Eclectic progressive rock-fusion band, TAUK, continues to expand their sonic palette and catalog of collaborative material with the release of “Sky to Light,” featuring groundbreaking reggae icon Matisyahu. Available on July 16th, “Sky the Light” is the first of a series of collaborative singles the quartet will be releasing in the coming months. Listen to the new release HERE and watch the tracking video with behind-the-scenes footage HERE.
Coming off the heels of a full-length album TAUK Moore in collaboration with Doom Flamingo vocalist Kanika Moore, TAUK adds an entrancing new layer of reggae to their signature soundscapes in “Sky to Light.” The song was crafted out of an idea keyboardist, Airic Carter, brought to the band after a morning text from his dad sharing “Rock Fort Rock” by the Skatallites who hail from Jamaica where his dad grew up. “I heard the first 10 seconds, sprung outta bed and cut up samples from the track immediately,” Carter exclaims, “ A vibe is contagious regardless of what generation or time. For me, this collaboration finds that balance.”
The collaboration between TAUK and Matisyahu emerged organically through interactions on the festival circuit culminating in a session that flowed effortlessly. "You never know how these collaborations will unfold," says guitarist Matthew Jalbert. "But with Matisyahu, everything clicked instantly in the studio, bringing an exciting new dimension to 'Sky to Light,' which blends our take on reggae with heavier elements. We were all blown away at how quickly Matis was able to connect with the song and bring in ideas that were powerful and so well put together. This song to me is about searching and praying for peace.”
Matisyahu echoed the sentiment of enthusiasm for the project noting, “Working with TAUK was a seamless and enjoyable experience. Their unique sound and creative energy made the studio sessions incredibly productive and fun. I’ve been a fan of their work for years, and collaborating on this track has been an inspiring opportunity to blend our musical styles."
TAUK, known for their musical craftsmanship and multi-genre expansiveness, has been a significant force in the festival circuit for over a decade. In addition to Carter and Jalbert, the group features Charlie Dolan on bass and Isaac Teel on drums. The group has toured with major acts such as Umphrey’s McGee and Lettuce and have numerous notable festival appearances that include Bonnarroo, Electric Forest, and more. This summer, the band will perform at 4848 Festival in Snowshoe, WV Carbondale Mountain Fair in Carbondale, CO before playing a trio of dates with fellow circuit heavyweights The Motet and Dopaopod in Michigan and Illinois. This fall they will appear at Outermost Roots & Blues Festival in Orleans, MA curated by innovative blues artist G. Love, Regime Music Group, and Hog Island Beer Company; and Hulaween in Live Oak, FL.
For more information and a full list of tour dates, visit taukband.com.