Dubbest

Dubbest, a reggae band originating from Bridgewater, Massachusetts, was formed in 2009 by high school friends Andrew MacKenzie (guitar), Ryan Thaxter (vocals, melodica), Sean Craffey (bass), Cory Mahoney (guitar), and Kyle Hancock (drums). Initially influenced by punk and ska bands like Black Flag, their musical direction shifted after discovering Augustus Pablo's 1974 dub classic, Ital Dub. This pivotal moment steered them towards a fusion of roots reggae and dub, enriched with improvisational elements reminiscent of jam bands such as the Grateful Dead and Phish. In 2012, Dubbest self-released their debut album, 'Avoid the Pier,' showcasing their experimental approach to reggae. The following year, they collaborated with producer Craig 'Dubfader' Welsch of 10 Ft.

Ganja Plant to release the single 'Heat and Water,' marking a significant evolution in their sound. Their second album, 'Light Flashes,' produced by Welsch and released in 2015, further solidified their presence in the reggae scene. To promote the album, the band embarked on an extensive cross-country tour, expanding their fan base and gaining national recognition. Seeking new opportunities, Dubbest relocated to San Diego, California, in 2016. Immersing themselves in the vibrant Southern Californian reggae scene, they quickly made an impact by opening for The Wailers at the Belly Up Tavern.

This performance was recorded and released as the live album 'Live at the Belly Up' later that year. Their third studio album, 'Gold Fever,' was released in 2019, reflecting their continued growth and commitment to the genre. Throughout their career, Dubbest has shared stages with notable reggae artists such as Barrington Levy, The Expanders, John Brown’s Body, Passafire, and Arise Roots. In the fall of 2022, they toured the U.S. supporting KBong of Stick Figure, co-releasing the single 'Love is a Celebration.' In 2023, the band launched a GoFundMe campaign to fund a new album and announced a U.S.

tour supporting Fortunate Youth. To engage their audience, they released the single 'Right Your Wrongs' featuring Iya Terra, along with a dub version titled 'Dub Your Wrongs,' produced by Dubfader. Dubbest's journey from Massachusetts to California exemplifies their dedication to reggae music. By blending traditional roots reggae with dub and jam band influences, they have carved out a unique niche in the genre. Their collaborations with esteemed producers and artists, coupled with relentless touring, underscore their commitment to evolving and contributing meaningfully to the reggae music landscape.