Alborosie, Irie Révoltés, Voodoo Glow Skulls a many more confirmed!

Alborosie (IT/JM)

Alberto D’Ascola, better known by his stage name Alborosie, is an Italian reggae artist. Born and raised in Marsala, Sicily, Italy and as of now residing in Kingston, Jamaica, he is a multi-instrumentalist, being proficient in guitar, bass, drums and keyboard.

In 2001, when Alborosie got his mind made up and gave a try to a solo career as a reggae artist, he moved to Jamaica to be close to roots of reggae music and Rastafarian culture. Once there, he started working as sound engineer and record producer, collaborating with such artists as Gentleman and Ky-Mani Marley. His first solo album “Soul Pirate” was released in 2008 and a year later his second album “Escape from Babylon” saw the light of the world.

Alborosie’s hit songs include the well-known “Rastafari Anthem”, “Kingston Town” and “Call Up Jah”. He recently started his own record label for which he chose the name Forward Recordings. As a rising star of the new wave of reggae music, Alborosie has given concerts all around the world, including, of course, most of Europe and Jamaica.

Irie Révoltés (DE)

Irie Révoltés are a German/French band from Heidelberg, Germany, whose music incorporates elements of ska, reggae and hip-hop. “Irie” comes from the Jamaican patois and can be translated as positive, happy or free. “Révoltés” is French for insurgents. The band saw its beginnings take root in 2000 and they played, financed by their own resources, the main stages of major festivals in Germany, Switzerland and Czech Republic throughout the following years.

With over 400 concerts in more than 10 countries, Irie Révoltés have an unbeatable reputation as a breathtaking live act. Drawing on influences as diverse as reggae, dancehall, ska, punk and hip-hop, Irie Révoltés are guaranteed to set a seething show of unrestrained energy.

Central to the band’s expression is the performance of its two singers, the charismatic Carlito and Mal Élevé, who sing both in the French and German languages. Known for their left-wing activism, Irie Révoltés also show up regularly on public demonstrations and charity events in order to support political and social projects.

Voodoo Glow Skulls (USA)

Formed in 1988, Voodoo Glow Skulls meshed hardcore punk, traditional ska, tough guitar riffs and the Mexican music of their roots to create the prototype for the West Coast ska-core sound, influencing a wide range of bands from Sublime to No Doubt.

In their almost twenty five years of existence, the Voodoo Glow Skulls have an impressive list of achievements. Nine albums, more than one million records sold, appearances in exotic locations like Brazil and Japan as well as the creation of a record store, record label, recording studio and a music venue attests to the remarkable creativity and energy of the band.

Unflinchingly honest, their songs often used humour to comment on harsh political realities – from racial inequity to unrest overseas. Singing in both Spanish and English, Voodoo Glow Skulls’ bilingual musical tradition has been a hallmark of the band since they began.

On January 18, 2012, the band released its self-produced ninth album, “Break the Spell”, through Smelvis Records.

The Resignators (AUS)

The Resignators are a psycho-ska band from Melbourne, Australia. When the band was formed by Captain Focus in 2005, nobody foresaw that they would still be touring the world in 2012. Despite numerous members coming and going (it is a ska band after all), The Resignators have never stopped, and today they boast their strongest line-up ever.

Now a seven-piece with lead vocals, guitar, bass, drums, organ, trumpet and trombone, the band has a big sound that demands attention and beckons all to skank and mosh their way to the front of the stage.

After many a tour both at home in Australia and abroad in the USA and Canada, The Resignators are now embarking on their maiden tour of Europe in a big way to promote the European release of their most recent CD “See You in Hell” on Rocking Records.

New Town Kings (UK)

The New Town Kings is a young 9-piece ska band from Essex, England. During the time writing and performing as a band, they have been talented enough to play their music at an ever-increasing range of events, gigs, raves and festivals including everything from Boomtown Fair and One Love to South London squats with regular tours and European dates in between.

Along the way New Town Kings have also been fortunate to share the same stage as hundreds of great singers and bands with the most memorable including Congo Natty, Example, The Skints, Gentleman’s Dub Club, Random Hand or Dan Le Sac.

Moving into 2012, they have released their second studio album entitled “Music of Jamaican Origin” (M.O.J.O.) with the awesome, critically acclaimed single “Newstand”.

The Rifffs (MT)

Every band has a story to tell and the Maltese cult band The Rifffs are definitely a band whose story is worth hearing.

Securing a record deal with Alternative Music in the early 80’s, The Rifffs released their debut single “Dance Music for the 80’s Depression”, hitting high in the British Alternative charts. Played by the world famous DJ John Peel, this hit single stood the test of time and is still considered a timeless classic.

Having released their latest studio effort in 2009, The Rifffs got themselves ready to conquer the world with 11 fantastic songs including the re-mastered “Dance Music for the 80’s Depression”.

Skaferlatine (FR)

Having played for more than two decades, Skaferlatine boasts being one of the very first French ska bands in history. The band was formed in 1990 and was one of the main influences for the emerging ska scene in the Czech Republic. Several times they played the legendary Czech club 007 at Strahov, Prague and were among most popular ska/reggae bands at that time.

Around 2000 Skaferlatine went on a hiatus and have not reunited until now. Ready for a few summer concerts, including their keenly awaited performance at Mighty Sounds 2012, they do not intend to keep touring steadily. All ska and reggae fans are strongly recommended not to miss this show because when this band broke up years ago, it really was one of the best ones around!

Skaferlatine have released the following albums: “En Piste” (1993), “En Chantier” (1995) and “Basta Basta” (2000). The Mighty Sounds team is thrilled to have this legend play at this year’s edition of the festival!