Overseas ska: A roundup of must-know representative bands
SKA is a music genre that emerged in Jamaica in the 1950s and 1960s, said to have been born under the influence of American jazz and R&B, as well as “mento,” a Jamaican folk style.
Even if you know little about ska, you’ve probably heard its beat with the accented 2nd and 4th counts at least once—ska elements are actually woven into a wide variety of genres.
For those who want to start listening to SKA, we’ll introduce a range of iconic international bands across multiple styles—from original ska to 2 Tone, neo-ska, ska punk, and ska-core!
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Overseas ska: A roundup of must-know representative bands (41–50)
Out All NightThe Pietasters
The Pietasters are a ska/soul band formed in Washington, D.
C.
, in 1990.
Starting as a party project among friends, the group with its diverse musical style released its debut album in 1993.
In 1997, they signed with Hellcat/Epitaph and put out releases such as Willis and Awesome Mix Tape #6.
Amid the ska boom, they toured with The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and performed with Joe Strummer, playing shows around the world.
In 2002, they even shared the stage with James Brown.
Blending elements of Two-Tone ska, soul, and punk, their music is recommended not only for ska fans but for listeners across many genres.
Overseas Ska: A roundup of must-know representative bands (51–60)
Free TimeThe Aggrolites
The American reggae band The Aggrolites was formed in Los Angeles, California, in 2002.
They are known for their unique “dirty reggae,” which incorporates elements of 1960s soul and funk.
Their debut album, Dirty Reggae, was released in 2003, followed by a wide range of releases including The Aggrolites and Reggae Hit L.
A.
Their achievements have been recognized with accolades such as winning Best Reggae Album at the IGN Awards.
Their music has also gained wide exposure through placements in films like Bandslam and 50/50.
With dynamic live performances, they are a band beloved by reggae fans around the world.
Simmer downThe Wailers
Even people who aren’t into reggae or ska have probably heard the name of “the God of Reggae,” Bob Marley, and know some of his famous songs.
While Bob has long been respected by countless artists and music fans as a legendary reggae musician, he actually started out playing ska when he began his music career in the 1960s.
It’s only natural, since tracing reggae’s history leads back to ska, but the fact that Bob was active in the ska genre with a group called The Wailers might not be widely known unless you’re well-versed in the topic.
Formed in 1961 by three musicians who would later become pivotal figures in reggae history—Bob, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailer—The Wailers released their debut album, The Wailing Wailers, in 1965, recorded at Studio One, a cornerstone of ska history.
The hit song “Simmer Down,” backed by The Skatalites, and “One Love,” which would become one of Bob’s signature solo tracks, were in fact composed during this period as ska, making these recordings truly precious.
Please enjoy the fresh, youthful voices of these legendary reggae musicians!
Don QuixoteCherry Poppin’ Daddies
The Cherry Poppin’ Daddies’ music mostly mixes swing and ska.
They’re a one-of-a-kind band that covers modern rock, pop, and punk without being influenced by traditional jazz.
Their imaginative lyrics add flavor and are absolutely great.
FarsightedFive Iron Frenzy
Five Iron Frenzy is a ska band formed in 1995 whose members are all Christians.
They were pioneers of Christian ska, and many people still revere the band today.
Their lyrics embrace hope and convey themes of overcoming fear.
I Can’t WaitHepcat
Hepcat is an authentic West Coast ska band centered around a vocal trio in the vein of the early Wailers.
Not only is their playing excellent, but the three-part vocal harmonies are outstanding.
The drumming is also incredibly high quality.
They are signed to Hellcat Records, a label founded by members of Rancid and Bad Religion.
Hard Place to BeHub City Stompers
Hub City Stompers, based in New Jersey, USA, are a ska band formed in 2002.
Centered around vocalist Rev Sinister, formerly of Inspecter 7, they craft a unique sound that fuses a variety of genres including ska, reggae, and Oi!.
Since their debut release Night of the Living, they’ve put out numerous acclaimed records such as Blood, Sweat and Beers and Dirty Jersey.
They’ve earned fervent support in the underground music scene and captivate a wide range of listeners—from traditional ska fans to ska-core enthusiasts.
Incorporating elements of jazz and hip-hop, their music points to exciting new possibilities for ska.