Stop The Presses

Originally formed in 2010 by Ali Culotta and Danny Portilla, Stop The Presses has come a long way since their early days in Miami. The band deliver an incredible mix of traditional ska & reggae with pop hooks – new wave style and punk rock attitude with a splash of British 2-Tone.

In 2019, they released “Money in the Bank”, produced by Agent Jay and featuring Dave Hillyard of The Slackers. This album quickly put the band on the international map with it’s a retro 80s sensibility and modern edge that won over ska fans of all types! Lockdown 2020 brought multiple high profile live streams, collaborative videos, and their “Dub in the Bank” 7 inch release. In 2021, Stop the Presses hit the ground running with an east coast tour, a stand out performance at Supernova Ska Festival and the contribution of their single “Make the Best of It” for the Jump Up / Supernova Alpha Boys School benefit double album “SKA CARES”.

In 2022 the band recorded their second full length “Got It” right before heading out on an extensive US tour including an official SXSW showcase and a return performance at Supernova. This new album was entirely recorded in Brooklyn, mixed once again by AGENT JAY at STABBY ROAD. Eight tracks that prove how exciting and diverse a modern traditional ska band can be! Includes a fantastic cover of Bikini Kill’s “Rebel Girl”! As Agent Jay describes them: “A live natural feel, but a big sound with detailed arrangements.”

Artist Videos

Shows

Perfect Giddimani, La Real Del Sonido, Stop The Presses , Blackwood Kings, Judah Roots
@ Ship Point (Inner Harbour)
Wed. June 21st 16:00 - 22:00
Free
Victoria's 24th Annual Ska & Reggae Festival is kicking off with a bang – a free Inner Harbour show jam-packed end-to-end with ska and reggae goodness. Headlining our kickoff show is one of modern reggae's most prolific performers, coming to Victoria for the first time, PERFECT GIDDIMANI. Since his first single “Hand Cart Bwoy” landed in 2004, Perfect was recognized as one of reggae music's most dynamic vocalists. Since his debut album “Giddimani” in 2006, he has been absolutely relentless creating and releasing a seemingly endless stream of high-quality reggae music. His incredible voice, immense talents and tireless work ethic have brought him a Billboard-topping single and charting album, “Live My Life Again.” Giddimani's conscious, spiritual, powerful reggae music is helping bring the music forward while staying true to the roots of the culture.

Storming out of Bogata, Colombia, LA REAL DEL SONIDO has built their reputation as one of the city's hardest hitting bands – fusing their Latin rhythms with hard-hitting rock and hip-hop. Their unpredictable, high-energy stage show has made them one of the most exciting bands in the fertile Colombia scene. It may have taken longer than we'd like, but we are beyond thrilled to welcome La Real Del Sonido to Victoria Ska & Reggae Fest for the first time. Also on the bill, making their festival debut is Brooklyn's unreasonably fun ska outfit STOP THE PRESSES. The band delivers an incredible mix of traditional ska & reggae with pop hooks – new wave style and punk rock attitude with a splash of British 2-Tone. Last year saw them hit new heights with the release of their stellar second full-length album, “Got It.” Kicking things off as the first band to take the stage for jam-packed year are our dear friends, and one of the most unique reggae bands to ever come out of Vancouver Island. With over a decade under their belts, Blackwood Kings have honed their blend of reggae, dub, punk and prog rock like an elegant weapon, but only using that weapon for the good of delighting audiences wherever they may be. Our friend and ally JUDAH ROOTS will be holding it down before and between sets. One of the true protectors of culture on the west coast, Judah Roots has one of the best, most knowledgeable ears behind the decks and you can be sure he'll be laying down the sweet riddims.

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