The Strides have been making waves around the country with their original mix of reggae and afrobeat. The band is proud to be releasing their self titled debut album.

The Strides formed when four old friends, Nick Garbett, Matt Smith, Jeremy Rose and Al Hicks moved to a sleepy coastal town south of Sydney and started writing music together. Having spent time maturing in place as far away as New York City, UK, Norway, Senegal Africa, and throughout Australia, they began writing music inspired by their travels and musical experiences. Soon expanding to a 10-piece, the band features some of Sydney’s heaviest and grooviest instrumentalists. Their afro-beat and reggae grooves pay homage to the likes of Fela Kuti, Tony Allen, Bob Marley and Augustus Pablo.

After several east coast tours, The Strides entered the studio under the guidance of respected drummer turned producer, Terepai Richmond. Pai is known for his work with The Whitlams, Missy Higgins,and King Tide, and his experience was a guiding force for The Strides’ debut album. The self titled debut album features vocalists Ras Roni, Michelle Martinez and rising hip hop star LTL Gzeus.

Artwork by Hannes Leak.

The Strides
Nick Garbett – trumpet
Jeremy Rose – alto sax/flute
Matt Ottignon – tenor sax
Matt Smith – guitar
Danny Pliner – keyboards/organ
Nick Weaver – bass
Ras Roni
LTL Gzeus
Michelle Martinez

All compositions by The Strides

Produced by Terepai Richmond and The Strides
Tracks 1-6 recorded and mixed 2009 by Richard Belkner at Free Energy Device studios, Sydney

Track 7 recorded by Russell Dunlop at Nashua Rd Studios, Nashua

Mastered by Oscar Gaona at 301

The Strides would like to dedicate this album to the memory Russell Dunlop