While Iration may be another band to come out of the Santa Barbara, CA community of Isla Vista, they have their roots firmly planted in Hawaii. Their tour dates uphold a tropical feel, with many people coming together in a spirit of peace and tranquility. Iration also separates themselves from other California reggae bands by their infusion of rock, pop, and ska into their music, giving it a unique and modern sound. This popular sound has led to a busy concert schedule in recent years, slowly building the band's popularity. Iration shows that mellow reggae music can have an upbeat edge to it; as evidenced in their newest EP, Fresh Grounds, and on their many tour dates in 2011. Though the band was formed in Isla Vista, all members of Iration are originally from Hawaii and attended Hawaii Preparatory Academy in Waimea. Like many bands starting out in the Santa Barbara area of California, Iration began playing backyard college parties and at local venues in the area. The band built a solid fan base as well as networked with other local bands, encouraging them to begin tour dates in college towns throughout northern and central California. Iration released their debut EP, New Roots, in 2006, boosting their fan base even further and providing a slight source of income while on the road. In 2007, the band headed to southern California to record their first full-length album, No Time For Rest, featuring tracks with reggae legend Mikey Dread shortly before his passing. The album's single, "Cookie Jar", was the first major hit for Iration as it began to hit airwaves as well as MTV's Hawaiian themed shows Maui Fever and Living Lahaina. It also brought Iration their first major tour dates with Pepper, and would lead to more productive concert schedules. The success of Iration's first major album was followed up by an EP, titled Sample This. It featured two songs co-written by Hawaiian resident and Grammy Award-winning guitarist and producer Charles Brotman, as well as Iration's hit single "Falling". The single received even more radio time than "Cookie Jar" and Iration became the favorite with California stations like Santa Barbara's KJEE FM and San Diego's 91X. Iration began 2010 by joining The Expendables on the Winter Black Out Tour tour dates, shortly before the release of their LP, Time Bomb. The album debuted at the #2 spot on Billboard's reggae album chart and gained Iration tour dates on a national headlining concert schedule. The band released their latest album, the EP Fresh Grounds, in early 2011. The success of the album spread the band's popularity beyond the West Coast, with tour dates on The Winter Greens Tour with fellow Isla Vista reggae band Rebelution. There are only a few more 2011 tour dates left on Iration's concert schedule, including appearances at the Wakarusa Festival, Lolapalooza, and the Eugene Celebration. With only a few more scheduled tour dates left in the year, fans should check Eventful soon for ticket info.
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