Resilient Reggae

It’s going to take more than the end of the world to stop Darky Roots’ rise to reggae recognition.

After a summer of earthquakes to their homeland, and floods to their adopted one, Brisbane-based reggae band Darky Roots have emerged proud of their progress and optimistic for their future. “Every single show we’ve booked has been a success, we’ve been really lucky,” lead singer/ songwriter Josh Hillman says.

The band of patriotic New Zealanders were shocked with the news of their home being rocked by the tragic Christchurch earthquakes last month. Not content with watching helplessly from afar, Darky Roots were immediately finding ways to help out; first up, a benefit gig here in Brisbane. “Definitely, we put our hand up for that one straight away. No haggling over fees, none of the bands are getting paid, and we didn’t even ask about that. It’s a small thing we can do to help.”

Memories of their home country were fresh, after a January tour of the country described as the highlight of the band’s career. “Me and our keyboardist played in our home town, and we were invited to play at our primary school, which was pretty special. We self-funded the tour, with no grants or anything ... and were able to go back there, and not lose money.“

While the band have quickly grown to love their home in Australia, the trip home certainly reminded them of life back across the Tasman. “(We miss home) more so now after going back, I’d say, seeing the reggae scene there especially. Reggae music gets played on mainstream over there, it’s pretty different! It’s harder being here and plotting away, when over there they are getting the success and the recognition, really.”

With a rapidly expanding fanbase, Darky Roots will soon return to the studio to record their first full length LP. “It’s definitely going to have more of a dancehall flavour, and we’re getting some guest musicians on board to help. (The shift in focus) is definitely a personal thing, this album is really not trying to worry what people think, it’s going to be really self indulgent.”

With reputation firmly set on the up, Hillman knows he can afford to experiment a little. “If people like it, then that’s great. If not, at least they know where we stand.”

DARKY ROOTS PLAY ‘WE ARE 1’ AT THE HI-FI APRIL 2.