De Jah Groove

Renegade Reggae – taking some old school Reggae sounds, mixed with Latino

grooves and hip-hop vibes to create hot party music. Served with generous helpings of

Aussie culture, of course. Armed with an explosive horn section, fiery percussion, rock-

steady guitar riffs, skankin’ drum beats and bottom heavy bass lines, Dé Jah Groove

has launched itself head first into the live music scene, establishing an intimidating

reputation as one of the best live acts on the circuit.

The “Renegades”…

It all started way back in 2000. The rockin’, guitar-strumming twins, Harley and Delaney

Stewart teamed up with Lach Hall, a drummer with bite. Working the local Battle of the

Bands scene, the then rock group was receiving great feedback for their rasta tune,

“Daydreaming”, and being encouraged to go down this reggae path. Enter Dave de

Podolinsky, a classically trained percussionist and 80’s rock enthusiast, and the ever-

smooth Paul Carter on sax, bringing cool jazz vibes. After playing around with the idea

of taking on new members, Will Bakes, a badass trombone player crossed their path.

After an intense summer of song-writing and a veritable muso boot camp, in 2004 the

Dé Jah Groove you know today was born. Legend has it the name Dé Jah Groove

came to Harley in a dream, and when his radio alarm went off he was literally awoken

by the music. Then by hardening the “Jah”, the band remained faithful to its reggae

roots. Talented musicians, a raw innovative sound, and of course great mates – there’s

been no looking back since.

The “Reggae”…

Aside from being “Renegade Reggae”, Dé Jah Groove’s music is a powerhouse of

Latino grooves, hip-hop, reggae, roots and rock. With half the band having roots in rock,

the other half in classical and jazz, it’s no wonder such an intriguing hybrid beast has

been created. Musically, Dé Jah Groove has matured a lot over the past two years.

Since the release of the debut EP Australian Brew in December 04, Dé Jah Groove has

really come to embrace the South American aspect to their music, which has really

come through not only at gigs, but in the latest recording session. Lyrically, the band

tries to capture the Australian lifestyle and party culture whilst also looking at travel,

music, friends and social concepts. All tracks are sung with decent Aussie accents,

which is a big part in bringing the songs to life. Catchy, cheeky and innately Australian,

the music of Dé Jah Groove crosses many demographics and produces a unique sound

that has been missing in the present Australian music climate.