HIGH TIDE INTERVIEW
A couple of months ago, San Diego's High Tide made a huge splash at The Pier when we scored a copy of it's full-length debut album, Play Me Reggae. Ever since then we have made it a priority get the band in to learn a little more about the five-piece outfit.
The Pier: Describe what High Tide is about in five words.
High Tide: Play what you feel. Feel what you play (that's ten words or less).
The Pier: Cool. A lot of folks struggle with that kind of question. So what got you guys into playing reggae to begin with and what is it you love about this type of music?
High Tide: Like most Cali youth, we were introduced to reggae through friends. Lots of surfing, skating, and snowboarding connected reggae to our natural rhythm of life. Taking punk rock and ska influence, and providing the maturity of Rasta is what has ultimately brought our sound to fruition. Some of us even take it further as a spiritual force helping to maintain a balance in life. There is something additional about the dynamics in reggae music that is extremely appealing to the listener and fulfilling to play. The complexity of simplicity; less is more.
The Pier: High Tide has gone through a few line-up changes over the years. Happy with the band as it is now?
High Tide: Yes. Every band goes through line-up changes. The music hasn't suffered, only evolved. Because we survived those changes, we've grown closer as a team. The core members of this band are inseparable brothers. We plan on collaborating with quality talent on a regular basis. As we continue making music, the line-up may change further, but like the tide we will adapt.
The Pier: It's been a long time coming, but you must be happy to get the new album (Play me Reggae) out?
High Tide: Absolutely. It really was incredibly hard work. Doing it completely independently required more hours than we imagined. From coordinating the artwork, to endless nights mixing and recording, we logged literally thousands of hours working on this project. No rest for the weary.
The Pier: What was the recording like for it? Any cool stories?
High Tide: Recording was time consuming, frustrating, and ultimately a blast. The best part was working with Bob (Trumpet) as engineer. He would always press harder and harder for good takes, and it really made a difference on the album. Sometimes we'd be in there on the mic just trying to make everyone behind the glass laugh but Bob would flip it. He has a way of recording things without you knowing. He would catch us saying the most ridiculous things and play it back. The whole room would drop to the floor rolling sometimes. Everyone had a great time.
The Pier: You have a few guests on it like Daddy Scotty, NoNeedz, Coot Dog, Baby Mouse etc. Must have been fun to get your friends involved?
High Tide: It was a blast! Many of our guests were friends. Nick on sax, Kat and Tobin on percussion, and Casey on vocals, were automatic choices. These people had played shows with us and contributed to the growth of High Tide in numerous ways. We planned on having additional vocalists, but never expected to have the privilege of working with the caliber of artists that we got.
Mike Patti from Sense Boardwear really helped us out tremendously in pulling together an elite group of vocalists to appear on the CD. These artists are all quite successful in their own their own regard and really only knew High Tide through our mutual scene. Coot Dog from Mystic Roots, Baby Mouse, NoNeedz, and Daddy Scotty from Chapter 11, really took it seriously, and gave it their all. And it definitely shows on the tracks.
The Pier: Prior to this album's release you put out an acoustic EP, Not for Profit, it is a very cool sounding record. What was the inspiration behind doing that?
High Tide: Again Mike Patti came up with the idea. We had about 10 songs for Play Me Reggae done by summer '06, and it was becoming apparent that the album was going to take a lot longer to complete. We agreed that it was necessary to release something in the meantime. Some of the songs that made the album were written specifically for the acoustic EP. Incidentally, the idea has proven to be such a positive compliment to our electric sound, that we are planning to release subsequent acoustic projects.
The Pier: What's been your most favorite show you guys have played?
High Tide: After playing over 350 shows, there are countless memories to enjoy. Probably the experience that stands out the most was playing at the 2007 UCSD Sungod Festival. By winning an incredibly competitive Battle of the Bands, we were given the chance to share the stage with internationally renowned acts. T.I, Ozomatli, and Third Eye Blind among others. It was dope.
The Pier: What upcoming shows/tour plans do you have?
High Tide: After the success of our last CA/AZ tour, we are planning a huge follow-up. Our '08 West Coast Summer Tour is currently in the works. We're heading up the coast playing every major town from here to Oregon and back. Hopefully we'll be able to hit Vegas and Arizona again.
The Pier: Ok, so if you could tour with anyone who would it be and why?
High Tide: We'll tour with anyone who's making a difference. Slightly Stoopid recently toured with Dave Matthews. We feel that our sound can be appreciated by any audience. We don't want to lock ourselves into only one scene. Reggae is our roots and it would be probably most exiting to go out with Steel Pulse, Barrington, or Don Carlos. We love all our predecessors and while we would be honored to tour with the legends. Reggae seems to have no boundaries and the vibe continues alienates none. We'd embrace the opportunity to spread this music to all walks of life.
The Pier: What's is your favorite summer hang out destination and why?
High Tide: The Beach - The Waves, The Girls, the Sun and most of all the appreciation for the Mother Earth - which gives endless fulfillment.
Thanks to High Tide for taking the time to answer questions. Make sure to check out some more High Tide on the interweb here: High Tide MySpace
Click the pic below to purchase Play Me Reggae
