Roots. Reggae. Simple.

That’s what Arm the Poor is about. A seven-piece roots, ska, and dub reggae band from Kansas City, Arm the Poor, has brought energy, consciousness, and news across the Midwest. With heavy rhythms and melodies mixed with strong and relevant lyrics, Arm the Poor has forced its way onto the reggae scene. There is no fusion of genres; this band plays strictly reggae music. “It’s about culture,” said singer Torey Logan, “reggae is the times, is the gospel, and is the evening news to the masses.”

Their debut album, Respect, demonstrated a clear separation from mainstream American reggae simply based on romance and pot-smoking. Rather, with tracks like “Bredda X,” “Babylon,” and “Policeman,” Arm the Poor focuses more on politics, religion, and oppression. Arm the Poor has cited Steel Pulse, Alborosie, and Nasio Fontaine as primary influences in their musical style.

Dubbed the finest roots reggae band in the Midwest, Arm the Poor has the potential to appeal to a wide crowd across the nation. With continued motivation and heart-felt energy, Arm the Poor is sure to have an amazing future.

Originated in Staten Island, NY, Curious Volume is a four-piece punk band. The group fuses the high octane, raw energy of 90s skate punk such as the Suicide Machines, catchy melodies associated with bands such as The Format and Blink-182, with subtly intricate songwriting styles a la Streetlight Manifesto. Together the group has performed all over the northeastern United States with no intention of stopping anytime soon. Look for this group to continue touring, recording, and writing professional sounding biographies about themselves, (written in the third person, of course) for years to come.