The So Cal powerhouse reggae-rock band Fortunate Youth has released their fifth full length studio album Good Times (Roll On) today on Controlled Substance Sound Labs. Bringing a fresh sound dotted with influences of blues, ska, rock, world, and soul, while they reunite once again with their fans on tour. The new album is out now and available everywhere you stream music, stream + download Good Times (Roll On): https://moremusic.at/GoodTimesRollOn.
Born in the throes of lockdowns and conceived around 2018, the new album Good Times (Roll On) is a range of throwback sounds to current vibes. With the new release, Fortunate Youth rekindles the spirit of their early days from backyard grillin’ and chillin' with a wish: that the return of those feel-good vibes finds brighter days for the planet. “We’re trying to change the world through the music we write and play, and the lives we live out performing on stage,” says singer Dan Kelly. Adding Jared Draskovich (keys/bass) comments, “We are all living through this global event and to me we chose the title to help ensure that Good Times are indeed going to roll on regardless of all the hardships that our recent environment has provided for everyone.”
Good Times (Roll On) is stacked with standouts including the glistening title track and music video “Good Times (Roll On).” With the new song, Fortunate Youth turns a slightly nostalgic eye to its humble beginnings in the backyard, plus a few new tasty surprises under the lid. “We always hope our music can change the outlook of anyone’s day,” comments Dan. Cory Draskovich (bass, guitar, keys) adds, “The lyrics are true to us as a band, and reflect where we come from and the things we appreciate in life. Dan’s vocals on this track still give me goosebumps.”
The new album reflects on Fortunate Youth’s ever evolving sound including capturing the horn section from their past tours. For the album they enlisted premier horn players John, Art, Bryan, and Geoff. They also include features and special guests like Nathan Feinstein (Iya Terra) on “Groovin” and their good friend Gonzo (Tribal Seeds/ Fortunate Youth) for background vocals. “Around the World” features Italy's own twin fronted group Mellow Mood backed by stellar horns that really hits home on the global reach of reggae music. And “Sunlight” is horn-driven reggae that is the perfect end of the summer jam. Corey Draskovich comments, “This track is that uptempo fun filled song you hope for on every album. The raging bass line and the story of life on the road really make this song for me. I feel like most people can relate to the premise of this song at one point in their life.”
Ever evolving and always collaborative, the writing and composing process for Fortunate Youth is a band effort. Songs are fleshed out on the road or created with a riff or melody. While working on the new album the band recorded pre-production at Kona Town Studio. And in July of 2020, mid-lock down, they tracked key essentials at Total Access Recording. They also worked with Lewis Richards at 17th Street Studios and tracked the horns remotely at Kromatic Sound recording studio in the East coast.
The band is comprised of long time friends Dan Kelly (vocals), Travis “Travi Bongo” Walpole (percussion), Jered Draskovich (keys/bass), Greg Gelb (bass, guitar), Corey Draskovich (bass, guitar, keys), Revelation Kalauli (drums). Since its inception in 2009, Fortunate Youth remains devoted to its roots and a simple mission: Spread peace, love, and unity with music. It’s a mantra of sorts for the multi-faceted sextet from Hermosa Beach, driving a relentless thirst for live performances and an ever-evolving cache of original material. Including the forthcoming Good Times, Fortunate Youth has also cataloged over a dozen releases and notably, all have been recorded, produced, and distributed, in DIY style, by the self-invested band. Garnering top Billboard charting success the band has seen their albums hit #1 Billboard Reggae Album Chart 5x, Billboard Heatseekers Chart 2x, #1 iTunes Reggae Chart 10x plus millions of streams across all platforms!
Fortunate Youth has graced the stage in support of brethren such as Slightly Stoopid, Stick Figure, and SOJA on major tours as well as continuing to headline national treks of their own; totaling over 27 tours since their inception. They are devoted to their fans as much today as they were when they started performing live, ticking off countless miles in the van crisscrossing the U.S.
With the new release and the return to touring, Fortunate Youth is excited to bring the good times back on the road to reciprocate all of the love and support they’ve seen so far. From the sold out Red Rock’s in Colorado show to their hometown performance at Beach Life Festival in Redondo Beach, CA. The next stop takes the band to Las Vegas before a few dates in Florida with a stop in Denver and back to the West coast. At the shows, fans can expect to hear their favorites alongside choice cuts from the new album. The full 2021 tour is listed below and also here: https://www.fortunate-youth.com/
The new album is out now and available everywhere you stream music. Stream + Download:
https://moremusic.at/GoodTimesRollOn
Track Listing:
1) "Too Big"
2) "Around The World" (Feat. Mellow Mood)
3) "Burning With You"
4) "Sunlight"
5) "The City"
6) "The Situation"
7) "Good Times (Roll On)"
8) "Friend"
9) "Emin Interlude"
10) "Riddim Rydah" feat. Skillinjah & Dread Kennedy
11) "Groovin" feat. Iya Terra
12) "The Cure"
Tour Dates
10 Oct Downtown Las Vegas Events Center - DLVEC Las Vegas, NV
20 Oct The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon - Fort Myers, FL
21 Oct Ace Cafe Orlando - Orlando, FL
23 Oct North Beach Bandshell - Miami Beach, FL
24 Oct Terra Fermata - Stuart, FL
12 Nov Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom - Denver, CO
17 Nov Mystic Theatre - Petaluma, CA
18 Nov Montbleu Resort, Casino and Spa - Stateline, NV
19 Nov Catalyst Santa - Cruz, CA
20 Nov Cornerstone Craft Beer & Live Music - Berkeley, CA
21 Nov Kilokilo Brewing Company - Paso Robles, CA
24 Nov Music Box - San Diego, CA
26 Nov Belly Up Tavern - Solana Beach, CA
