The Aggrolites | |
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The Aggrolites (singer Jesse Wagner) - Live in Concert
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Background information | |
Origin | Los Angeles, California, United States |
Genres | Reggae |
Years active | 2002–present |
Labels | Axe, Hellcat, Young Cub Records |
Associated acts | Tim Armstrong, Tiger Army |
Website | Official site |
Members | Jesse Wagner Ricky Chacon Roger Rivas Alex McKenzie Jeff Roffredo |
Past members | Scott Abels J Bonner David Fuentes (deceased) Korey Horn Brian Dixon |
The Aggrolites are a reggae band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 2002.
The Aggrolites are an amalgamation of two previous Los Angeles reggae and ska bands, the Vessels and the Rhythm Doctors. They formed in 2002 as a live backing band for reggae icon Derrick Morgan, and were asked to record music for a new Morgan album. The project was never released but the recording sessions inspired the Aggrolites to become a permanent band. They have served as the backing band for Phyllis Dillon, Scotty, Joseph Hill of Culture, Prince Buster, and Tim Armstrong.
Regarding their musical style, Aggrolites organist Roger Rivas has stated that a combination of the sounds of 1960s soul music, funk, and skinhead reggae (also known simply as early reggae) constitutes what the band has dubbed "Dirty Reggae."
In 2003, the Aggrolites released their debut album, Dirty Reggae, on local reggae label Axe Records. The album was recorded at Signet Studios in Los Angeles in one day, with each song recorded in one take, and with many lyrics improvised on the spot. In November 2004, the Aggrolites were featured on Hellcat Records compilation Give 'Em the Boot IV, and were officially signed to Hellcat in October 2005. The Aggrolites' self-titled Hellcat debut was released on May 9, 2006. In December 2006 they toured the UK as the support band for Madness. The Aggrolites finished a collaboration with Rancid frontman Tim Armstrong for his new solo album, A Poet's Life. They are providing the instrumentals with Tim as lead singer.