The Calamatix: a quartet with reggae roots and punk flair, led by the captivating voice of singer Raylin Joy and rounded out by guitarist Adam Porris, bassist William "Matty" Taylor, and drummer Clarence "Pocket" Kidd III. Following in the footsteps of ska and reggae legends like Hepcat and The Interrupters, they are announcing their signing with Hellcat Records today and releasing their dynamic new single "Rootstyle".
The single "Rootstyle" can be heard and seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWDO1n1odeY
"Rootstyle" was one of the first songs we ever wrote and was a major influence that got our project started before The Calamatix even existed," explains Raylin. "We wanted to capture that feeling when you just want to chill and listen to music in the sun! An anthem, just in time for the upcoming summer months."
Born in Ventura, California, Joy grew up in Scotland and moved back to the USA at the age of 23. Her songwriting and the life experiences that come with it form the foundation for The Calamatix's triumphant songs about love and life. The group, which incorporates influences from Jamaican rocksteady and old-school ska, began as a fun songwriting project between her and Tim Armstrong, who fondly describes those early days and their dynamic as collaborators:
"When Ray and I started writing together, we weren't sure what it would lead to. I quickly realized how easy it was for us to write songs together, and it was a very fun process. She is an incredibly talented storyteller, and the way she connects and communicates with others is amazing." - Tim Armstrong
Before long, their songs demanded a more expansive sound, and Raylin set out to recruit a versatile group of talented musicians to make The Calamatix truly feel like a band. The addition of Adam, Matty, and Clarence was "organic and just felt natural," according to the seasoned drummer.
Tim Armstrong himself couldn't hold back his praise and lauded their "deep knowledge of music, drawing from many different styles like soul, reggae, rock, and jazz."
The Calamatix are here to write their own chapter of the ska-punk playbook by paying tribute to classic Jamaican sounds shaped by a contemporary and inclusive perspective.
The single "Rootstyle" can be heard and seen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWDO1n1odeY
"Rootstyle" was one of the first songs we ever wrote and was a major influence that got our project started before The Calamatix even existed," explains Raylin. "We wanted to capture that feeling when you just want to chill and listen to music in the sun! An anthem, just in time for the upcoming summer months."
Born in Ventura, California, Joy grew up in Scotland and moved back to the USA at the age of 23. Her songwriting and the life experiences that come with it form the foundation for The Calamatix's triumphant songs about love and life. The group, which incorporates influences from Jamaican rocksteady and old-school ska, began as a fun songwriting project between her and Tim Armstrong, who fondly describes those early days and their dynamic as collaborators:
"When Ray and I started writing together, we weren't sure what it would lead to. I quickly realized how easy it was for us to write songs together, and it was a very fun process. She is an incredibly talented storyteller, and the way she connects and communicates with others is amazing." - Tim Armstrong
Before long, their songs demanded a more expansive sound, and Raylin set out to recruit a versatile group of talented musicians to make The Calamatix truly feel like a band. The addition of Adam, Matty, and Clarence was "organic and just felt natural," according to the seasoned drummer.
Tim Armstrong himself couldn't hold back his praise and lauded their "deep knowledge of music, drawing from many different styles like soul, reggae, rock, and jazz."
The Calamatix are here to write their own chapter of the ska-punk playbook by paying tribute to classic Jamaican sounds shaped by a contemporary and inclusive perspective.
