After becoming a fan of the Wisconsin-based reggae band Natty Nation when he was young, keyboardist Aaron Eyes of Moses Konkol jumped at the chance to become a member of the group.
Natty Nation was one of my favorite bands in high school
and I started off listening to Bob Marley when I was in grade school Konkol said. Reggae is so different than anything else. It has such a positive message.
Natty Nation will bring its message-filled music to Casa Nueva, 4 W. State St. tonight. The optimistic style of reggae music is just one of the things that sets it apart from other genres, Konkol said.
As far as lyrical content it's a little bit more conscious socially and spiritually
Konkol said. Musically
it's just a totally different beat
totally different rhythm than other types of music. It's had a huge influence on other music like hip-hop.
The socially conscious energy of reggae music is also what attracted lead vocalist and bassist JAH Boogie to the genre.
It's a revolutionary message; it's for the people
Boogie said. It's the voice of the voiceless. It allows us to talk about social issues.
Boogie, who has been in Natty Nation for 15 years and is the only original member still with the band, said the band draws inspiration for its songs from the things its members encounter in their everyday lives.
We go and travel as much as possible
Boogie said. We get the chance to travel overseas
and that gives you a different perspective then just being in America
being in your own neighborhood. You realize there's a lot of world out there and so many stories to tell.
Natty Nation will bring a combination of original songs and a few Bob Marley covers to Athens tonight as a part of its Comin' in from the Cold Bob Marley Birthday Celebration tour.
We'll play a little Bob Marley; we don't usually do it
Boogie said. It's kind of cliché
