"Rise Up mixes a smoky blend of roots reggae with California attitude for a style that falls closer to Bob Marley than Sublime. In other words, genuine reggae." by Matt Weir, "Love Your Local Band," Good Times: Santa Cruz, Nov. 1, 2016.

Hailing from the increasingly strong Reggae community of California's Central Coast, Salinas' own RISE UP is bursting onto the scene with infectious riddims, strong messages of positivity and consciousness, catchy groves, and big vibes. Pulling from a myriad of influences and musical backgrounds, RISE UP layers their own unique sound over the unmistakable power of a Roots Rock Reggae backdrop.

RISE UP continues to play to bigger and bigger crowds with each live gig and the unbelievably positive response has quickly made them a favorite locally and beyond. Since their first show early in 2016, RISE UP has already shared the stage with the likes of Jamaican Reggae legend Winston Jarrett as well as up and coming Reggae powerhouses such as Soulwise, South Bay Dub Allstars (Cali Roots Festival 2016), Piracy Conspiracy (Sierra Nevada World Music Fest 2016),  Lujan, Nomalakadoja, Pacific Grown, and more. RISE UP humbly released (July 2016) the band's first recording, a powerful 4-song self-titled EP. Be sure to keep an eye and ear out for this driven and determined new band as they work to expand and progress with their own brand of modern Roots Rock Reggae. Babylon should be nervous!!!

The Beginning...

RISE UP started as a humble garage jam session for fun and good vibes between long-time friends Chris Alcantara (vocals, guitar, keyboards) and Alex Smith (former drummer). After a few originals and classic Reggae covers were crafted on rhythm guitar and drums they recruited Steven Moreno (bass, vocals, melodica) and Justin Prouty (lead guitar), both former heavy metal guitarists, to add their talents to help bring the songs to life. From those early sessions, a unique sound was created that spoke to all of the member's many influences while staying heavily steeped in a Roots Reggae style. As the band pushed forward to expand their sound to the massive of the 831 and beyond, circumstances led Alex Smith to leave the band. While the search for a new drummer would last what felt like an eternity, Chris, Steven, and Justin persevered and kept the irie vibes alive through acoustic writing and jamming sessions. After about 6 months, a benefit show opportunity for a local youth organization presented itself, so the band reached out to veteran Reggae (and heavy metal) drummer Alex Cortez to sit in for the cause. A few practice sessions and one successful gig later, it was evident that the chemistry and music created by that lineup was too powerful to not forge on. Now blessed with the full-time talents of Alex Cortez on drums, RISE UP is on a mission to spread their positive conscious Reggae music to the world.