Biography
The Elovaters, an American reggae rock band hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, have been captivating audiences with their unique blend of reggae, rock, and surf influences since their formation in 2014. Originally known as The Cornerstone, the band underwent a name change early in their career due to a naming conflict, rebranding themselves as The Elovaters. This transition marked the beginning of their ascent in the reggae music scene. The band's lineup consists of Jackson Wetherbee on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, John Alves on lead guitar, Matt Link on bass, Nick Asta on drums, Derrick Cabral on percussion, and Greg Nectow on keyboards. Each member brings a distinct musical background, contributing to the band's eclectic sound that resonates with fans of artists like Sublime, Jack Johnson, and Slightly Stoopid.
In 2017, The Elovaters released their debut album, 'The Cornerstone,' which laid the foundation for their musical journey. However, it was their sophomore album, 'Defy Gravity,' released in 2018, that catapulted them into the spotlight. The album debuted at number one on both the Billboard Reggae chart and the iTunes Reggae chart, showcasing their growing popularity and solidifying their place in the reggae genre. The success of 'Defy Gravity' was further amplified when their song 'Boston' was featured during the Boston Red Sox World Series parade in 2018, and 'People Go' was included in an episode of CBS's 'Hawaii Five-0.' The Elovaters' dedication to their craft has earned them numerous accolades. In 2022, they were honored with the titles of 'Artist of the Year' and 'Live Act of the Year' at the New England Music Awards.
That same year, they were also voted 'Reggae/Ska Artist of the Year' at the Boston Music Awards. These achievements reflect their significant contributions to the reggae music scene and their ability to connect with a diverse audience. Continuing their momentum, the band released their third full-length album, 'Castles,' in 2021. Produced by Johnny Cosmic and recorded at Stick Figure's Great Stone Studios in Oakland, California, the album features collaborations with notable artists such as The Movement, Brother Ali, G. Love & Special Sauce, Keznamdi, and Stick Figure.
'Castles' showcases the band's versatility and willingness to experiment with different musical styles while staying true to their reggae roots. In 2023, The Elovaters unveiled their fourth studio album, 'Endless Summer,' which debuted at number four on the US Billboard Reggae Albums chart. The album includes singles like 'All Her Favorite Songs' featuring Little Stranger and 'Sunlight,' both of which highlight the band's evolving sound and lyrical depth. To support the album, they embarked on an extensive tour across North America and the Pacific Islands, performing at major festivals such as Cali Vibes Festival and sharing stages with renowned acts like Stick Figure, Pepper, and Slightly Stoopid. Beyond their musical endeavors, The Elovaters have engaged in unique collaborations, including partnering with Vitamin Sea Brewing to create an IPA named 'Criminal,' inspired by their single of the same name.