Rising Tribe & Sarah Stickle on Tazday Twilight Blues

Interview by Rose Powell. Photo by Sarah Gottschalk.

The best way to describe this week’s guests Rising Tribe on Taz Michael's 'Tazday Twilight Blues' show  is  “fonky,” a hybrid of funky and folk. Other than being what bassist Lindsey dubbed “fonky” they also embody a whole new generation of reggae, something they call Island Alternative. It’s a refreshingly shocking spin on the chill vibes of old school reggae. Drawing upon influences like UB40, Steel Pulse, and even The Cranberries, Tiffany says they aim to be more pop than authentic reggae. The mixture of ska, rock, pop, reggae, and even Celtic music, morphs together forming an elaborate sonic texture, one that binds you to their emphatic playing. Currently the Tribe consists of Tyler Brooks, Lindsey Noguiera, and Tiffany Gasset (left to right in photo).

In the studio they gave us a nibble of what can be tasted on their upcoming second album 'Live Up.' Tiffany started out with the emotionally charged song “Pain,” which just reached number three on Farm Fresh Radio. Tiffany’s engaging stage presence and soulful vocals were underlined by Lindsey’s soul-bending bass lines. Tyler infused the song with a congo drum, bringing this song reggae undertones. Tiffany’s voice reminded me of Alainis Morrisette, but with reggae and Celtic undertones. While it is impossible to classify Tiffany’s sound, you can definitely hear the influence that growing up in St. Thomas had on her. This upbringing is not only an integral part of the vibes this group brings to performances, it is also the influence for their second album. You can hear their music on iTunes, as well as on their Facebook page and their website www.risingtribemusic.com.

Upcoming shows can also be found on Facebook and their website. Come check them out at the Skinny Pancake this Thursday from 3-5 pm.

Sarah Stickle Inerview by Rose Powell. Photo by Sarah Gottschalk.

Hailing from Burlington, Sarah’s warm and inviting presence lures you into her youthful music. Not even out of high school yet, her lyrics provide insight on growing up. She had no idea that she would fall into being a singer songwriter when she began lessons with local musician Marie Claire two years ago. Her passion for music was sparked by her father’s mandolin and guitar playing, and now she is working on her own personal style.

During the show rosy cheeked Sarah bloomed into a song called "Three Dollars." The song is upbeat and summery, while the lyrics reflect on the value of love and good conversation over having a lot of money. Her gentle voice carried a catchy chorus, “I could spend every day with you in the summer, three dollars is enough to get by…” It is refreshing to her take on love through adolescent eyes. You can hear the influence of Bruce Springsteen’s narrative lyric style in her songsmithing. Sarah will be going to UVM in the fall and hopes to have a demo coming out this summer. You can catch her on Facebook, Myspace, and ReverbNation!