“Reggae music is all about unity, and speaking truth,” explains John Brown’s Body bassist Dan Africano when speaking about their upcoming shows in Colorado. The band will be rolling through the state later this week, with upcoming shows in Frisco (Feb. 9th @ The Barkley Ballroom), Denver (Feb. 10th @ Cervantes Other Side) and Boulder (Feb. 11th @ The Fox Theatre) and with their energetic and upbeat live performances, they hope to bring some positivity to their fans in trying times. Currently out on the road in support of their most recent album, Fireflies, the band is on top of the world, and want to bring their fans along for the ride.
Just this week, John Brown’s Body released the music video for “Hard Man Fe Dead,” which can be seen below. Fans can pick up their new album Fireflies NOW on Easy Star Records, catch them live in Colorado this week, and on tour throughout the rest of this month. Purchase tickets here!
Interview by Dom Vigil
You guys are currently out on the road in support of your most recent album, Fireflies. Are there any songs from the album that you’re particularly excited to be playing for fans?
Dan Africano [bass]: “Who Paid Them Off?” is a big tune that’s especially relevant to the current state of political affairs in this country. It’s basically pointing the finger at all corrupt politicians who continue to run the country in the interest of very few people and the almighty dollar. On a more positive and uplifting note, Hard Man Fe Dead is always a crowd pleaser. It’s a celebratory tune that makes it impossible to be still. It’s relentless.
Did you have any goals in mind when you were working on Fireflies?
To present these songs in the toughest way possible. The band has gone through, and continues to go through changes, and it’s always a goal to be true to what the band represents, no matter who’s writing the songs or who’s performing them on the record. Also, teaming up with Dub Fader (Craig Welsch), who was a collaborator with JBB many years ago, and went on to form 10ft. Ganja Plant, was a stylistic decision to incorporate his dub heavy production into the record.
How do you feel you’ve grown with the creation of the album and the months following its release?
We’ve been really satisfied with the sounds and overall package of the album. A lot of times it’s easy to look back, or take a listen months after the release of a record and find something that we should’ve done differently, but this record really has been a pleasure to revisit since it’s release.
What would you like fans to be able to take away from Fireflies or your upcoming tour dates?
There’s a lot of injustice and shady things going on in the world today, and it’s easy to look past much of the positivity that I feel like our music speaks about and promotes. Reggae music is all about unity, and speaking truth. I hope our fans can take that message to heart and realize that we’re in it together, which is the only way to make it better.
What are you looking forward to the most on your upcoming tour dates?
Well, we always love playing in Colorado. Some of our best fans are here. So playing in this state is always a highlight. Other than that, we’re visiting some places we haven’t been to in a long time as well as some of our favorite cities in the Pacific NW. I expect to meet some beautiful people along the way, which is one of the best things about touring.
What can fans, whether they’re first time listeners or long-time fans expect from these upcoming shows?
JBB is a band that’s been around for a long time. We’ve got many members that aren’t original, but one thing that is standing out to me lately is how well we’re clicking both on stage and off. Our shows have elevated in energy and vibe in the past year and I’m excited for people to see the continued progression of the band.
You’re going to be playing three shows in Colorado on this run! Is there anything you’re excited to do or any places you want to visit while you’re here?
I’ve got family in Colorado, and I used to live here many years ago, so I’m always excited to tour through here because I can reconnect with people that are special to me that I don’t get to see on a regular basis.
What makes these upcoming shows in Frisco, Denver and Boulder special to you?
Killer fans! Fans of the band and fans of live music in general. Colorado knows how to get down.
Looking toward the rest of the year, do you have any big goals for 2017?
We’ll be putting together a few things for later in the year that I’m not at liberty to talk about quite yet. Keep your finger on the pulse..
Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Just that we’re stoked for the opportunity to continue doing what we do. That we have the fans and support to keep it going. It really means a lot. Thanks!
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