BIO
Hailing from Kirikiriroa in Aotearoa (Hamilton in New Zealand) KATCHAFIRE have become a global roots reggae phenomenon with the all-Maori band bringing their pure classic sound to music lovers worldwide delivering one of the most authentic Reggae shows around.
With six successful albums, platinum sales, hit singles, and a massive fanbase selling out shows around the world, 2022 sees KATCHAFIRE celebrating 25 years of existence.
Their sound is built on the foundations of classic roots reggae with an R’n’B and funk rub, fusing modern dancehall and with slinky pop, cool grooves and uplifting vibes.
Built on a family movement, it all started when lead guitarist Grenville Bell, father of lead singer Logan Bell & drummer Jordan Bell, moved into an apartment building in town with his then teenage sons where they could make music all night, and the rest is history...
After countless jams and sold-out concerts, they swelled to an 8-piece collective of multi-talented songwriters and musicians and became a staple on Pacific Roots scenes around the world.
KATCHAFIRE’s popularity and critical acclaim has seen them share the stage with artists from Damien Marley, Steel Pulse, UB40, The Wailers, to Michael Franti and Spearhead and many more. They've garnered respect from the likes of Don Letts (acclaimed documentary maker and Clash tour DJ), music journalist David Katz, and have been championed on the airwaves by radio legends such as Steve Barker (BBC), Charlie Gillet (BBC) and David Rodigan (Kiss FM and others) to name a few.
Through height of the Covid19 pandemic KATCHAFIRE spent time in Aotearoa studios recording new music and now look forward to their first overseas shows since the pandemic began.
The band are also heading to the UK and Europe in June/July 2022 and have a North American tour in the pipeline. Katchafire have long been prolific international tourers and 2021 was the first year the band did not tour overseas in over eighteen years.
Not resting on their laurels whilst international borders were closed, Katchafire released two new singles “Circle Back” and “Whaingaroa” as well as re-releasing their “100” single from the Legacy album in Te Reo (Māori language) as part of the Waiata / Anthems documentary series – “Karawhiua”- and have more new music on the way soon.
There is no stopping the ‘Fire!!
“They transformed the place into a freedom-founded club where the only rule was to enjoy the music. No external force could stop the fire!”
KDHX 88.1 (USA)
“Katchafire just keep coming up with goods. Their songwriting ability over the years has become second-to-none and time has allowed them to develop older songs to a point of perfection.”
ARTSHUB (Australia)
“The band has matured into one of the most cherished, original live reggae bands in the world.”
THE BRAG (Australia)
“The crowd reaction indicated that almost every song played was a crowd favourite in itself.”
FASTERLOUDER (Australia)
“The band's energy was consistently through the roof, making it impossible not to get lost in the music. They had everyone in the room skanking to the riddims (or at the very least, bobbing their head to the beat).”
TOPSHELFREGGAE (USA)
“They were smiling and dancing on stage in such purity that you couldn’t help but move your body. Everywhere I looked people were dancing… it was impossible not to get pulled into the jams.”
SHOWSIGOTO.COM (USA)
DISCOGRAPHY - ALBUMS
“Legacy” (2018 – Universal Music NZ/Zojak Worldwide)
“Best So Far” Compilation (2013 – VP/Greensleeves)
“On The Road Again” (2010 – EMI/Lion House Records)
“Say What You’re Thinking” (2007 – EMI)
“Slow Burning” (2005 – Mai/Shock)
“Revival” (2003 – Shock/BMG)
AWARDS
Group Of The Year – Island Music Awards, Hawaii (Nominee – 2018)
Best Roots Artist – New Zealand Music Awards (Nominee – 2018)
Best Maori Artist – New Zealand Music Awards (Nominee – 2018)
Best International Band – British Reggae Music Awards (Nominee – 2012)
Highest Selling Single - New Zealand Music Awards (Winner – 2003)
MAJOR EVENTS
Arizona Music & Arts Festival, USA
Austin Reggae Festival, Texas USA
Bay Dreams Festivals, New Zealand
Byron Bay Bluesfest, Australia
California Roots Music & Arts Festival, Monteray USA
Caloundra Music Festival, Australia
East Coast Vibes Festival, New Zealand
Glastonbury Festival, UK
Good Love Festival, Australia
Good Vibes Festivals, New Zealand
Gulf Country Frontier Days Festival, Australia
Island Reggae Festival, San Jose USA
Island Vibe Festival, San Diego USA
Island Vibes Festival, Australia
Jackson Hole Mountain Festival, Wyoming USA
Lake Tahoe Reggae Festival, Nevada USA
MayJah RayJah Music Festival, Hawaii USA
No Logo Festival, France
One Love Cali Reggae Fest, Long Beach USA
One Love Festival, New Zealand
Orange County Fair, USA
Ostroda Reggae Festival, Poland
Pot Of Gold Festival, Arizona USA
Rebel Music Festival, Somo USA
Reggae On The Mountain, Topanga USA
Reggae Sun Ska Festival, France
Shaka Fest, Maui USA
Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, Santa Cruz USA
Soundsplash Festival, New Zealand
Summer Haze Festival, New Zealand
Summerjam Festival, Germany
Sun-Dried Vibes Festival, Denver USA
Sundown Festival, New Zealand
The Pleasure Garden Festival, Australia
Trench Fest, Guam
Victoria Ska Festival, Canada
West Beach Music & Arts Festival, Santa Barbara US
FOR PROMOTIONAL ASSETS PLEASE GO HERE:
https://onepagelink.com/KatchafireLegacy/