Jamaican Rocksteady is a genre of music that only held prominence for a couple of years back in the late 60′s. So why do we find it so fascinating and rewarding? To get to the bottom of this riddle, Courtney talks with none other than the “Rocksteady Queen of New Orleans,” Maddie Ruthless. Maddie also discusses her recent move to New York, the collaborations on her latest album Maddie Ruthless featuring The Forthrights and Friends, and what it is like playing in a new band. Sit back as Courtney and Maddie take you to Rocksteady School.
To find out more about the latest in all-things Ruthless, head to Maddie’s website HERE.
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Last year, Brooklyn rocksteady band The Forthrights recorded a number of tunes with Vic Ruggiero (The Slackers), Chris Murray and Maddie Ruthless at Treehouse Studios in Niles, OH. The result? A 7-track self-titled album that will brighten up your day! Preview the tracks and download the album The ForthrightsHERE
Last Summer, New Orleans rocksteady songstress Maddie Ruthless recorded an album in Victor Axelrod‘s basement with Vic Ruggiero (The Slackers) and Lickle Dan (The Frighteners). Axelrod, known as Ticklah, is involved with The Dap Kings, Amy Winehouse, Mark Ronson, Easy Dub All Stars. Maddie had this to say about the album, which will be available online on April 15th:
I am so very excited to be finally releasing this in the next few days. It is easily my favorite piece of art I have ever made. We tried to be as purely rocksteady as possible, but we snuck a soul tune in there and a couple of dubs by Ticklah. I just cant articulate it enough, I am really excited/happy/proud everything all at once! This is a birth announcement!
Maddie Ruthless has also announced formally that she has merged with The Forthrights and will be releasing future material under that name. She went on a long tour last year with the band and found a musical partner-in-crime with keys player Jack Wright. Together the two have a whole album’s worth of new music waiting to be released in the future. Lots to look forward to from the Rocksteady Queen Of New Orleans!
I was chatting with Sammy Kay (The Forthrights) last month and he told me that he was coming back to ska music and had a new band brewing. The yet unnamed band, featuring Sammy along with a couple of guys from Royal City Riot and The Fad, were going to musically take Brooklyn by storm. I waited with anticipation. A month later, he sent me a track that is now available for streaming by the public. The band is called Sammy Kay and The Fast Four. The song is called “Sweet Misery.” A hot little tune showcasing a new bright star in the galaxy of ska music. I’m looking forward to seeing what else they have in store!
Last night on the Tunnel One show on WNYU (89.1 FM New York), Brooklyn rocksteady band The Forthrights, along with Maddie Ruthless, played a live set of big tunes. The entire episode of this weekly ska radio show is currently streaming on their website. The live set is toward the end of the episode. While listening to the show, I was reminded of the night last May at the Terminal Bar in Minneapolis when these guys rocked out with the MNSKA massive. Good times!
Brooklyn rocksteady supergroup the Reggay Lords have been making a splash in the NY scene over the past year. The band features members of The Forthrights, The Hard Times, Facts, and The Slackers and have a tendency to put on quite the live show, sporting powdered wigs at their high-powered gigs. Here is the first release from the group called “Come Back Strong.” The bands lineup includes: Jah Point – vocals/percussion, Jack Wright – piano/organ/backing vocals, Phil Wartell – drums/backing vocals, Juan Cardenas – bass, Sean Donnelly – guitar, and Agent Jay – guitar/percussion.
The self-proclaimed Rocksteady Queen of New Orleans, Maddie Ruthless, took the stage last Thursday night at The Terminal Bar in Minneapolis. With a little help from her friends The Forthrights, here’s a video of her song “Jaguar Queen.”
Maddie Ruthless is touring in support of her album Hold The Phone.
Brooklyn’s own The Forthrights have been on tour all Spring with Maddie Ruthless. Their tour made a stop in Minneapolis on Thursday May 26th at The Terminal Bar. The band played for a tight enthusiastic crowd, including their song “Come Sweetly.”
The Forthrights are touring in support of their latest Camp Birdman EP.
From Coast to Coast…It’s a Rocksteady Invasion! Some of the roughest and toughest up-and-coming reggae artists are coming to Minneapolis on Thursday, May 26th to mash up the Terminal Bar in fine style. You won’t want to miss this show!
THE FORTHRIGHTS from Brooklyn, NY have been leading the charge of the Young Guns of Reggae, bringing their signature early reggae and rocksteady sound to the world, recording, collaborating and touring contantly over the past several years. This will be their first show in MN!
MADDIE RUTHLESS is coming at you Live and Direct from the city of New Orleans, bringing the hard-edged sounds of the Caribbean with her. She’ll be singing a scorching set backed by The Forthrights. This will be the Rocksteady Queen of NOLA’s first show in MN as well!
THE PRIZEFIGHTERS are Minnesota’s own early reggae champions, keeping the Jamaican dance beat alive and loud in the Midwest, soon to rule the nation!
Brooklyn rocksteady outfit The Forthrights are coming to Minneapolis! That’s right, on Thursday, May 26th, along with New Orleans’ own Maddie Ruthless and MNSKA band The Prizefighters, The Forthrights will be playing the Terminal Bar. If that’s not enough for ska fans to come out to the show, we are giving away 2 copies of their new 7-inch EP Camp Birdman!
To enter our contest, just email mnskanews@gmail.com with “The Forthrights” in the subject line. It’s really that easy! Winners will be drawn the day of the show. The only catch is you have to be at the show to claim your prize. You only have 1 week left to enter!
Jamaican Rocksteady is a genre of music that only held prominence for a couple of years back in the late 60′s. So why do we find it so fascinating and rewarding? To get to the bottom of this riddle, Courtney talks with none other than the “Rocksteady Queen of New Orleans,” Maddie Ruthless. Maddie also discusses her recent move to New York, the collaborations on her latest album Maddie Ruthless featuring The Forthrights and Friends, and what it is like playing in a new band. Sit back as Courtney and Maddie take you to Rocksteady School.
