From backyard BBQs in Southern California beach towns to its rise as one of the most popular reggae rock bands in the country, Fortunate Youth remains devoted to its roots and a simple mission: Spread peace, love, and unity with music.  It’s a mantra of sorts for the multi-faceted sextet from Hermosa Beach, driving a relentless thirst for live performances and an ever-evolving cache of original material dotted with influences of blues, ska, rock, world, soul, and punk. ​ Dedicated to performing live, the ensemble has logged countless miles across the globe, with F.Y. supporting brethren such as Slightly Stoopid, Stick Figure, and SOJA.

Bumpin Uglies' new album, Lyrics Over Everything, hits all the right notes and then some. With 14 tracks of reggae-punk-ska brilliance coupled with a hint of folksy bluegrass, this Annapolis-based band showcases their unique sound, drawing on influences from every corner of the musical universe. Whether it’s the introspective musings of “Underdog” or the infectious energy of “Passion Is Contagious,” the album is a testament to their DIY ethos and relentless dedication. Lyrics Over Everything includes a track of the same name. Released earlier this year, this single is a heady mix of heartfelt lyricism and driving beats, featuring another Maryland native, Joey Harkum. Hardesty's vocal delivery is raw and unapologetic, a perfect fit for the song’s theme of prioritizing authenticity over superficiality. This track supports the tone for an album that is both introspective and outwardly rebellious. The standout track “High Hopes” blends upbeat tempos with a catchy chorus, making it impossible not to tap your feet. “Stanley,” with its folksy charm and heavy sax interludes, gives a nod to the band's ability to blend genres seamlessly. Meanwhile, “Cheat Codes” channels pure punk energy with Hardesty’s biting lyrics and rapid-fire delivery, leaving no room for pretense. Each song tells a story, with lyrics that are as poignant as they are punchy. “Maryland Boys” is a love letter to the band’s home state, featuring a surprise hip-hop verse that adds a fresh twist to their sound. On the other hand, “Spinning Plates” captures the anxiety and hustle of modern life, wrapped in a bouncy, upbeat melody that belies its deeper themes. Drummer T.J. Haslett’s mastery is on full display in tracks like “Forever to Go,” where his drumming propels the song forward with an anthemic drive. The band’s ability to shift gears effortlessly is evident in “Yin and the Yang,” a beautiful ode to Hardesty’s wife, Sophia, that showcases his distinctive vibrato. As they gear up for their biggest tour yet, also titled Lyrics Over Everything, Bumpin Uglies prove that they’re not just playing music—they’re living it. From Cali Vibes to Everwild, their festival appearances have cemented their place in the scene. Not to mention the annual festival put on by Bumpin Uglies, Weekend at Wolfies. This new album is sure to keep them on the radar of both longtime fans and new listeners alike. Bumpin Uglies are: Brandon Hardesty (vocals, lead guitar), Brent Schraffenberger (bass), T.J. Haslett (drums), Ethan Lichtenberger (keys, trombone, trumpet, backing vocals), and Will Lopez (saxophone). With a discography that spans over a decade, including notable albums like Go Folk Yourself (2012) and Mid-Atlantic Dub (2022), this band continues to evolve while staying true to their roots. Join them as they redefine the boundaries of music genres and deliver an experience that is as genuine as it is electrifying.

Josh Heinrichs is a stalwart in the American and worldwide reggae community. Beginning his own reggae band, Jah Roots, in Springfield, Missouri in 2001 as well as forming his own record label, GanJah Records with his wife, Kaytee. Josh wrote and recorded 5 albums with his former band, Jah Roots, and gained a loyal independent following via Myspace and a tireless touring schedule from 2005-2009. Josh left Jah Roots in 2009 to pursue a solo career and since starting his solo career, he has released a #1 Billboard Reggae album(Good Vibes 2016) & seven other, Top 10 debuting albums. As a solo artist, Josh has toured the entire USA coast to coast multiple times with acts like SOJA, Tribal Seeds & Fortunate Youth and has performed 5 Hawaiian Islands tours with different acts such as J Boog, Anuhea & Ooklah The Moc. Josh has also performed for the island nation of Guam, twice,both times arriving to great fanfare with multiple local Guam television & radio media outlets covering his arrival & performance and thousands of screaming fans singing every word along with Josh during his performances at The Trenchfest Festival at the Guam Greyhound track alongside other acts Katchafire, Iration, Cas Haley, Fortunate Youth and The Green. Over the years since Josh's 2001 start, he has shared the stage along the way with many headline acts like Bob Marley's children(Ziggy,Stephen, Damian,etc...), George Clinton, The Wailers, 311, Slightly Stoopid and many more. Josh has made numerous appearances at music festivals all over the USA, Guam and Hawaii from 4 appearances at The largest Reggae festival in USA, California Roots, to multiple appearances at The Austin, TX Reggae Fest, Chicago Reggae Fest as well as appearances on some of the largest non-Reggae festivals as well like Wakarusa, Summercamp, Gathering of the Vibes and many more. Josh also hosts his own Springfield,MO Reggae Fest annually every year in October which has welcomed acts like SOJA, Junior Marvin of Bob Marley and The Wailers, Marlon "Ganja Farmer" Asher, Natural Vibrations, Mike Pinto and many more to Springfield, Missouri to come perform with Josh in his hometown where he still resides. With all these accolades, years of touring and constantly promoting positive Reggae music through out the world. Josh's form of Reggae music and message remain a constant driving force behind the current reggae scene, worldwide.