It is no secret that roots/reggae has gained tremendous popularity around the world. Many fans in different parts of the world have really embraced the music and that has led to the emergence of great bands such House of Shem from New Zealand.
Since its inception, reggae-roots has kept growing consistently and has had a significant influence in our societies.
It is good to note that their so many artists today who have showcased their remarkable talents and established great careers through this celebrated genre.
House Of Shem seamlessly blends contemporary and traditional styles to develop an authentic fusion of reggae.
Quick Start Guide House Of Shem:
This band demonstrates a unique mixture of beauty and power and that makes their live experience a memorable occasion for anyone who is lucky enough to get to one of their gigs. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a raver or Rasta, their heavy harmonies, incredible tightness, blend of contemporary and traditional reggae styles, and conscious lyrics will leave you spellbound from the first beat.
House Of Shem is famous roots-reggae band hailing from the beautiful city of Aotearoa in New Zealand. It was founded in the country side of Whanganui in 2005. The group represents a multi-generational force of the modern reggae genre music style.
Carl Perkins and his two sons; Isaiah Perkins and Te Omeka Perkins who’re talented producers and instrumentalists in their own right constitute the original lineup of the band. Their tracks have been featured on the Conscious Roots Collection.
Having been built around the classic harmony trio format, the band has maintained a legendary status in the reggae music scene.
With more than 30 years of experience playing and writing reggae music, Carl Perkins has steered House Of Shem to achieve international recognition. His musical credentials are impeccable since he has been a member of great bands including Mana, Twelve Tribes of Israel and the Herbs.
Isaiah and Te Omeka joins their father Carl Perkins up front providing not only harmonies, but both of them also compose lyrics, take turns playing keyboards and singing lead as well.
The sound of mixed voices comes out as something really extraordinary, and this is attributed to the family bind and blood link of the band’s members, musical genes really do run in this family.
Te Omeka and Isaiah grew up when music was at the core of Carl’s life, and that inspired them to follow the music inclinations of their father. In fact, they used to perform themselves when they were young.
Fortunately, the band has had three different lead singers since each of the three members has their distinct voice and songwriting style. For that reason, the fans highly-admire their harmonies and the phenomenal precision of their collaborative performance.
Enhancing the sound of the band is the exceptionally talented guitarist, Roy Venkataraman who’s a veteran having toured and performed with The Wailers for some years and the Chris Nielson’s soul-infused horn on the saxophone.
The band released their debut album, Keep Rising throughout New Zealand in May 2008. Surprisingly, they re-released the album in April 2009 throughout Hawaii and Australia.
Career Highlights:
House Of Stem emerged into the reggae-roots music scene with their first album in 2008, and since that time, they have been able to release three successful albums which have earned them a fast growing loyal fan base.
The band has demonstrated that they want to present a quality product to the world by working with Grammy award-winning engineers on two remarkable albums James Caruso(Stephen Marley, Nas, Damian Marley) and Errol Brown (Burning Spear, Bob Marley) and even mixing at Tuff Gong Studios, Jamaica shows.
Carl Perkins is a true legend having obtained two Gold and Platinum albums as well as being inducted into the New Zealand Music hall of fame with his former band, The Herbs –who also received a Lifetime Achievement Award for the most inspirational Maori Polynesian artist.
It is also important to recognize that House Of Shem was the first reggae band in New Zealand to debut at No.1 for their album “Island Vibration” on the day of release.
The band has toured the country extensively over the last couple of years. That is why they have performed regularly at the annual festivals such as Parihaka Peace Festival, Raggamuffin, Parachute Fest, Phat 08, Soundsplash, Rhythm & Vines, One Love, Tribal Pride, Nga Puhi fest and have gained a loyal following not only in the major centers but the rural communities as well.
After agreeing to work with the Jamaican producer and engineer Errol Brown who has also worked with several famous artists and bands including Peter Tosh, Bob Marley & The Wailers, Ziggy Marley and The Melody Makers, Alton Ellis, and Gregory Isaacs, the band began recording their second album, Island Vibration in April 2010. They released the album in New Zealand on 14th Feb. 2011.
Their incredible third album, Harmony, on which they also worked with Errol Brown, hit the shelves in 2014. The album attracted global attention and garnered acclaim because of their distribution deal with VP Records Associated Label Group (VPAL Music).
It seems reggae lovers and other music lovers have really liked the first track and music video of the third album “Take You There,” and so far, it has garnered more than 1 million views on YouTube and still dominates the online reggae radio community.
The band returns in 2017 with new music with the top track Anything You Ask For. To offer something special and unique for their international fan base, they merged the local flavors of the Pacific into the new song. Also, they wrote, recorded and self-produced the track on the island of Hawaii.
Present Status:
