Earthkry completes North American tour

For the first time in two years, the band Earthkry has completed a North American tour, and the members of the group are in high spirits.

The tour, which stopped in several US cities, began on April 9 and ended on May 29.

"The tour was an exciting and nerve-racking one after not touring for over two years due to the pandemic. We were excited to perform for the fans again but we were nervous about navigating ourselves through the shows and travels as COVID-19 is still here and about," said Phillip McFarlane, the band's keyboardist.

The band performed at several club dates and major festivals, including the popular Cali Roots Fest in Monterey, California.

"The Cali Roots [Fest] was a festival we watched over the years on YouTube and dreamed of gracing the stage. Now being able to do so gave us real joy and motivation to continue pushing our music, style and brand. It is also vital for any Jamaican artiste who wants to break into the American reggae scene which is growing each day. To be rubbing shoulders with major groups ... will give major spotlight to us and bands in Jamaica in general," said McFarlane. He also said that the festival was the highlight of the tour.

"Being able to bring a solid 40-minute set of roots rock reggae and giving two acts an opportunity to showcase their talent to that crowd was a proud moment for us, especially the great response we got from the audience," he said. The band took two emerging artistes, singjay Rik Jam and singer Janeel Mills, as opening acts.

The band also stopped in cities like Houston, West Palm Beach, New York, Phoenix and Dallas.

"It was great to be back on the road after two years of uncertainty with the pandemic, visa issues and a war in Europe. Ninety-five per cent of our fans are overseas, so to be in front of them again, seeing their smiles and dancing to our songs, brought great pleasure to our hearts," said McFarlane.

The band is set to release an EP titled Dandy Shandy later this year. The project consists of six old school reggae and rocksteady flavoured tracks.