Music Style Roots,Rock,Reggae,Dub,Ska, Rocksteady

Musical Influences Delroy Wilson,Bob Marley and the Wailers, Ernest Ranglin, Lyn Taitt

Artist History IRIE BEATS is what you might call rough and tough reggae. Heavy downbeats, slick hi-hats, and rockers, with a touch of love. They have many influences from the old traditional ska to the modern dancehall rhythms. They play it from their hearts, feel it in their bones, and it oozes out of their blood. They are the real deal. IRIE BEATS was formed around late 95' early 96' by Robert Sotelo, Tom "Norm" Ochoa, and Henry Vargas. It all started as just a Jam out instrumental band and it lasted like that for a while. Then Henry, who played the drums, left and it went down from there... But that didn't last for too long. They soon added a second guitar and a new drummer. The line up then became Robert Sotelo-guitar, Tom "Norm" Ochoa-bass, Noe Santana-2nd guitar, and John Solis-drums. They got down to business and started writing songs and rehearsing. They also added a lead vocalist, Malik Moore, who has a sweet soulful sound. They soon got their first gig through Steady Beat opening for Ocean 11, and Mobtown, two legendary ska bands from their hometown Los Angeles. That show was a blast! It's a show I certainly won't forget. From there they continued to play more show with bands like The Slackers, Quinto Sol, Jump with Joey, Let's Go Bowling, The Congos, Mystic Revealers and many other bands. During that time they went in to the studio for Steady Beat Records and recorded a seven song EP C.D. around May Of 97', which was not released until 99.' By that time their music had become pure instrumentals. They were more into the dub sound and skinhead reggae. Around early 2000 Tom "Norm; Ochoa left the group as did John. They then added Allen Teboul (Allentons, Slackers) on Drums and Eddie "Chiquis" Lozoya on Bass. It was like starting all over again. (Allen was only in the group for about six months. He left to New York to be close to his family. There he joined the Slackers.) John returned to the line up in late 2000 with Robert Sotelo on guitar, Noe Santana also on guitar, John Solis on Drums, and Eddie "Chiquis" Lozoya playing the bass. Around springtime of 2001, Noe and Chiquis discovered the strong, soulful, rough vocal sound of Al Khaalik as they were walking outside of a club they had just played that night. They introduced themselves to him and invited him to join the band. He is now part of IRIE BEATS. The group sounds stronger than ever and their music has matured undoubtedly. They are more conscious and they play with a belief in their music. So, everyone look out 'cuz IRIE BEATS is in full effect and your gonna feel the reggae vibes in your bones just as they do. Jah Bless IRIE BEATS

Group Members Noe-Guitar, Robert-Guitar, Eddie-Bass Guitar, Jason:Drums, Kai Ransom:Vocals

Albums Downtown Reaction - 1999 Steady Beat Recordings

Location Bell Gardens, CAL. - USA

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