San Francisco Voice

 

 

San Fran Voice was happy to catch up with Temple of Roots for an interview about their music, self described as “new school American dub with elements of reggae and hip-hop”.  You can tell from their articulate interview that they’ve got the intelligence for lyrics that pack a punch … and their instrumentals don’t fall short of supporting those smarts.  They’re live stuff is always inspired (read all the way to the last question here to find out why) … Check them out live on June 7^th at Kimo’s.

 

What is the story of how the band formed?  The foundation of

Temple of

Roots is yet another Craig’s List success story — with a twist.  Lead vocalist Josh (the Scribe) was more in need of a place to live than a new musical collaboration.  In 2003, a “room for rent” ad led Josh to downtown Oakland where he moved in with a music producer:  Manny (Manteka)

San Gabriel.  Even though Josh and Manny were already actively involved in separate musical projects, they couldn’t resist the creative pull between them.  Soon, each dropped his previous endeavors and together they founded the staunchly political (and much maligned) hip-hop trio, Dead Sea Scribes.

 

Despite a loyal following and an album deal, Dead Sea Scribes broke up in early 2006.  Still, Manny and Josh couldn’t imagine moving forward creatively without each other.  That’s when they turned again to Craig’s List, hoping to find an additional vocalist.  Linda Hurshman (a.k.a. Stingah) soon answered the call.  Despite little previous band experience, Linda proved that she had the drive and talent necessary to succeed.  The new trio dubbed themselves “

Temple of

Roots”.

 

Where did the name come from?  “

Temple of

Roots” was the name of the first song we recorded together.  “

Temple” is a safe and sacred place, externally or internally.  “Roots” represents our heritage and also our deep appreciation for the sounds and spirituality of Reggae music.  Of course, we don’t mind the pun with “

Temple of

Doom” and/or the Cypress Hill album “

Temple of

Boom”.

 

Describe the average fan of

Temple of

Roots:  Conscious, open-minded deviants who love to dance.

 

If the band was a SF landmark, which one would you be and why?  The

Bay Bridge, bringing diverse communities together.

 

Do you have a favorite SF venue?  Hotel Utah, hands down.  Of course our absolute favorite bay area venue is the mighty Stork Club in

Oakland.

 

Which spots in the City can you be found in when you’re just out and about?  Our studio in the Mission, catching a show at the Independent, or chillin’ in

Golden Gate Park.  However, you’re much more likely to find us in OAKLAND:  The Kerry House, the Ashby Flea Market, the Stork Club, and over at

Telegraph Avenue

in

Berkeley.

 

Where do you guys want to be (as a band) a year from now?  We’d be happy doing exactly what we’re doing now: gigging a couple times a month and hooking up with crazy artists and musicians.  Of course, we wouldn’t cry if we landed a record and tour contract.

 

If there was anything that you could make sure your fans knew, what would it be?  Manny (Manteka) is a musical mastermind.  Since we gig with just a keyboard and a laptop, there is a misconception that our music comes “out of a box” or downloaded off the Internet.  Not true at all.  Yes, the beats are programmed, but the instrumentation is all real and 100% original.  If you hear a bass, that’s a real bass.  If you hear a guitar, that’s a real guitar.  Don’t discount our music just because it’s pre-recorded.  Also, our live shows will always vary from what we’ve recorded; Manny drenches his music with spine-tingling effects on the fly, making each performance unique.

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