GREAT shows every month. It’s quite amazing! It’s a definite testament to the promoters, venues, fans, and musicians.  

Are there certain states in the U.S that ‘get’ your music more than others?

Just like any country, you are going to have the hotspots. Cities like Chicago, New York, Boston, San Francisco….the list goes on. These major cities always show their love for The Aggrolites and continue to “get” what we are doing. That’s not to say other places are blind to it. To answer your question, I would say No. We get love everywhere across the U.S. They all “get it”! 

I bet you down very well at festivals with your feel good groove; do you have any particular favourites to play at?

Hmm. I think our favourites to play usually vary from show to show or tour to tour. For example we are currently gathering a list of songs to play this European tour. They all become a favourite to play from time to time.

Who or what influences your sound?

We get asked this question a lot. Usually when you ask a band this question they will list other bands that play similar music. Even though that IS the case with Aggros, there is also a heap of other genres and artists that we listen to. Once again, it is all unique to every individual from the band. Speaking for myself even though my heart will always be with the Jamaican music, my taste is very eclectic. It’s not something I am consciously trying to do. It’s natural. Being real! Whether it’s Hip-Hop, Funk, Samba, Neo-Soul if it sounds good and triggers feeling or emotion in me then I am on board. However targeting in on what becomes the “Dirty Reggae” sound, I would have to say it’s an influence of bands and artists like Jackie Mittoo, Toots and The Maytals, Studio 1, Pama, The list goes on and on.

There are a couple of covers on your most recent album, including The Beatles. Was it a daunting prospect to cover one of the biggest bands ever?

The Aggrolites are big fans of The Beatles. The song Don’t Let Me Down was done in a reggae style way before The Aggrolites did it. It’s a classic tune for both fans of early reggae and fans of rock music. Obviously it’s a classic for any fan of The Beatles. It’s only natural we would do our version of it. Such a great song! It has become a classic at any Aggrolite show.