EastWestRockers took reggae scene by surprise already 2 years ago, when first
local shows brought attention of the polish massive. Combination of originality
and oustanding skills and charisma of sing-jays: Ras Luta, Grizzlee and Cheeba,
quickly ensured the position in the first league of polish reggae/dancehall. We
were voted 'Best Sound of 2005' in reggae magazine "Free Colours", soon after
taking part in annual Soundclash2005 with 3 other polish sounds.
The focus soon shifted from clash and dance to studio, when EastWestRockers link
up with Pionear - the man behind Germaican Records and number of international
reggae hits, including Tanya Stephans 'It's a pity'. Even though in last 2 years
all of EastWestRockers singers - Grizzlee, Cheeba and Ras Luta - were featured
on different riddim albums and compilations [including several 12' and 45s
releases], it was Germaican/TamTam Rec. compilation 'Polish Fire' that provided
first airplay and media focus on the whole crew. On a compilation with selection
of top polish artists on Germaican riddims, 5 out of 20 tune were performed by
Luta, Grizzlee or Cheeba - all of them being 'big tunes' in dancehall circuit.
Soon after the first 45 release from EastWestRockers BlessYa/Energia [both of
them on the album] stirred up clubs all over Poland and even in Leipzig,
Germany, where the tune was voiced and mixed by Pionear/Nachtingal [Germaican Rec].
It was Pionear himself who was responsible for voicing most of the material for
the debut album. Riddims were provided by polish (JuniorBwoy, Feel-X, Mista
Pita, Mouse Studio) and international (House of Riddim (A), Black House
Production (FR)) producers; Warsaw based JuniorBwoy, a production team
consisting of drumer and key player of most popular polish reggae band
Vavamuffin, were also responsible for mixing the whole record.
The album goes by the name of 'Hard Times' which, as the artist themselves put
it is the shortest description of sitiuation in Poland, and in fact, all over
the world right now. The album is conscius all the way, but alongside strong
spiritual Rasta message you find some lovers and bashment tunes - still no
guntalk or slackness, seen? Ras Luta, Grizzlee and Cheeba voiced 14 tunes in
polish and jamaican patois; featured guests are Ill Inspecta from Germaican
camp, the UK reggae sensation - YT, and top polish artists - Jr.Stress, Miod
[from Jamal crew] and Rastuch. Artwork, as well as posters and website of
EastWestRockers is designed by Jah_Laptop, second selector and VJ
(visuals+lights operator) of the sound system.
From the beginning of 2007 the whole crew, with 3 singers, 2 selectors and
countless guests, is going on tour across Poland and Europe, playing sound
system shows together with the live showcase. Last month first EastWestRockers
video for 'Dok..d tak biegniesz' single was produced and is mashing up the music
stations. Right now we are touring most of polish reggae festivals, and getting
ready for some new releases. Link up!
