ABOUT
Formed out of the dissolution of hardcore punk bands, a group of high school friends from south shore Massachusetts formed a new reggae band called Dubbest (pronounced duh-best) in 2009. Drawing from their jam band influences and newfound love of classic 70’s and 80’s Jamaican reggae, the boys developed a unique sound that paid homage to the genre’s roots while exploring new sounds and unchartered waters. In 2012, they self-recorded and released their debut album, the experimental and dark “Avoid the Pier”.
In 2013, Dubbest released their first single “Heat and Water” with Craig “Dubfader” Welsch (10 Ft. Ganja Plant) who helped dial in their sound and approach to songwriting. In 2015, the band released their second album “Light Flashes” also produced by Welsch. Embracing their DIY punk ethos, the band embarked on a self-booked cross-country tour to promote the album. In 2016, they made the logical next step to relocate to San Diego, CA and quickly entrenched themselves in the scene. That same year, they opened for the legendary Wailers at the iconic Belly Up, and subsequently released the live album “Live at the Belly Up” in 2016.
Dubbest released their eagerly awaited third album “Gold Fever” in 2019. Coming out of the pandemic, they played festivals and toured with the likes of Barrington Levy, The Expanders, John Brown’s Body, Passafire and Arise Roots. In fall 2002, Dubbest toured the US in support of KBong (Stick Figure), and the two co-released a single “Love is a Celebration”. In summer 2023, the band announced a GoFundMe to help fund their highly-anticipated new album, as well as a massive US tour supporting Fortunate Youth. To tide fans over, Dubbest released a new single “Right Your Wrongs” featuring Iya Terra, and a dub version “Dub Your Wrongs” again produced by Dubfader.
PRESS PHOTOS
LATEST RELEASES
“POSSESSION”
FT TUNNEL VISION - 2024
“FOR YOU” WITH TATANKA - 2023
“SLOW BURN” FT DAN KELLY - 2024
MUSIC
SINGLES
“RIGHT YOUR
WRONGS” - 2023
“LOVE IS A
CELEBRATION” - 2023
“DON’T LEAVE
ME OUT” - 2022
“UNUSUAL TIMES” - 2021
ALBUMS
“GOLD FEVER” - 2019
“LIVE AT THE BELLY UP” - 2016
“LIGHT FLASHES” - 2015
“AVOID THE PIER” - 2013
VIDEO
OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO -
“SPEND THE DAY”
OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO -
“DON’T LEAVE ME OUT”
SUGARSHACK SESSIONS-
“SPEND THE DAY”
SUGARSHACK SESSIONS-
”LEAVING”
SUGARSHACK SESSIONS-
“ONE THING”
SUGARSHACK SESSIONS-
“DAYDREAM”
PRESS
“If you have not taken a moment to listen to one of reggae hottest upcoming bands, DUBBEST, you are seriously missing out on a musical experience reminiscent of true roots reggae.” - Alexia Johnson - 11/30/2019 - Top Shelf Music Magazine
“Within six months of making the move to San Diego from Boston, Dubbest landed a sold out show opening for the Wailers at the iconic Belly Up Tavern, known for showcasing an amazing live-sound. With the help of Erik Wainwright of Shoreline Roots on percussion and Derek Brown on keyboards, the performance made for a special night captured in this now ten-track live album.” - MP3 Leak of the Week - 11/1/2016 - The Pier
“After nearly a decade of taking over the east coast in a reggae fashion, Dubbest releases their premier live album, Dubbest Live At The Belly Up. This recording exemplifies the recent progress of Dubbest since their west coast relocation. This will be the first of many live releases to come for the five piece. Recorded on July 28, 2016 at the Belly Up in Solana Beach CA, the performance features an air-tight, high energy, intricate set with some new songs, and some old. New tracks including Terra Fermata, Foolish Man, and Daydream add a fresh taste to this release. Familiar favorites such as Palm Tree, Spend The Day, Heat and Water, One Thing, and By Design transition from one to the other with excitement and strong accuracy.” - 11/23/2016 - Grateful Web
“The band’s innate ability to craft intricate song compositions and harmonies, are further amplified by the outstanding vocals and memorable, thought-provoking lyrics provided by lead vocalist/keyboardist Ryan Thaxter. The songwriting truly shines on tracks like “By Design”, “Spend the Day” and “Give In”, easily surpassing a majority of the mainstream pop reggae tunes found on the airwaves.” - Mark McGwin - 7/2/2015 - Live For Live Music