by Miki Marcinkiewicz
Brooklyn’s The Far East pull inspiration from foundation Jamaican rhythm; bringing new, heavy magic to a classic sound. The Far East immerse themselves completely in the often forgotten beauty of Rub a Dub, and Lovers Rock
In the fall of 2016, The Far East set out on their first national tour supporting veteran British icons The Specials; playing to sold out crowds across the US (including Riot Fest Chicago). In honor of their 2016 tour, the group released a second single entitled Can We Make It Up featuring veteran reggae guitarist Andy Bassford and produced by the talented New York production house Channel Tubes. The single was pressed and celebrated by the legendary Channel One pressing house and the late Jo Jo Hoo Kim.
The Far East set out on tour with the Specials in the summer of 2017, coming home to record a new EP with Channel Tubes. The first single off the EP was released in May of 2018 with a video for the lovers anthem “Rain On My Party”. David Rogidan named this release Scorcher of the week on BBC 1Xtra and has been a long time supporter of the group.
In the winter of 2020 The Far East released their debut LP, New York is For Lovers, through the boutique Brooklyn label Names You Can Trust. The LP sold out in just three days. Followed by a subsequent 7” single release of “I’m in Love” which quickly followed suit, becoming an instant rarity.
In past performances they have supported other iconic groups such as The Wailers, Lee “Scratch” Perry, The Dap Kings, The Suffers, The Frightnrs, and The Skints. Most recently, the Far East performed with famed producer Scientist, who dubbed the band live in Brooklyn.
BOOKING - thefareastnyc@gmail.com
Release announcement from Names You Can Trust:
Harken back to a glorious period in reggae, when lush, big room sounds and smooth, soulful vocals ruled from Jamaica to New York, across the pond in London and everywhere dances were held. Known as Lover’s Rock, the style filled early ’80s dancehalls and radio airwaves alike, a grown up sound that cherished love, explored heartbreak, and most importantly, updated and paid respect to the indomitable rhythms of Jamaican music that had previously laid the foundation decades prior. That transcendent period is at the heart of The Far East’s latest recording, a true school ode to the sounds and vibes of reggae music in New York, what once was, and will always be.
Under the guidance of producer Channel Tubes in the studio since their inception, The Far East has built a formidable reputation around this still thriving New York scene. They’ve embraced many of the essential studio methodologies of the past, not so much as facsimile, but as an enhancement to their unique take on the genre. It’s evident outside of the studio as well, as the group has entrenched themselves in the diverse stages of New York’s music scene, adored by an audience both young and old, from Bushwick to The Bronx.
The band’s undeniable talent for performing comes alive on the recording, touched graciously and expertly at the hand of Channel Tubes, and the result is stunning. Lead singer Maddie Ruthless explodes off the record with both sugar and spice. She effortlessly glides across the precisely played backing tracks, whether they’re reimagining the iconic reggae rendition of “I’m In Love” or one of their soon-to-be-classic original numbers. Truly at the heart of the record is an honest ambience, a hint of nostalgia for a bygone New York era, but quite remarkably at the same time, an absolute statement of now, a proof positive document that the timeless possibility of reggae music can manifest itself once again in 2020 and beyond. As the record title suggests, New York Is For Lovers.
PRESS
Channel Tubes Presents the Far East EP announcement Rootfire
Rain On My Party Release Announcement by James Steiner AKA Mighty Redeemer
Maddie Ruthless Women in Reggae profile for Rootfire
The Far East on Nouveau York
The Far East - Brooklyn Magazine - New York is for Lovers