Paddyrasta

Paddyrasta formed in Aberdeen in November 2004, when Brian Gilligan, Colin Edwards and Tom Roche began working on Brian's ideas of fusing reggae and Irish music with his own songs. Fiddle player Chris Meredith was a big source of inspiration and encouragement in the early days, before leaving Aberdeen to pursue his musical career in England.

They played their first gig as a support to the legendary Jamaican band The Skatalites in December 2004, and have subsequently performed regularly throughout Scotland. They won the Battle of the Bands competition in May 2005, thereby receiving funding to record their debut album 'Listen To Your Heart' which released on 16th December 2005.

The band has played at Rootin Aboot and The Spirit of the Moment Fire Festival during the year and also shared the stage with bands such as Croft No. 5 and The Legendary Shack Shakers. They have recently been asked to open for Shane MacGowan of The Pogues.

CELTIC REGGAE
Paddyrasta have discovered a new musical genre! A fusion of irresistible reggae rhythms, traditional melodies and socially conscious lyrics, this multi-cultural band combine to produce a unique sound that makes you just want to get up and dance - simply unmissable!

Nigerian David Imevbore's driving rhythms and Colin Edward's sweet reggae bass grooves provide the rhythm section. Tom Roche (Ireland) on button-accordion and Sara Reith (Scotland) on tin whistles weave traditional melodies around heartfelt, catchy lyrics from Brian Gilligan (Northern Ireland) to create this distinctively original music.