Iration
Iration is an American reggae fusion band formed in 2004 in Isla Vista, California, by musicians originally from Hawaii.[1] The group blends reggae, rock, pop, dub, and soul influences in their alternative reggae sound, drawing from their island roots to create laid-back, melodic tracks that emphasize positive vibes and introspection.[2] Comprising Micah Pueschel on guitar and lead vocals, Micah Brown on guitar and vocals, Adam Taylor on bass, Cayson Peterson on keyboards and synth, Joseph Dickens on drums, and Drake Peterson on trumpet and keys, Iration met during their college years at the University of California, Santa Barbara.[2] They began touring nationally in 2008 and have built a dedicated fanbase through extensive live performances at festivals such as Lollapalooza and Outside Lands.[2] Over nearly two decades, the band has released eight studio albums, including their debut Time Bomb in 2010, the self-titled Iration in 2018, and the most recent, Daytrippin', in 2023, alongside live recordings and dub versions.[2] Their catalog has amassed over 1 billion streams globally, reflecting their enduring popularity in the reggae rock genre.[2] Iration's commercial success includes four albums—Time Bomb (2010), Automatic (2013), Hotting Up (2015), and the self-titled Iration (2018)—all reaching number one on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart.[2] Standout singles "Time Bomb" and "Falling" earned RIAA Gold certifications in 2021 for surpassing 500,000 units in sales and streams.[3][4] In June 2025, they released the single "Say Goodnight" featuring Little Stranger, and on November 14, 2025, "Roots" featuring Maoli, continuing their tradition of collaborations and fresh material.[5][6] The band's ongoing tours, including the 2025 Step Into The Sun Summer Tour with Slightly Stoopid, underscore their commitment to live music and community engagement.[7]Musical style
Genre and sound
Iration's core musical identity is rooted in reggae-rock, a genre that seamlessly blends the laid-back, island-inspired rhythms of traditional reggae with the energetic instrumentation of rock music, including electric guitars and driving drum patterns. This fusion creates a distinctive sound characterized by syncopated off-beats typical of reggae, layered with rock-infused solos and grooves that provide a propulsive undercurrent. The band's Hawaii upbringing infuses their music with authentic island vibes, evoking coastal relaxation while maintaining a robust, live-wire edge that appeals to diverse audiences.[2][8][9] Incorporating pop sensibilities, Iration employs catchy choruses and accessible song structures that broaden their appeal beyond core reggae listeners, often featuring melodic hooks designed for sing-alongs and radio play. Their tracks frequently highlight smooth vocal harmonies, which add emotional depth and uplift, contrasting with the genre's rhythmic backbone to produce anthemic, feel-good compositions. This pop-reggae-rock hybrid is evident in their emphasis on thematic positivity and summer escapism, making their sound synonymous with "sunshine reggae."[10][1][11] Acoustic elements further enhance the beachy, summery atmosphere in select tracks, such as the laid-back strumming and gentle percussion in "Summer Nights," which captures a carefree, ocean-side vibe through stripped-down arrangements. Production-wise, Iration favors clean, modern mixes that polish their reggae off-beats and rock elements without overpowering the organic feel, striking a balance between studio precision and live performance energy. Vocal layers and occasional guitar solos are foregrounded to emphasize melodic accessibility and rhythmic interplay, resulting in a cohesive, uplifting sonic palette.[2][12][8]Influences and evolution
Iration's musical influences draw heavily from traditional reggae pioneers such as Bob Marley, whose lyrics inspired the band's name derived from the Jamaican word for "creation," establishing their early roots in a raw, island-flavored reggae sound.[13] Additional reggae elements stem from acts like UB40, evident in tracks like "Broken Promises" that echo their melodic style.[14] Classic rock and pop also play pivotal roles, with lead vocalist Micah Pueschel citing The Beatles as a foundational benchmark and Weezer as a high school-era influence that shaped their guitar-driven arrangements.[15] Motown soul infuses their work with rhythmic groove and emotional depth, while Sublime's reggae-punk fusion is reflected in tributes like their 2025 cover of "D.J.'s," highlighting shared themes of laid-back rebellion.[15][16] The band's Hawaiian origins, with all members hailing from the islands before relocating to California, infuse their music with uplifting island sounds and a lifestyle-centric ethos emphasizing positivity, beach culture, and escapism from daily stresses.[2] This cultural backdrop blends seamlessly with broader reggae-rock influences, creating lyrics that celebrate coastal living and mindfulness, as seen in their persistent motifs of summer vibes and personal growth.[17] Early performances and EPs in the 2000s were dominated by covers of Bob Marley tracks, rooting Iration in pure, traditional reggae before transitioning to original compositions.[18] Over their career, Iration's sound has evolved from that raw, EP-driven reggae foundation to a more polished genre blend, incorporating stronger rock elements by the mid-2010s, as Pueschel noted in discussions of their 2014 album Automatic, produced by Cage the Elephant's Lincoln Parish to amplify guitar textures.[15] Subsequent releases like Hotting Up (2015) introduced pop and funk experimentation, expanding their palette for broader appeal.[17] By the 2020s, albums such as Coastin' (2020) refined this progression with genre-fusing polish, subtle electronic undertones in production, and high-profile collaborations including Eric Rachmany of Rebelution, Stick Figure, and Eli Mac, marking a shift toward sophisticated, uplifting reggae-pop hybrids while retaining core island reggae essence.[19][20] This maturation continued with Daytrippin' (2023), leaning on reggae and rock influences for a natural evolution from earlier works, and the 2025 single "Say Goodnight" featuring Little Stranger, which maintains laid-back, carefree summer vibes.[21][5] The trajectory reflects a deliberate balance of experimental phases with returns to their reggae-rock roots for sustained live energy and thematic consistency.[2]History
Formation and early releases (2004–2008)
Iration was formed in 2004 in Isla Vista, California, by Micah Pueschel on guitar and lead vocals, Kai Rediske on vocals and percussion, Adam Taylor on bass, Cayson Peterson on keyboards, and Joseph Dickens on drums.[22][23] The founding members originally hail from Hawaii, where they had known each other prior to reconnecting in Santa Barbara while attending college.[24][25] The band quickly established a local presence through grassroots performances at house parties in Isla Vista, college events near the University of California, Santa Barbara, and venues like Velvet Jones in Santa Barbara.[26][25] These early shows, often featuring reggae covers, helped build a dedicated following among students and the island-influenced community.[23] In 2006, Iration released their debut EP, New Roots, independently through their own 3 Prong Records label, showcasing raw reggae tracks such as "Meditation" and "Fire."[27][28] The following year, they issued their first full-length album, No Time for Rest, also self-released on 3 Prong Records and recorded at Castaway 7 Studios with engineer JP Hesser.[29][30] This album included standout reggae tracks like "Cookie Jar" and "Get Up," further solidifying their independent reggae-rock sound.[29] Iration followed up in 2008 with the EP Sample This, again via 3 Prong Records, which featured songs like "Falling" and hinted at an evolving blend of reggae with rock influences.[31][32] This release coincided with their first national tour alongside Pepper, expanding their reach beyond the local scene.[33]Breakthrough albums (2009–2012)
In 2010, Iration signed with the independent label Three Prong Records and released their debut full-length album Time Bomb on March 16, marking their first widely distributed project beyond local releases.[34] The album featured standout tracks such as "Time Bomb" and "Let Me Inside," which showcased the band's signature blend of reggae, rock, and dub influences, evolving from their earlier roots-oriented sound.[35] Produced at Castaway 7 Studios in Ventura, California, Time Bomb captured Iration's energetic style and helped propel them toward broader audiences through its accessible, upbeat compositions.[36] Critics praised Time Bomb for its vibrant energy and genre-blending appeal, highlighting the band's ability to infuse reggae-rock with pop sensibilities while maintaining authentic live performance intensity.[37] This reception fueled Iration's expansion into more extensive national touring, building on their initial 2008 outings by supporting acts like Pepper and headlining smaller venues across the U.S.[38] The album's commercial success was notable, debuting at No. 1 on the iTunes Reggae chart and reaching No. 10 on Billboard's Reggae Albums year-end chart, establishing key momentum in the genre.[39] Following Time Bomb, Iration released the Fresh Grounds EP on February 1, 2011, via Three Prong Records, serving as a bridge to their subsequent full-length work with fresh tracks that refined their sound.[40] Highlighted by songs like "Summer Nights" and "Can't Wait," the EP emphasized melodic hooks and laid-back vibes, further solidifying their reggae-rock identity.[41] The band's growing fanbase during this period was amplified by debut appearances at major festivals, including the California Roots Music and Arts Festival in 2011, where they performed sets that resonated with reggae enthusiasts.[42] Additionally, rising online streaming and digital sales contributed to their visibility, laying groundwork for increased industry attention.[39]Lineup changes and mid-period work (2013–2017)
In April 2013, Iration announced the departure of founding vocalist and percussionist Kai Rediske, who chose to leave the band to pursue other interests.[43] The split was described as amicable, with Rediske's contributions, including co-lead vocals on earlier tracks, remaining part of the band's catalog.[44] Guitarist Micah Pueschel, who had shared vocal duties since the band's formation, assumed sole lead vocals moving forward, marking a significant shift in the group's dynamic.[45] The band channeled this transition into their third studio album, Automatic, released on July 2, 2013, via Three Prong Records. Co-produced by band member JP Hesser and Lincoln Parish (known for his work with Cage the Elephant), the record leaned into alternative rock influences alongside reggae rock foundations, with standout tracks like the title song "Automatic" showcasing heavier guitar riffs and driving rhythms.[46] Critics noted its eclectic energy, blending uptempo grooves with introspective lyrics, as a reflection of the band's adaptation to their new lineup.[47] Following the release, Iration embarked on extensive U.S. touring, including headline shows and festival appearances that solidified their growing fanbase on the West Coast and beyond.[20] Micah Brown joined the band as guitarist and vocals in 2014, expanding the core lineup. By 2015, Iration returned to a more pronounced reggae sound with Hotting Up, their fourth studio album, issued on August 28 via the same label. The nine-track effort, self-produced with an emphasis on drum-and-bass grooves and harmonious melodies, featured singles such as "Reelin'," which captured the band's island roots through laid-back tempos and positive vibes.[48] Reviews praised its cohesive return to core reggae elements after Automatic's rock experimentation, highlighting tracks like "Lost and Found" for their emotional depth and rhythmic drive.[49] To support the album, the group conducted a robust U.S. tour, the "Hotting Up Tour," alongside acts like The Green and The Movement, while beginning to expand internationally with initial forays into markets like Australia.[50] In 2016, Iration demonstrated their versatility with Double Up, an acoustic live-in-studio album released on December 2. Recorded in a single-take format without overdubs at Studio Grand in Santa Barbara, the project reinterpreted fan favorites such as "Time Bomb" and "Reelin'" in unplugged arrangements, alongside a few new compositions, to emphasize raw instrumentation and vocal harmonies.[51] This release underscored the band's ability to strip down their sound while maintaining energetic performances, serving as a bridge between their electric reggae rock style and more intimate acoustic explorations.[52] The expanded lineup—Pueschel, Brown, Taylor, Peterson, and Dickens—focused on creative output amid the earlier adjustment.[53]Recent releases and tours (2018–present)
In 2018, Iration released their self-titled sixth studio album on May 18, which showcased their signature blend of reggae rock and pop elements, featuring collaborations such as "Broken Promises" with Slightly Stoopid.[54] The album highlighted the band's evolving sound, drawing from diverse influences while maintaining an upbeat, accessible vibe that resonated with fans.[55] Following its release, Iration headlined major festivals, including a performance at the California Roots Music & Arts Festival on May 25, solidifying their status in the reggae rock scene.[56] Drake Peterson joined as trumpet and keys around 2019. The band's seventh studio album, Coastin', arrived on July 10, 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, capturing a relaxed, escapist mood suited to quarantine listening with tracks emphasizing positive, laid-back energy.[57] Recorded with contributions from guests like Eric Rachmany of Rebelution and Eli Mac, the album included homey production elements that reflected the era's constraints.[58] In lieu of traditional touring, Iration adapted by hosting a livestream concert on July 9 to celebrate the release, connecting virtually with audiences unable to attend live shows due to restrictions.[59] Their planned summer tour was postponed to 2021, but the album's coastal themes provided a sense of ongoing momentum.[60] Iration's eighth studio album, Daytrippin', was released on October 6, 2023, featuring guest appearances by reggae veteran Maxi Priest on "Last Night" and vocalist Claire Wright on "Comedown," which added fresh layers to their pop-reggae fusion.[61] The record debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart, marking another entry in their consistent chart presence.[62] Following the album, the band issued singles including "Number 1" on March 29, 2024, a collaboration with Kolohe Kai that evoked warm-weather reggae vibes; "Island Time" on September 20, 2024, inspired by classic island songwriting; and "Say Goodnight" on June 13, 2025, partnering with Little Stranger for an upbeat summer track.[63][64][65] Touring resumed robustly post-pandemic, with Iration joining Rebelution as special guests on the Good Vibes Summer Tour in 2023, performing at venues like the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa, California, on August 11.[66] In 2024, they headlined the Daytrippin' in Paradise Tour, including a stop at College Street Music Hall in New Haven, Connecticut, on August 3, alongside Pepper, DENM, and Artikal Sound System.[67] By 2025, Iration continued their live momentum with festival appearances, such as Reggae Rise Up Las Vegas on October 5, and the Step Into The Sun Summer Tour with Slightly Stoopid, emphasizing their high-energy performances and fan connection in the reggae rock community.[68]Band members
Current members
As of 2025, Iration's lineup consists of six members who handle the band's primary instrumentation and vocals. Micah Pueschel serves as lead vocals and rhythm guitar, acting as the band's primary songwriter and frontman since its formation in 2004. Born and raised on Hawaii's Big Island, he infuses the group's music with reggae roots and has driven much of the songwriting evolution, particularly following lineup shifts in the early 2010s.[2][69] Adam Taylor plays bass guitar and is a founding member from the band's inception in 2004, with deep ties to Hawaiian musical influences that shape Iration's foundational groove. His steady bass lines provide the anchoring pulse for the band's reggae rock sound.[2][22] Cayson Peterson handles keyboards, synthesizer, and backing vocals, also a founding member since 2004. He is responsible for the melodic arrangements and atmospheric layers that define the band's alternative reggae style.[2][8] Joseph Dickens, known as Joe, performs on drums and percussion, joining as a founding member in 2004 to establish the rhythmic foundation essential to Iration's live energy and recorded tracks.[2] Micah Brown contributes lead guitar and backing vocals, having joined the band in 2014 to add dynamic textures and harmonies that enhance both studio productions and live shows. A California native with a background in singer-songwriter work, he brings additional depth to the guitar-driven elements.[2][70] Drake Peterson plays trumpet, horns, and auxiliary keys, having joined the band in 2016 to expand the brass sections and enrich performances.[2][71]Former members
Iration's former members include founding vocalist and percussionist Kai Rediske, who contributed significantly to the band's early reggae rock sound from its formation in 2004 until his departure in 2013.[43][72] Rediske shared lead vocal duties with Micah Pueschel on the band's debut album Fashion vs. Music (2006) and follow-up Time Bomb (2009), helping establish their harmonious, island-influenced style during the formative years.[17] He left the group to pursue other personal interests, as stated in the band's official announcement, which prompted a shift toward a more streamlined vocal approach centered on Pueschel.[73][44] Another early member was Catlin Peterson, a founding guitarist and vocalist who played a key role in the band's initial development and songwriting during the mid-2000s.[74][23] Peterson departed around 2009–2010, after which the core lineup began to solidify without additional guitar-vocal support until later additions.[75] These departures, particularly Rediske's, initially disrupted the band's momentum but ultimately fostered greater stability in the current roster by allowing Pueschel to emerge as the primary frontman and enabling the integration of new collaborators like guitarist Micah Brown, who joined in 2014 to fill the instrumental gap.[44][76] This transition marked a pivotal evolution, contributing to the band's sustained success in subsequent albums and tours.[43]Discography
Studio albums
Iration's studio albums represent the band's evolution in reggae rock, blending island influences with alternative elements. Their discography includes eight full-length releases, primarily issued through their own label, Three Prong Records, following an independent debut. Each album features original material produced with a mix of in-house and external collaborators, emphasizing live energy and melodic hooks.| Album | Release Date | Label | Producer(s) | Number of Tracks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Time to Rest | June 19, 2007 | Independent (later reissued by Three Prong Records) | JP Hesser (co-producer), Mike Caplan (mastering) | 14 |
| Time Bomb | March 9, 2010 | Three Prong Records (distributed by Law Records) | Iration, Joe Gastwirt (recording); JP Hesser, Joseph King (mixing) | 13 |
| Automatic | July 2, 2013 | Three Prong Records | Paul Leary; co-producers JP Hesser and Lincoln Barr (select tracks) | 14 |
| Hotting Up | August 28, 2015 | Three Prong Records | Iration | 9 |
| Double Up | December 2, 2016 | Three Prong Records | Lewis Richards | 10 |
| Iration (self-titled) | May 18, 2018 | Three Prong Records (in partnership with Revelation Records) | Iration, David Manzoor | 17 |
| Coastin' | July 10, 2020 | Three Prong Records | David Manzoor, Will Brierre (engineering) | 13 |
| Daytrippin' | October 6, 2023 | Three Prong Records | Suzy Shinn (co-writer/producer) | 10 |
Extended plays and live albums
Iration's extended plays and live albums represent key non-studio releases that highlight the band's early experimentation, acoustic reinterpretations, and captured performances. These works, often shorter in length than full studio albums, provided fans with intimate glimpses into the group's reggae rock sound, from raw independent efforts to polished live sessions. The EPs typically feature 4-6 tracks, emphasizing concise songwriting and production, while live releases focus on acoustic arrangements or full-band energy in unique settings. The band's debut EP, New Roots, was independently released in 2006 and consists of six tracks, including "Meditation," "All Night," and "Fire," marking their initial foray into blending reggae, dub, and rock elements.[88] Following this, Sample This EP arrived in 2008 as another independent release, containing four songs such as "Falling," "Wait and See," and "Electricity," which showcased a maturing pop-infused reggae style and helped build their grassroots following.[89] In 2011, Iration utilized the crowdfunding platform VeeSpring to release Fresh Grounds EP, a five-track collection featuring "Can't Wait," "Work It Out," and a remastered "Summer Nights," reflecting their growing fan engagement and transitional sound during the breakthrough album era.[90] Shifting toward live-oriented material, Iration's first full live album, Backyard Sessions: Malibu Edition (2022), captures 18 songs performed in an outdoor Malibu setting on Three Prong Records, including live renditions of "Coastin'," "Contact High," and "Guava Lane," providing an energetic, communal vibe that aligns with their touring ethos.[91]| Title | Release Year | Label/Platform | Format Details | Notable Tracks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Roots | 2006 | Independent | EP (6 tracks) | Meditation, Fire, Militant Style |
| Sample This | 2008 | Independent | EP (4 tracks) | Falling, Electricity |
| Fresh Grounds | 2011 | VeeSpring | EP (5 tracks) | Can't Wait, All This Time, Summer Nights |
| Backyard Sessions: Malibu Edition | 2022 | Three Prong | Live album (18 tracks) | Coastin', Lost and Found, Time Bomb |
Singles
Iration's notable singles span their evolution from independent reggae roots to mainstream reggae-rock collaborations, often released digitally via platforms like Spotify and Apple Music to promote albums or as standalone tracks for summer tours and festivals. The band's early single "Cookie Jar," released on November 30, 2006, from their album No Time for Rest, featured a playful reggae vibe and marked their initial foray into recorded music distribution.[29] During their breakthrough period, "Time Bomb," the title track from their 2010 album of the same name, was issued as a lead single on March 9, 2010, gaining traction through live performances and digital streaming for its upbeat, cautionary love theme.[92] Similarly, "Let Me Inside" from the Time Bomb album served as another key single in 2010, emphasizing introspective lyrics and acoustic elements in its promotional rollout.[93] In the mid-2010s, "Reelin," released on April 27, 2015, ahead of the Hotting Up album, highlighted Iration's blend of dub and pop influences and was promoted via official audio videos to build anticipation for their evolving sound.[94] Recent singles reflect collaborative efforts and seasonal themes. "Number 1," featuring Kolohe Kai, debuted as a digital single on March 29, 2024, capturing a feel-good reggae essence tied to warm-weather tours without an immediate album attachment.[95] "Island Time" followed on September 20, 2024, as a laid-back acoustic-driven track released digitally to evoke campfire sing-alongs during fall promotions.[96] In 2025, "Say Goodnight," a collaboration with Little Stranger, was issued on June 13 as a digital single, extending Iration's summer jam series with upbeat, party-oriented vibes for live festival sets.[5]| Year | Single | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | "Cookie Jar" | From No Time for Rest album; digital release promoting early live shows. |
| 2010 | "Time Bomb" | Lead single from Time Bomb album; digital format, key to breakthrough visibility. |
| 2010 | "Let Me Inside" | From Time Bomb album; acoustic versions promoted for radio and streaming. |
| 2015 | "Reelin" | Pre-release single for Hotting Up; digital with official video for tour hype. |
| 2024 | "Number 1" (feat. Kolohe Kai) | Standalone digital single; collaborative reggae track for summer playlist integration. |
| 2024 | "Island Time" | Standalone digital single; acoustic style for seasonal promotions. |
| 2025 | "Say Goodnight" (feat. Little Stranger) | Standalone digital single; festival-oriented collaboration. |
Recognition
Awards and certifications
Iration has received two RIAA Gold certifications for their early singles, highlighting the sustained commercial success of their music from the band's formative years. Their 2010 track "Time Bomb," the title song from their second studio album, was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on July 29, 2021, after surpassing 500,000 equivalent units in sales and streaming in the United States. Similarly, the single "Falling," also from the 2010 album, achieved RIAA Gold status on November 18, 2021, reaching the same threshold of 500,000 units.[4] These certifications underscore Iration's growing fanbase since their post-2010 breakthrough, as the enduring appeal of these tracks—released during the band's independent phase—demonstrates expanded reach through streaming platforms and live performances over the subsequent decade.[2] No further RIAA certifications or formal awards from reggae-specific organizations, such as nominations from the California Roots Festival or International Reggae and World Music Awards, have been documented as of November 2025. The band's catalog has amassed over 1 billion streams globally as of 2025, reflecting their enduring popularity in the reggae rock genre.[2]Chart performance
Iration's debut album, No Time for Rest (2007), topped the Billboard Reggae Albums chart, marking the band's early breakthrough in the genre.[97] Their follow-up, Time Bomb (2010), peaked at No. 1 on the same chart and also entered at No. 30 on the Heatseekers Albums chart.[62][39] Subsequent releases continued this momentum, with Automatic (2013) debuting at No. 1 on the Reggae Albums chart.[98] The band's fourth studio album, Hotting Up (2015), also reached No. 1 on the Reggae Albums chart and peaked at No. 5 on the Independent Albums chart.[62][39] Later efforts, including the self-titled Iration (2018), climbed to No. 1 after initially debuting at No. 2, while Daytrippin' (2023) entered at No. 10.[99][62]| Album | Peak on Reggae Albums | Year | Other Notable Charts |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Time for Rest | 1 | 2007 | - |
| Time Bomb | 1 | 2010 | Heatseekers (#30) |
| Automatic | 1 | 2013 | - |
| Hotting Up | 1 | 2015 | Independent (#5) |
| Iration | 1 | 2018 | - |
| Daytrippin' | 10 | 2023 | - |