Dubkonscious is a Hawaiian Roots Reggae band livicated to changing the thinking and oppressive governmental structure of modern society within the islands and throughout the world. Through music we strive to bring about positive change and create a unified society in this crucial time when money hungry politicians and corporate rule threaten the existence of all life on this planet.
History:
Formed in late 2004, Dubkonscious sprang onto the Oahu music scene, playing their first shows in April of 2005. The original progressive roots-reggae band was immediately well received by island roots fans. With an ever-growing fan base reaching throughout the islands and the mainland U.S., Dubkonscious created a distinctive buzz with the underground release of their Live at KTUH radio recording, receiving local airplay unprecedented for a roots-reggae act.
A ten-piece band, Dubkonscious is made up of many accomplished and talented musicians. Lead vocalist/keyboardist, songwriter and arranger Mike Love has played with many local bands including Melodious Solutions, Ooklah the Moc, Mike Love Band, Father Psalms Band, THC/Humble Soul, and Stir Crazy, playing keys, trombone, guitar and bass. Bassist Blaine Mateo has backed many reggae legends and local singers with his band Hot Rain. Drummer Sam “Ites” Gonsalves has played with lead singer Mike Love in virtually every project they have worked on, so when the previous drummer quit the band, Sam filled the role perfectly, tightening up the band with his steady pocket. Trombonist Keola Nakamura and trumpeter Bernie Soriano played together previously in local ska/reggae group The Redlites, and late comer Brandon Hutson, from Oregon filled out the horn section, adding live dub effects as well.
The two guitarists–brothers Brett and Kevin Richards–have played with various local reggae bands in Hawai’i as well as in their native Huntington Beach, CA. The two female vocalists of the group, Paula Fuga and Koalani Lagareta, provide the grounding motherly vibrations that make the band whole, creating the classic reggae trinity of singers. Paula has released a solo album, Lilikoi, in the U.S and Japan, and an E.P. Misery’s End featuring members of Dubkonscious as well as Jack Johnson and Ziggy Marley.
Dubkonscious continues to push the boundaries of roots-reggae music, incorporating genres like rock, jazz and fusion while staying true to the foundation roots dub sound created by bands like Bob Marley and the Wailers, Lee “Scratch” Perry and The Abyssinians. With their energetic live shows, Dubkonscious continues to pack nightclubs throughout Oahu and open for visiting international acts.
With the 2011 release of their debut album, At the Foot of the Mountain…, Dubkonscious is preparing to get right back in the studio, as well as continue giving passionate live performances filled with improvisation and energy. The devotion of the musicians within the band and the ever growing fan base leave no doubt that Dubkonscious will be playing Jah music and spreading positive vibrations for years to come.
