We proudly announce that the first album of EastWestRockers "Ciężkie Czasy" (english translation would be 'Hard Times') is just out by Karrot Kommando, the biggest polish reggae label.

EastWestRockers took the reggae scene by surprise already 2 years ago, when first local shows brought attention of the polish massive. Combination of their original style and oustanding skills and charisma of singers: Ras Luta, Grizzlee and Cheeba quickly ensured the position in the first league of polish reggae/dancehall. They were voted 'Best Sound of 2005' in reggae magazine "Free Colours", soon after took part in annual Soundclash2005 with 3 other polish sounds.

The focus soon shifted from clash and dance to studio, when EastWestRockers link up with Pionear - the man behind Germaican Records and number of international reggae hits, including Tanya Stephans 'It's a pity'. Even though in last 2 years all of EastWestRockers singers - Grizzlee, Cheeba and Ras Luta - were featured on different riddim albums and compilations [including several 12" and 45s releases], it was Germaican/TamTam Rec. compilation 'Polish Fire' that provided first airplay and media focus on the whole crew. After all, on a compilation with selection of top polish artists on Germaican riddims, 5 out of 20 tune were performed by Luta, Grizzlee or Cheeba - all of them being 'big tunes' in dancehall circuit. Soon after the first 45 release from EastWestRockers BlessYa/Energia [both of them on the album] stirred up clubs all over Poland and even in Leipzig, Germany, where the tune was voiced and mixed by Pionear/Nachtingal [Germaican Rec].

It was Pionear himself who was responsible for voicing most of the material for the debut album. Riddims were provided by polish (JuniorBwoy, Feel-X, Mista Pita, Mouse Studio) and international (House of Riddim (A), Black House Production (FR)) producers; Warsaw based JuniorBwoy, a production team consisting of drumer and key player of most popular polish reggae band Vavamuffin, were also responsible for mixing the whole record. Kuba1200, selector of the sound, responsible for coordination of studio work explains: "Our musical approach was simple: make a album sounding as close to jamaican albums as possible - so instead of experimenting with the sound too much, we just wanted straight reggae riddim or straight dancehall riddim that we think would make it in the dance, and than we work on it from there with lyrics and vocals. It don't mean its simple, it just means we had a clear musical objective and you can probably guess what music we are inspired by if you listen to the final outcome."

The album goes by the name of 'Hard Times' which, as the artist themselves put it: "is the shortest description of sitiuation in Poland, and in fact, all over the world right now". The album is conscius all the way, but alongside strong spiritual Rasta message you find some lovers and bashment tunes - still no guntalk or slackness, seen? Ras Luta, Grizzlee and Cheeba voiced 14 tunes in polish and jamaican patois; featured guests are Ill Inspecta from Germaican camp, the UK reggae sensation - YT, and top polish artists - Jr.Stress, Miod [from Jamal crew] and Rastuch. Cover, as well as posters and website of EastWestRockers is designed by Jah_Laptop, second selector and VJ (visuals+lights operator) of the sound system.

From the beginning of 2007 the whole crew, with 3 singers, 2 selectors and countless guests, is going on tour across Poland, playing sound system shows together with the album live showcase. From march on we are planning the european tour, so check it out and link up!

Comment