Iration

Iration
Iration performing at College Street Music Hall in New Haven, CT on August 3, 2024
Iration performing at College Street Music Hall in New Haven, CT on August 3, 2024
Background information
OriginHawaii, United States
GenresReggae, dub, reggae rock, pop[1]
Years active2004–present
LabelsThree Prong Records
MembersMicah Pueschel
Adam Taylor
Joseph Dickens
Cayson Peterson
Micah Brown
Drake Peterson
Tony Rinaldi
Past membersKai Rediske
Joseph King
Catlin Peterson
Websitehttp://irationmusic.com

Iration is a reggae/pop group from Santa Barbara, California. All members originally hail from Hawaii. They play a mix of reggae, dub, pop, and rock. [2]

History

[edit]

Formation and New Roots EP (2006)

[edit]

Iration began in Isla Vista, an unincorporated community connected to UC Santa Barbara, playing reggae covers in college towns such as Cal Poly SLO, Chico State, and UC Davis. They recorded an EP, New Roots, in 2006, and built a reputation for their live performance, according to the Santa Barbara Independent: "There's something to be said for any band that can capture the undivided attention of a crowd full of drunken Isla Vistans, especially when there are kegs to be tapped and cops to avoid. But roots reggae rockers Iration manage to 'do it' on a regular basis."[3]

No Time To Rest (2007)

[edit]

In 2007, they recorded and released their first full-length album, No Time for Rest, which topped the Billboard Reggae Albums Chart,[4] and a single, "Cookie Jar", reached number one in Hawaii on 93.9 DaBeat and was featured on Fuel TV’s Triple Crown of Surfing recap.[citation needed]

Sample This EP (2008)

[edit]

In 2008, Iration embarked on their first national tour, opening for Pepper.

On October 3, 2008, Iration released their second EP, Sample This, which debuted as the #3 top-selling reggae album world-wide on iTunes.[citation needed]

Time Bomb (2010) and Fresh Grounds EP (2011)

[edit]

They released their second album, Time Bomb, in March 2010, which also topped the Billboard Reggae Albums Chart and sold over 36,000 copies.[4]

In the week of February 19, 2011, Iration's third EP, Fresh Grounds hit #147 on the "Billboard" magazine's Albums list.[5] They were featured as #1 on the magazine's Heatseekers albums list for the week of February 19, 2011[6]

Automatic and Touring (2013)

[edit]

In early 2013, after extensive U.S. touring Iration announced they had finished recording a new full length album titled Automatic The album was released in July 2013, sold more than 8,000 copies in its first week of release, and topped the Billboard Reggae Albums Chart.[4] Cage The Elephant guitarist Lincoln Parish is featured on numerous songs, as well as helping produce the upcoming album.

Kai's departure and Hotting Up (2013–2015)

[edit]

On April 5, 2013, Iration announced that vocalist Kai Rediske had quit the band. While Iration's official announcement of this via their own website stated Kai left to "pursue other interests." People that have knowledge of the group dynamic have stated that Kai's marriage, and unwillingness to be a part of extensive future touring as a result played a factor.

The band's fourth album, Hotting Up was released in August 2015, just as the first three albums had, topped the Billboard Reggae Albums chart.[7]

Double Up acoustic album (2016)

[edit]

On December 2, 2016, Iration released Double Up, an acoustic album. It featured songs from the band's entire catalog of music. They "stripped them back and gave them an alternate life. We thought about a wave doubling up and the fact that it's another version of the same entity." The album reached #2 on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart.

Lead singer Micah Pueschel performing in Eugene, Oregon on February 21, 2016

Self-titled album (2018)

[edit]

Iration recorded a self-titled album, their sixth studio album, which was released on May 18, 2018. The band collaborated with reggae artists: J Boog, Slightly Stoopid and Tyrone's Jacket, and featured 16 tracks. The album peaked on the Billboard Reggae Album chart at No. 2, the Independent Albums chart at No. 14 and made it onto the Billboard 200 at No. 199.[8]

Coastin' (2020)

[edit]

On March 9, 2020, the band announced their seventh studio album, titled Coastin', alongside a promotional tour in the "Coastin' Summer Tour", set to feature roots reggae artist Tribal Seeds.[9] Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, they were forced to postpone the tour. The album featured tracks with Common Kings, Eli Mac, Eric Rachmany of Rebelution and Stick Figure. The album was released on July 10, 2020.

On March 13, 2021, Iration announced a dub version of Coastin' on their Facebook page. The 7-song EP features dub remixes of Coastin' tracks and was released on vinyl on all digital platforms on May 7, 2021.

On May 22, 2021, Iration was one of many selected reggae bands featured on Collie Buddz second riddim album, Cali Roots Riddim 2021 with their single, "Be Alright".

On November 18, 2022, Iration released their first 'official' live album, titled Backyard Sessions: Malibu Edition, on all digital platforms.[10] They recorded the album last year during the Coronavirus pandemic outside overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Malibu, California. It was originally for their first live stream on NoCap Shows, but decided to make a live album instead.

Daytrippin' (2023–present)

[edit]

Over the span of Iration's 2022 Sunshine and Summer Nights tour with Atmosphere, Iration would open every night of their concerts with a brand new, unreleased song titled "New Style". After Iration's 2022 tour, much speculation of new music was circulating around as the band kept hinting at and posting snippets of new music and studio clips.

On February 6, 2023, Iration announced a new track titled "New Style", which was the same song that premiered during their 2022 tour, with slight changes. Iration then announced that "New Style" would premiere a day early at Kamp fest before its initial release on February 10.

On April 11, 2023, Iration announced their second single of the year titled IRL (abbreviation for "in real life"). Shortly after "IRL" released, Iration announced their IRL Fall Tour with Artikal Soundsystem and Cydeways.

On June 2, 2023, Iration announced on their social media pages that their 8th studio album titled Daytrippin', will release on October 6, 2023. The album features 10 tracks that includes Maxi Priest and Claire Wright. The album is produced by Suzy Shinn, which has been confirmed on her Instagram under the band's Three Prong Records. Micah Pueschel describes the band's return to their original sound...[11]

"Daytrippin is a return to our roots. We set out to strike a balance between polished studio production and the electrifying energy of a live show. We leaned on our reggae and rock influences to find a natural evolution from earlier albums like Time Bomb and Hotting Up."

On June 7, 2023, Iration announced that the third single would be the title track of the album and would release on June 9 alongside merch bundle pre-orders including a splatter vinyl, CD, a Daytrippin sweatshirt, and Daytrippin Decal.

Iration also announced early in the year that they would be opening for Rebelution in their Good Vibes Summer Tour 2023 alongside The Expendables and Passafire. After the second leg of the Good Vibes Summer Tour with Rebelution, Iration announced the fourth and final single from Daytrippin' titled "Last Night" featuring British Reggae singer Maxi Priest, released on September 9.

October 6, 2023, Daytrippin released with 6 new songs, "Can't Look Back", "Strange", "California Dreams", "Remedy", "The Stream", "Comedown" (feat. Claire Wright), and 4 songs released previously as singles, "New Style", "IRL", "Daytrippin", and "Last Night" (feat. Maxi Priest). The band also announced a Daytrippin release party after Reggae Rise Up Las Vegas, along with a Spotify listening party on the 10th and a Reddit AMA.

Awards and honors

[edit]

On July 29, 2021, Iration announced on their social media platforms that their 2010 song "Time Bomb" is officially RIAA Gold certified. To celebrate this milestone, they launched a new merch collection and partnered with Sweet.io to provide the band's first official NFT.[12]

Iration performing in Eugene, Oregon on February 21, 2016.

Other projects

[edit]

Iration teamed up with Arrow Lodge Brewing in Covina, California, to brew a special beer and 40-ounce can. Named after the band's 2020 song "Chill Out" from their Coastin album, this IPA was brewed with bird pick tea for a tropical taste.[13]

Iration also collaborated with MERGE4 to create special pairs of socks featuring artwork from the band's album catalog. The socks are available in Iration's online merch store on their website.

Playing as much golf as possible while not on tour, Iration teamed up with Seamus Golf of Beaverton, Oregon, on a handmade collaboration. The limited edition and quantities golf collection features a custom-made Oil Can Ball Mark with the diamond Iration logo in metal that creates tan, bronze, purple and blue hues; a hand-crafted waterproof military-grade Cordura head cover with an embroidered full-color Iration logo and lined with black fleece. Also included is the band's custom black polo shirt as a bundle for a discounted price.[14]

In August 2023, Iration collaborated with Melin, a Southern California hatwear company, for an exclusive cap with the band's logo. Called the "Coronado Melin x Iration Hydro", this lightweight, water-resistant, breathable antimicrobial cap comes in black and white.[15]

Lineup

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Iration performing on their Daytrippin' Tour on their stop in New Haven, CT, Summer 2024

Current members

[edit]
  • Micah Pueschel - lead vocals, guitar (2004–present)
  • Adam Taylor – bass (2004–present)
  • Cayson Peterson – keyboards/synthesizer (2004–present)
  • Joseph Dickens ("The D") – drums (2004–present)
  • Micah Brown – lead guitar, vocals (2014–present)
  • Drake Peterson – percussion, trumpet (2017–present)
  • Tony Rinaldi - percussion, trombone (2018-present)[16]

Former members

[edit]
  • Kai Rediske – vocals, percussion (2004–2013)
  • Catlin Peterson – vocals, guitar
  • Joseph King – dub controls, live sound

Discography

[edit]

Studio Albums

[edit]
Title Album details Peak chart positions Sales
US
[17]
US Reggae
[18]
US Indie
[19]
No Time for Rest
  • Release date: June 19, 2007
  • Label: Self-release
  • Formats: CD, Digital
1
Time Bomb
  • Release date: March 9, 2010
  • Label: LAW Records
  • Formats: CD, LP, Digital
1
  • US: 36,000 copies
Automatic
  • Release date: July 2, 2013
  • Label: Three Prong Records
  • Formats: CD, LP, Digital
75 1 16
  • US: 8,000 copies (first week)
  • US: 23,000 copies[20]
Hotting Up
  • Release date: August 28, 2015
  • Label: Three Prong Records
  • Formats: CD, LP, Digital
79 1 5
  • US: 18,000 copies[21]
Double Up (Acoustic)
  • Release date: December 2, 2016
  • Label: Three Prong Records
  • Formats: CD, Digital
2
Iration
  • Release date: May 18, 2018
  • Label: Three Prong Records
  • Formats: CD, LP, Digital
199 2 14
Coastin'
  • Release date: July 10, 2020
  • Label: Three Prong Records
  • Formats: CD, LP, Digital
2
  • US: 2,769 copies (first week)[22]
Daytrippin'
  • Release date: October 6, 2023
  • Label: Three Pong Records
  • Formats: CD, LP, Digital
"—" denotes releases that did not chart

EPs & Live Albums

[edit]
Title Album details Peak chart positions
US
[17]
US Reggae
[18]
New Roots
  • Release date: July 12, 2006
  • Label: New Roots Records
  • Formats: CD, Digital
Sample This
  • Release date: October 3, 2008
  • Label: Michael Harlan
  • Formats: Digital
Fresh Grounds
  • Release date: February 1, 2011
  • Label: Three Prong Records
  • Formats: Digital
147 3
Backyard Sessions: Malibu Edition (Live)
  • Release date: November 18, 2022
  • Label: Three Prong Records
  • Formats: Digital
TBD TBD
"—" denotes releases that did not chart

Singles

[edit]
Title Release Date Album
"Meditation" June 23, 2005 New Roots EP
"Fire" June 23, 2005 New Roots EP
"All Night" November 30, 2006 No Time To Rest
"Generation Time" (feat. Mikey Dread) November 30, 2006 No Time To Rest
"Downtown" November 30, 2006 No Time To Rest
"Get Up" November 30, 2006 No Time To Rest
"Cookie Jar" November 30, 2006 No Time To Rest
"I'm With You" October 3, 2008 Sample This EP
"Electricity" October 3, 2008 Sample This EP
"Falling" October 3, 2008 Sample This EP
"Wait and See" October 3, 2008 Sample This EP
"Time Bomb" March 9, 2010 Time Bomb
"Turn Around" March 9, 2010 Time Bomb
"Let Me Inside" March 9, 2010 Time Bomb
"Dream" March 9, 2010 Time Bomb
"You Don't Know" (feat. Tunji) March 9, 20l0 Time Bomb
"Summer Nights" August 17, 2010 Fresh Grounds EP
"No Letter" February 1, 2011 Fresh Grounds EP
"Work It Out" February 1, 2011 Fresh Grounds EP
"No Time" February 14, 2012 #Allaboutluv.
"Undertow" February 14, 2012 #Allaboutluv.
"Porcupine" (feat. Lincoln Parish) September 11, 2012[23] (Single)
"Back Around" July 2, 2013 Automatic
"One Way Track" July 2, 2013 Automatic
"Automatic" July 2, 2013 Automatic
"This Old Song" July 2, 2013 Automatic
"Mr. Operator" July 2, 2013 Automatic
"Milk and Honey" (feat. Lincoln Parish) July 2, 2013 Automatic
"Show Me" June 24, 2014[24] Hotting Up
"Reelin" April 27, 2015 Hotting Up
"Lost and Found" August 28, 2015 Hotting Up
"Hotting Up" August 28, 2015 Hotting Up
"You Know You Don't Mind" August 28, 2015 Hotting Up
"Summer Nights" (Acoustic) December 6, 2016 Double Up
"Home" (Acoustic) December 6, 2016 Double Up
"Fly With Me" May 19, 2017 Iration
"Borderlines" August 11, 2017 Iration
"Hit List" January 19, 2018 Iration
"Danger" (feat. J Boog and Tyrone's Jacket) March 30, 2018 Iration
"Already Gold" May 18, 2018 Iration
"Broken Promises"(feat. Slightly Stoopid) May 18, 2018 Iration
"Press Play" May 18, 2018 Iration
"All For You" May 18, 2018 Iration
"Warm Waters" May 18, 2018 Iration
"Borderlines" May 18, 2018 Iration
"Energy" May 18, 2018 Iration
"Stay The Course" May 18, 2018 Iration
"Chill Out" June 28, 2019 Coastin'
"Right Here, Right Now" (feat. Eric Rachmany and Stick Figure) June 11, 2020 Coastin'
"Move Forward" June 17, 2020 Coastin'
"Coastin'" June 26, 2020 Coastin'
"Guava Lane" (feat. Eli Mac) July 10, 2020 Coastin'
"Zen Island" July 10, 2020 Coastin'
"If You Only Knew" (feat. Common Kings) July 10, 2020 Coastin'
"Learn From Me" July 10, 2020 Coastin'
"Contact High" July 10, 2020 Coastin'
"Daylight Saving" July 10, 2020 Coastin'
"Last Christmas" (Wham! cover) December 22, 2020 (Single)
"DJs" (Sublime cover) January 15, 2021 The House That Bradley Built (Single)
"Zen Island" (Stoney Eye Studios Dub Remix) March 12, 2021 Coastin' Dub (Single)
"Right Here Right Now" (feat. Eric Rachmany & Stick Figure) (Scientist Dub Remix I) April 19, 2021 Coastin' Dub (Single)
"Be Alright" May 22, 2021 Cali Roots Riddim 2021 (Single)
"Holiday in Paradise" November 19, 2021 (Single)
"New Style" February 10, 2023 Daytrippin (Single)
"IRL" (In Real Life) April 14, 2023 Daytrippin (Single)
"Daytrippin" June 9, 2023 Daytrippin (Single)
"Last Night" (feat. Maxi Priest) September 8, 2023 Daytrippin (Single)
"Comedown" (feat. Claire Wright) October 6, 2023 Daytrippin
"Number 1" (feat. Kolohe Kai) March 29, 2024 (Single)
"Island Time" September 20, 2024 (Single)

Collaborations

[edit]

Iration (Micah Puesuel & Micah Brown) has collaborated or was featured on songs with artists and bands throughout the years.

  • Tropidelic – "Floating" (feat. MP/The Elovaters) (5/17/2024)
  • Claire Wright – "New Day" (feat. Iration/MP) (3/17/2023)
  • Mihali – "Living is the Lesson" (feat. Iration/MP) (5/2/2022)
  • Cisco Adler – "Catch My Wave" (feat. Iration/MP) (8/15/2022)
  • The Movement – "On & On" (feat. Iration/MP) (5/20/2022)
  • The Ries Brothers – "Don't Want To Be Late" (feat. Iration/MP) (7/16/2021)
  • Morgan Heritage – "Weekend Greens" (feat. Iration & Pepper) (8/2/2019)
  • Pepper – "My Holiday" (feat. Micah Brown) (6/28/2019)
  • The Expendables – "Without Love" (feat. MP) (8/14/2018)
  • Fluid Foundation – "Margarita" (feat. Iration/MP) (5/5/2018)
  • Stick Figure – "Smokin Love" (Remix) (feat. Collie Buddz, J Boog, Iration, & Dizzy Wright) (6/11/2015)
  • Gary Dread (Jackson) – "Like You" (feat. MP & MB) (2/16/2015)
  • Rebelution – "More Love" (Yeti Beats Remix) (feat. Iration, J Boog, & The Green) (1/16/2015)
  • Seu Cuca – "Sunny Times" (feat. Iration/MP) (5/15/2014)

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Jeffries, David. "Iration – Artist Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved 24 April 2015.
  2. ^ "Locals Only Music Issue, Version 2.0". Locals Only. 18 September 2008. Retrieved 2008-09-18.
  3. ^ "Featured Bands Local Issue 2007". Featured Bands. 27 September 2007. Retrieved 2007-09-27.
  4. ^ a b c Jackson, Kevin (2013) "Iration on Automatic", Jamaica Observer, July 26, 2013. Retrieved August 10, 2013,
  5. ^ "Iration - Chart history | Billboard". www.billboard.com. Retrieved 2016-09-27.
  6. ^ "Heatseekers Albums: Up and Coming Musicians Chart | Billboard". Billboard. Retrieved 2016-09-27.
  7. ^ Jackson, Kevin (2015) "Iration ‘hot’ on Billboard", Jamaica Observer, September 11, 2015. Retrieved September 18, 2015
  8. ^ https://www.billboard.com/ music/iration/chart-history/billboard-200
  9. ^ "Coastin' 2020: New Album and Summer Tour", March 9, 2020. Retrieved July 12, 2020
  10. ^ "Backyard Sessions: Malibu Edition".
  11. ^ "IRATION | Daytrippin | Official Album Collection".
  12. ^ "Time Bomb Certified Gold NFT (Uncommon) – Iration | Official Store". store.irationmusic.com. Archived from the original on 2021-08-03.
  13. ^ "Arrow Lodge / Iration - Chill Out".
  14. ^ "Seamus Golf x Iration".
  15. ^ "Melin x Iration".
  16. ^ sidreddy (2020-07-13). "Tony Rinaldi | Freelance Trombonist & Teacher". SHOUTOUT LA. Retrieved 2024-01-10.
  17. ^ a b "Iration – Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved May 30, 2018.
  18. ^ a b "Iration – Reggae Albums". Billboard. Retrieved May 30, 2018.
  19. ^ "Iration – Independent Albums". Billboard. Retrieved May 30, 2018.
  20. ^ "Upcoming Releases". Hits Daily Double. HITS Digital Ventures. Archived from the original on September 17, 2015.
  21. ^ "Jamaica Observer Limited".
  22. ^ "Jamaica Observer Limited".
  23. ^ "Porcupine by Iration at ArtistDirect".
  24. ^ "Future Releases on Alternative Radio Stations". All Access Music Group. Archived from the original on July 13, 2014.

Caulfield, Keith. Billboard – The International Newsweekly of Music, Video and Home Entertainment125.27 (Jul 20, 2013): 44.

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