Notes of diversity

Lucky Dub was formed in D.C., but the band’s musical influences and members are not defined by the District.

About to set off on a show-filled summer, the funk-inspired band has certainly come a long way from playing at Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity house parties.

The diverse 11-member band – with strong foundations in reggae music, combined with elements of funk, jazz, ska, alternative rock and Latin grooves – is ready to embark on its East Coast summer tour, playing venues in Ocean City, Md. and Dewey Beach, Del., as well as in New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Virginia Beach, Va.

“I don’t know if we can even define what we’re doing as a genre,” lead singer Gordon Daniels said.

Their unique sound and positive message has become Lucky Dub’s hallmark. Using a wide variety of adjectives to describe their sound, not a single word has summed up the distinct musical vibe the band encompasses.

“Reggae is a good jumping off point,” Baker said, identifying the foundation of the album’s sound.

The members of Lucky Dub enjoy the indefinable quality of their music, attributing it to their large number of band members who all bring different musical influences to the group.

“I like that though, because different people hear different things. It appeals to a larger audience,” Isaiah Toney, a junior and the band’s saxophone player, said.

Bandmates are current students and alumni with backgrounds in music studies programs and a cappella groups.

Daniels’ serendipitous entrance happened when the band’s previous singer was a no-show at an event in Adams Morgan. Daniels jumped on the stage and has been behind the microphone ever since.

Lucky Dub grew in size after including Daniels, also acquiring a horn section, adding to the reggae-funk sound.

The band’s bassist, John Baker, said a smaller musical ensemble could probably make quicker decisions, but he says “The music isn’t as diverse because they only have three people.”

“Mindset” was completely produced and published independently by the band.

Daniels describes the album as “a culmination of everything.”

Looking forward to their summer tour, the band plans to play music from their earlier album, “Lucky Dub: Live,” but, with eager excitement, they cannot wait to show audiences what they have been working on.

“You remember the energy, but you don’t remember the notes,” Toney said.

Throughout the upcoming summer tour, the band is looking to expand their fan base by reaching many first time listeners. The band also plans on releasing a remix LP from Canadian DJ Dub Maddox in late August or early September.

Meet the band

.thumbBand{width:200px; margin-right:10px; float:left}
.listSpecial{margin:0px !important; font-size:12px !important}
.centerHeading{text-align:center}