Summer is the best time for So-Cal reggae rock music photography for your sunny days at the beach. Savannah-based reggae rock band Unifya is here to deliver the good vibes with many upcoming shows and new EPs.
Founded in 2020 by Grammy-nominated producer Chris Steinmetz of Stonecutter Records as collaborative studio roots, Unifya garnered reggae lead singer Kemwa Z. Although the band released a well-produced solo couple, the lineup was short-lived.
With only founding member Jonathan Cabrera remaining, Unifya rebuilt with singer Trey Lindsay, then developed their music from reggae roots to the sound of alternative reggae rock.
local musicians:Savannah up-and-coming indie rock Calico MD opens its doors to Crumbsnatcher at El Rocko Lounge
“I want to be a part of the music!”:Savannah singer-songwriter Anna Killam makes music accessible to everyone
Domestic heavy metals:In front of Metallica’s sons, Bastardane joins the Manarovs in showcasing their album release
“Jonathan’s influences are more rooted in reggae, but he also listens to sublime rock and punk,” Lindsay explained. “I think when I came to the band, I brought my influences to the table, and I didn’t try to take credit for completely changing the voice, but it evolved naturally because I’m a completely different singer.”
“I love old things, I think they are cool, but I will never try to imitate them. I can’t do Rasta style and take it seriously. You might get a laugh at that.”
Fortunately, Cabrera found Lindsay on the Facebook page of Savannah Musicians when he was looking for a replacement singer.
“I was just browsing,” Lindsay recalls. “I just said, ‘I sing,'” he asked what style of music I was playing. I had no idea who he was. He had no idea who I was. But it was just a coincidence that he was looking for someone in a reggae sound. Because this is my cockpit.”
Lindsay grew up in Savannah and is fascinated by Tybee Island and the good beach vibes it produces.
Other local musicians:You’ve seen her play around Savannah, but watch out for Susanna Kennedy
“My nickname I had several years ago is Treyzee from East 80,” said Lindsey. “Even as a kid, as a teenager, it would take an hour to get to Tybee, and I still felt like I was from there, and right at home. I’m trying to put something into my words about Tybee or East 80 or Victory Drive.”
Lindsey even led a band called Victory Drive – VD for a while. The joke was on the flyers “Catch VD this summer”.
“I remember when Passafire was playing around town, Tybee and other things, and they are such a huge inspiration to me,” Lindsay said. I was a lot younger then when they were making their way, so it’s great to do. Not many bands in the area do what we do musically.
“I’ve been doing this style, solo, for a long time. If people see me around town they can catch me at a crowded place or a solo party. I usually play some Sublime or Bob Marley covers, but I’ve also played in punk rock bands and metal bands.” , and I face it. But that’s really my forte.”
Unifya’s most recent single, “So Long,” has a strong connection to the Southern California music it has been influenced by. When the band sent the track to Los Angeles studio Total Access Recording to be mixed and mastered, their producer offered to invite DJ Sublime to play on it.
“He does all the gentle scratching you hear there,” said Lindsey.
“So Long” performed very well on streaming platforms, although it has a sad image of Congress Corner and Barnard Street that belies the sunny sounds of the songs. Lindsey snapped the photo after prom because he was shocked by the evocative way the lamplight looked like the sun shining through the rainy mist. The band also loved how the street signs represented Savannah.
Back in Victory North:Once a training ground for local rappers, Basik Lee revives the legendary hip-hop night
“We’re really talking about representing 912 and where I’m coming from, and trying to develop or help develop some kind of landscape and community, or at least part of it.”
Community building is what drew Lindsay and his UniFya bandmates to reggae in the first place.
“Playing this genre, I feel it in my soul and bones,” Lindsey said. “I’ve always enjoyed the community when I’ve been to reggae festivals. There’s a different feel to those shows than to a rock show or a metal show. There’s community and almost a lack of ego. Among the last two festivals I went to in Orlando, Reggae on the Block, I didn’t I watch no fight, or anyone gets arrested. It was love, community, bringing people of all cultural backgrounds together. When we play there is positive energy, not promoting violence or hatred.”
The next chance to watch UniFya Live is on Tybee Island at the North Beach Bar & Grill on June 25 at 7 p.m.
“It’s one of my favorite local spots because it’s right off the beach, it’s just a really quiet and relaxing environment and everyone is there to enjoy the sun and have a good time.”
UniFya’s So Long song is available on all streaming platforms. The upcoming fun, single summer single, “Dirty Dub,” is available July 1.