Soul flows freely from the pores of producer/bandleader/composer Gabriel Roth – much like snot streams down the filtrum of a feverish child. Born in a log cabin in Twin Peaks, CA (absolutely true) some time in the ’70s, Roth survived traumatic brushes with record industry scumbags and near financial ruin before successfully launching his heralded soul/funk/afrobeat/gospel-centric record label, Daptone, with partner/sax maniac Neal Sugarman in the early ’00s. HQ-ed in scenic Bushwick, Brooklyn in a renovated two-story hovel in which Roth himself installed the plumbing with bleeding, blistered hands (at least partly true), Daptone’s “House of Soul” studios provide analog relief from the rest of the pop sphere’s relentless digital din. And it is under Roth’s leadership and guidance that the label’s dynamic roster of artists – e.g. Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, the Budos Band, Naomi Shelton & the Gospel Queens, Menahan Street Band et al – has epic-ly flourished, going from cult-followed curiosities to global soul ambassadors in just a few short years. Indeed, Gabriel Roth is the aglet to Daptone’s groove-imbued fibres. The resulting lace is ace.
About the Rhythm Natives
In the early '00s, Chatsworth High School became the meeting grounds for the band that is known as the Rhythm Natives. They were founded on a common love for hip hop and live instrumentation, and the integration of the two. Fronted by two emcees - Jon Narboneta, and Glen Techico - they’ve expanded into a six man unit that also includes: bassist Matt Mora, drummer Robert Fabros, keyboardist Chez Guinto, and guitarist Martin Fabros.
Their sound is found between the cracks of genre divisions. The organic mix of hip hop, jazz, R&B, and soul has earned them the respect of various events and venues up and down the California coast. Their lyrics are in tune with everyday experiences and social trends – all resonating with their listeners, who are often found immersed in a Rhythm Natives melody and rhyme.
In 2007, they recorded their live show at the Temple Bar in Los Angeles. Since then, copies have been floating around Southern California and beyond. The musical energy heard on each track is so significant, that it has left fans wanting more. In October 2010, the Rhythm Natives answered with the release of their self titled debut album that is sold in both digital and physical forms. They have proven to be on the rise, bringing a breath of fresh air to the art they love so much.