FUSION FRENZY

Founded in 2005, Tribal Theory has worked hard over the last several years to establish themselves as one of the biggest up-and-coming movers in shakers in the reggae/island music community. Garnering lots of accolades in 2013, including best World Music Album, Tribal Theory has proved that its unique fusion of styles and influences, including reggae, ska and R&B, is particularly potent, and has begun to attract fans both far and wide. So far the group has released three albums and one EP, and is set to begin working on its fourth record in the very near future. In addition to the prospective recording plans, the group has quite a few tour dates coming up to round out the year that will take it both up the nation’s Northern coast and down to the Southwest. CULTURE was able to catch up with the group’s vocalist, Ajay Blount, and hear all about Tribal Theory’s tour plans and feelings regarding the current medical cannabis movements.

Can you tell me a bit about how you all developed a sound that blends such an array of interesting styles?

It kind of all just stems from our individual selves and how we could tie all of our influences into how we feel and relate to reggae music. We originally all started out dancing in an island group, and reggae is very prominent in island culture. Since the majority of us are from Guam, and reggae is huge over there, so we kind of just took that and added our own little twist to it.

You have some dates coming up that will have you touring all over the country. Are you excited to be getting out on the road?

Ah man, it’s going to be crazy! We can’t wait! On our last trip, we went up to Northern California, Washington and Oregon on a Northwest tour. It was amazing, so we’re definitely looking forward to this upcoming tour.

You all have a lot of material to draw on. Is it ever intimidating figuring out what songs to play when planning out your sets?

You know, that happens quite often, especially when we find ourselves playing the same venues where we’ve played a certain set before. Then it becomes, “Where do we go next? What songs should we introduce? How should we approach this song?” We try to think about our audience when we plan out a set list, but it can be difficult, especially since we all have our opinions.

There are seven of you—that’s a lot of people to be pitching ideas!

To make it even worse, half of us are family. Some of us are cousins, so when it comes to family, man, it can be like oil and water sometimes. But in the end, it always works out.

One of your big dates is at the Unity Festival, which, in addition to its killer line-up, also focuses on spreading messages of sustainable living and environmentalism. Are these issues important to the band as well?

Of course! If you can live off the land, produce things of value and live green, that’s amazing! Everyone wants that! It’s the best way to go!

Does the band have any feelings one way or the other about the cannabis movements growing across the country?

Yeah, we’re all for it! A person gets caught for smoking weed and it gets blown out of proportion and gets all crazy. It’s nothing, it’s not a big deal—it’s just weed. We’re happy the legalization of marijuana has come a long way, and we’re all for it.