Iya Terra ADD
As the genre of Reggae music is continuously evolving, Los Angeles, California, based Iya Terra has found a way to take the messages of traditional Roots-Reggae and seamlessly mash them up in a today version. The young group of musicians have chosen the name Iya Terra, meaning “Higher Ground,” as the launching pad to create positive, conscious music while spreading messages of anti-establishment, simple living, and a healthy lifestyle.
Their modern approach to the music, high-energy performances and full sound add a new dimension to traditional Reggae that appeals to an audience of all ages, opening the doors for them to be labeled as one of today’s leaders in the “New Roots” movement. Lead guitarist and vocalist, Nathan Feinstein, along with lifelong friend and bassist, Nick Loporchio, began their musical journey to spread a conscious message to the masses while singing songs on the sidewalks of UCLA in the summer of 2013.
Since then, the band has gone on to add longtime friends, Luis Tovar on keys and Danny Monar on percussion in the spring of 2014, while also acquiring drummer, Blake Bartz, in the fall. Most recently, the band completed their current lineup with Nick Sefakis joining on rhythm guitar in March of 2015. The band’s first recorded release consisted of a 6 song self-titled EP that dropped in the spring of 2014.
After receiving a great response and several requests to put out more music, Iya Terra released their first full-length album, “Full Circle,” on April 14th, 2015. Produced and engineered by the award winning, JP Hesser, the 10-song album debuted at #4 on the iTunes Reggae Charts and #12 on the Billboard Reggae Charts. Recorded at Castaway 7 Studios in Ventura, California, “Full Circle” is host to several special guest appearances by some of the hottest rising stars in the modern Reggae scene.
Iya Terra set sail on their first tour in August 2014 with good friends, Ital Vibes. The “Link Up Tour 2014,” presented by Ozzie of We Should Smoke and constructed solely by Nick and Nathan with no additional management, proved to be a huge success in the next step of the band’s musical voyage.
Following the tour, the band sought out guidance under Rude Entertainment Productions and since then, has shown no signs of slowing down. Since acquiring the new management in November of 2014, Iya Terra has been relentlessly playing shows all throughout the Southwest region of the United States while also reaching new areas thanks to generous invites to play several music festivals and joining on multiple tours running along the west coast such as the Kingston City Tour with New Kingston (Brooklyn, NY) and True Press (Monrovia, CA), The Youth Rising Tour with Synrgy (San Diego, CA) and Ital Vibes (Carson, CA), and most recently, a run with Tribal Seeds’ own, Gonzo with Beyond I Sight (Redondo Beach, CA) and White Glove Service (Fresno, CA).
In their brief time together, Iya Terra has also had the honor of sharing the stage with some of today’s biggest Reggae artists, both old and new, such as Barrington Levy, Black Uhuru, Yellow Man, Tarrus Riley, Easy Star All Stars, Alborosie, Ky-Mani Marley, Julian Marley, Marlon Asher, Matisyahu, Common Kings, Proteje, Nahko, Collie Buddz, The Green, Pepper, The Expanders, Arise Roots, House of Shem, Stick Figure, John Browns Body and many more.
Even with their impressive resume, Iya Terra, continues to move forward. The band is currently working on new music with plans to record a new EP in December of 2015. Currently scheduled to make their debut at the 31st annual Reggae On The River, Iya Terra is set to follow up with a few shows playing alongside the recently reunited, Tomorrows Bad Seeds, and a September run with Hawaii’s own Inna Vision.
What has now become a result of the manifestation of their dreams, the band holds the intent to spread their music through extensive touring so stay tuned for Iya Terra bringing the vibes to a city near you!
