 Jehua Kayton Peni Shane Stacy Wayne
Natural Vibrations' Biography
Maybe it’s because both Jamaica and Hawai‘i lie close to 20 degrees latitude north. Maybe it’s just the island thing. Whatever it is, reggae pulses through Hawai’i, influencing artists like no other genre of music. None have achieved the level of popularity and acclaim of Natural Vibrations, who incorporate this Jamaican music foundation and Hawai’ian vibe with the pop, rock, and rap music of today to create their own unique sound.
Formed in 1993 as a group of friends getting together at backyard parties in Kahalu‘u on Oahu’s Windward side, before they knew it Natural Vibrations were performing locally, recording, and touring on a regular basis. Today, they are one of the most popular bands in Hawai‘i, and gaining ground quickly on the Mainland and beyond.
Natural Vibrations, also known as Natural Vibes, Natty Vibes or simply Da Vibes by their countless fans, describe themselves as a “wild, sexually explicit, three-ring circus-like, hard-partying, fun-loving, pop/rock/reggae band.” Critics have praised their straight-ahead, no-holds-barred pop/rock/reggae style, blended with their sweet treatment of classic, timeless love and relationship themes. Natural Vibrations’ homegrown songs are “rootsy, funky, rock steady and romantic, with a touch of dub,” and shows the growth and progress of The Vibes as a band that is ready to break out and become the next major international artist from Hawai‘i.
Although Natural Vibrations is comprised of six very different personalities, the synergy between them is extraordinary and comes together on stage, creating a dynamic visual/musical experience. Their fans pack the front of the stage, dancing and singing along with every song. Their musical backgrounds are varied...citing influences from Prince and Michael McDonald to Bob Marley and UB 40. Each member of the Vibes plays multiple musical instruments as well as contributes to the band’s songwriting, and five of the guys trade off on lead vocals, adding to the strength and diversification of the show.
The Music
Natural Vibrations have recorded five albums in the last 11 years: Balls Rolling – 1996; All Natural – 1998; Getting High – 2000; The Circle – 2003; From the Heart – 2007. They have won multiple awards for Best Reggae Album and hit the Billboard Reggae Chart in 2002 and again in 2007.
Their latest release, “From the Heart,” is their first release since 2003. Vibe fanatics have been anxiously awaiting this new CD, and they we're not disappointed. “From the Heart” features 13 new songs, and like all other Natural Vibe’s CDs, they are all originals. In May of 2007 "From the Heart" reached #5 on the Billboard Reggae Chart. “From the Heart” won Best Reggae Album in 2008 at Hawaii's prestigious Na Hoku Hanohano Awards.
The group has performed in Hawaii, Saipan, Guam, Alaska, California, Oregon, Nevada, Idaho, Washington, Colorado, Utah, and has shared the stage with impressive list of artists: Steel Pulse, 311, Maxi Priest, UB40, Israel Vibration, Jimmy Cliff, Santana, The Wailers, Ziggy Marley, Bunny Wailer, Neil McCoy, Faith Hill, Blu Cantell, Chaka Demus, Tanya Stephens, O-Maya, Aswad, Yellowman, Pepper, Slightly Stoopid, Eek-A Mouse, Don Carlos, Lucky Dube, Big Mountain, Japan super-band “Tube” and many more. And then there was the night on Maui when Prince couldn’t contain himself and jumped on stage to jam with the boys.
What’s Next?
The band is looking forward to their upcoming Spring Tour (17 cities in 25 days), followed by a three-island mini CD release tour. They go to Alaska in late summer, and are hoping to tour Japan after that. These international ambassadors of pop/rock/reggae consciously take time during each show to promote brotherhood and respect. Their mission is to promote harmony and fun through their music and lifestyle, as they share their music and positive energy with thousands of old and new fans around the world.
The Vibrations are indeed Natural — and they’re good Vibrations too!
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Natural Vibrations' Press Information (updated
June 18, 2008 11:33 AM
)
Download a printable version of the Natural Vibrations' bio 
Download the Natural Vibrations' Press Photo
Download the CD cover art for "From The Heart" 
Download Natural Vibrations' achievements 
Download Wayne Harada's review of "From The Heart" 
Download the Natural Vibrations' Honolulu Star-Bulletin Feature 
Download Natural Vibrations' MidWeek interview, 4/13/2007 
Download Natural Vibrations' press release "From The Heart" on the Billboard Chart 
Download John Berger's review of "From The Heart" 
Download Jason Genegabus' article about the "From The Heart" CD Release Party 
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