In honor of reaching over 1 million Facebook fans SOJA released a new video for the song “Not Done Yet” off of Strength to Survive. The video is directed by Marc Carlini and was shot in the breathtaking Pololu Valley on the Big Island of Hawaii. It features the beautiful Breanne Racano from HBO’s hit show Entourage.
Check out Mind Inversion’s other SOJA related articles:
Artist Interview with Jacob Hemphill
SOJA, the inspiring reggae group from DC, will make their national television debut on March 12th. They will be making this debut in light of their recent success with the band’s new album Strength to Survive. The performance will happen on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” which airs at 11:35 pm EST on NBC. If you ever have attended one of their live shows, you know the energy that the band will bring to the stage. We all know they will shine in the spotlight on national television with this being another avenue to spread their message. If you haven’t been to one of their shows, it is highly recommended you tune in on the upcoming Monday in March. What else do you have to do?
Besides checking out these other articles on SOJA…
SOJA Concert Review @ the Cabooze – Minneapolis
The final chapter in the Strength to Survive story is about to be written. It started with a teaser to promote the release of their new album and is ending with this review of their show at the Cabooze in Minneapolis on February 19th, 2012. Just because this book is about to be done doesn’t mean there will be no more books written about SOJA in the future. The relationship built here is as strong as their message and I want to let everyone know; I am not done yet.
When talking to Jacob Hemphill you understand that it isn’t about getting rich and famous but more about gaining popularity in order to spread their message. SOJA’s passion to spread this message really comes to life when in the presence of one of their live performances. This was apparent from the get go when the band opened up with “Mentality” the opening track on their new album. Jacob was very appreciative of the fans and genuinely thanked everyone that came together on that Sunday night numerous times throughout the show.
So I found myself interviewing Jacob Hemphill the lead singer and guitarist of SOJA on Valentine’s Day. If you would have told me this a month ago, I would have said there is no way but yet there we were sharing a conversation.
Eric from Mind Inversion (E of MI): First off, I would just like to thank you for taking the time to sit down with Mind Inversion do this exclusive interview.
Jacob Hemphill from SOJA (JH of SOJA): Sure, sure.
E of MI: Secondly, I would like to congratulate you on the success of your new album, Strength to Survive. Did you guys expect this much instant success with this album?
JH of SOJA: We really didn’t know what to expect, it’s reggae you know? And it’s not even Jamaican Reggae, its American Reggae. We expected our fans would like it and we hoped people would feel like the things I was talking about were what was on their mind or if it wasn’t on their mind we hoped it would become one of the things they would be thinking about. Those were kind of our two goals and then it jumped to #3 on all of iTunes and we were all like, “Holy crap, what’s going on?”
Strength to Survive is the new album by the DC-based band SOJA. This album is produced by John Alagia who has worked with the likes of Dave Mathews, John Mayer and O.A.R. to name a few. By the time you are a couple of tracks into the new album you can tell that the 7-piece band has progressed their sound beyond the spectrum of reggae. They definitely are perfecting a blend of reggae sound with meaningful melodic lyrics and a rhythm that puts a smile on your face as you reflect on your own life.
Strength to Survive is balanced so well from the start with the more funky in-your-face track “Mentality” to their powerful ballad “Don’t Worry.” If you listen to the lyrics in “Don’t Worry” it has such a positive message in such a somber sounding song. Truly a gift to anyone who is a having a bad day. Almost everyone in the world will be able to relate to this song that does not have the authentic reggae sound but has the positive message associated with the genre.
Strength to Survive is an album you will find yourself singing along to in no time, trust me. It will make you reflect a lot on one’s life, as well. The track “Gone Today” makes you think of how precious your life really is, “Let You Go” brings you back to question past relationships, and “Everything Changes” makes you think we are blind to changes that need to be made because of how good we have it. In my mind, this song also represents what the band wants its music to represent; a calling to the world to make a difference, help one another and live in peace.
Strength to Survive kept on surprising when my favorite track “Not Done Yet” hit my ears. The electronic feel following the chorus is what really made me perk up. Again, this song made you reflect on your life. Then it speaks to you in such a way that it puts you in a direction to live out your dreams and bless the world with your presence. This message is a very consistent one throughout the albums entirety.
Strength to Survive is one book you can judge by the cover because it will give you exactly what it says; strength to survive. You get more meaning and direction from this album at a much better price than going to see a therapist. If getting their message out to their fans was their goal with this new album then mission accomplished.
You can check out my review with Jacob Hemphill here.
Album Release Date: January 31, 2012
In this dismal season of album releases January has been less than significant. This is usually the case and I know people are probably just dying waiting for something worthwhile and fresh to come out. I did a little digging and found out SOJA are releasing their forthcoming album Strength to Survive a week from today on the last day of January. If you like reggae music with a ska feel you should lend them your ears for just a couple of minutes.
It seems that the Virginia based band is focused on proving that reggae is more than just a joint passing soundtrack to this laid back lifestyle. They are bringing real messages and consider themselves to be more along the likes of folk artists. SOJA is providing the message of building strength amongst the people of the world and it is only fitting that they titled their new album Strength to Survive. After all, the true meaning and purpose of reggae is to bring peace to the world.
MIND INVERSION 