Reggae fans have reason to get excited. It’s been four years since The Green released Hawai’i ’13, which further cemented the band’s reputation as one of the best in the genre and won the group an unprecedented three Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards in its home state of Hawaii. The Green now unveil “I Will,” out now on all major digital outlets (stream here), as the first single off the band’s upcoming album Marching Orders, due out October 20th through longtime label partner Easy Star Records.
“I Will” aspires to give hope and strength to the willpower of the downtrodden. Lyrically, the song calls on the importance and value of life, as well as the interconnectedness of each individual. This message is meticulously encapsulated in the bridge’s reminder: “Don't lose your strength, somebody needs you today / Don't lose your way, somebody needs you.” Speaking from the other side of the fence, The Green wish to inspire by example. Showcasing the band’s multiple singers, infectious harmonies, ethereal keyboard layers, and tasteful guitar riffs, “I Will” is sure to give fans a reason to be excited about Marching Orders.
Mostly recorded on the island of Oahu, the band’s follow up to Hawai’i ‘13 was almost released in 2016. Right before delivering the final mixes, the band took a pause, refocused their efforts, and fine-tuned every song as well as wrote some new material. A full house of talented singers and songwriters – the original solid core of Caleb Keolanui (vocals), Zion Thompson (guitar, vocals), JP Kennedy (guitar, vocals), Ikaika Antone (keys, vocals), and Brad Watanabe (bass, vocals), along with drummer Jordan Espinoza - combined with a collaborative mentality allows material to flow abundantly. “I Will” was produced by The Green along with longtime friends and collaborators Christian Mochizuki (Justin Beiber, Kayne West, Jay-Z) and Leslie Ludiazo (J Boog, Hot Rain), as was much of Marching Orders.
Marching Orders promises to be an all-encompassing release, with Zion Thompson assuring, “this album truly is diverse. There's roots, dancehall, pop rock and of course love songs.“ The album also features collaborations with producer/writer Brian Fennell (Ryan Tedder, One Republic, The Fray, Third Eye Blind), as well as guest appearances by Grammy-nominees J Boog and Eric Rachmany (of Rebelution), Jamaican dancehall superstar Busy Signal, and Island music veterans Fiji and The Mana’o Company. Marching Orders is available for pre-order on September 15th. The album will be accompanied by a 30-date North American tour planned for the Winter of 2018, dates to be announced in the coming months.
Upcoming Tour Dates:
Sep 23 - Thunder Vibes III - Lincoln, CA
Sep 29 - Pepsi Amphitheater - Flagstaff, AZ w/ Michael Franti & Spearhead
Sep 30 - Hop Heads and Dreads: Craft Beer & Reggae Festival - Valley Center, CA
Oct 1 - Brooklyn Bowl - Las Vegas, NV
Oct 4 - The Catalyst - Santa Cruz, CA
Oct 5 - Mystic Theatre - Petaluma, CA
Oct 6 - Strummers - Fresno, CA
Oct 7 - Desert Oasis Music Festival - Indio , CA
