Unity Frenzy

By Morgan James

One love. A unity of all people. Peace in a chaotic world. All themes of Reggae music popularized in the 1960’s. Cut to 2016 in the Coachella Valley where the Desert Reggae scene has grown from a small, underground movement into the mainstream with bands like Unity Frenzy ready to make a splash. With many venues touting weekly Reggae nights, and festivals springing up worldwide celebrating “music without borders” Unity Frenzy is ready to launch into the scene and spread peace and love through music.

I was introduced to Paul Vasquez 2 years ago when he came through the CV Open Mic Competition. It was his first time playing in public. I spoke with him this week about that experience. “I fell in love with playing for an audience,” he proclaimed. “It got me excited to keep playing. People were really supportive so I continued coming back and meeting other musicians to play with.” As Paul’s confidence and excitement grew, so did his fan base and opportunities to play other venues. Networking with popular local Reggae bands like Higher Heights, Paul met others who shared his musical vision. “We are all singing the same message,” he said. “We are all friends sharing roots music with whoever is out there ready to receive it.”

Recently, Unity Frenzy has gone through a band overhaul adding new members, creating new music, and planning a tour this Summer. I spoke with Unity Frenzy’s manager, Kristen Brawley about how this all came about. “I booked Paul at my event called Rock Steady Reggae at The Culturas Music and Arts Ranch in Coachella this past February,” she said. “I was blown away by his voice and talent. We got to talking about what I can do to help him and he asked me to be his manager. I have 16 years of experience within the music industry doing everything from art, hosting, emceeing, stage production, dancer, and now singer of roots music. I started singing along with Paul and we harmonize really well together so he asked if I would perform too. In the meantime, feelings grew so we recently made it official.”

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With the addition of killer bassist Matt Miller from Remnants of Man and dynamic drummer Erik Mouness from Ten Fold, Unity Frenzy is really shaping up for an intended Summer tour. “We plan to hit Ensenada, El Centro, and San Diego,” reveals Paul. “Then we’ll head up north near San Francisco to Haight Ashbury for the Groove Festival in early Spring.” One big stop along the way will be “Rootstock” which is a 2 day world famous festival organized by Juan Pablo Rojas II in Baja, Mexico. Mr. Rojas was available for comment and happily shared about the event: “I began Rootstock four years ago to unite and heal musicians through the power of conscious music. I believe in no separation by borders and that we are all one race.” Unity Frenzy is thrilled to be included in the line-up.

Paul advised that the band is “always writing” and “currently working on an original album that all of the members are writing together.” Kristen shared that, “While the band plays strictly roots music, we have expanded to include a metal/blues/jazz lead bassist and an all genre drummer so that the music has a well-rounded sound while still adhering to traditional roots.” When asked about goals for Unity Frenzy, Paul shared “We don’t play for money. We play for fun with the hopes that we will have the opportunity to travel, see the world, and connect with people. This world is in a crazy state right now. We hope to bring people together by spreading peace and unity through Jah music.”

Keep your ears peeled for Unity Frenzy and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.