Battlers: The Red Eyes will play Queenscliff Music Festival in November.
ERIN PEARSON
MELBOURNE reggae band The Red Eyes puts melody before money, according to front man El Witeri.
He said every day was financial hardship for the 10-year-old, seven-piece group but the love of music kept the band together.
“Most definitely it’s been a struggle,” Witeri said.
“I’m fortunate to be with members who do it because they love it because with seven people it gets quite costly to do anything. That’s what inspired our new song.”
The Red Eyes soon-to-be-released single, Circles, will be the first track off the band’s third album.
Witeri, an Australasian Performing Rights Association (APRA) Songwriter Award 2011 finalist, said independent acts like The Red Eyes were increasingly falling to the bottom of a music industry food chain.
“We live for the euphoria that makes you feel complete. It inspired the song,” he said.
“Everyone’s had their hand out and all taking off us and we’re getting the least amount of money.”
Founded in 2002, The Red Eyes’ music combines beats, dub rhythms and heartfelt lyrics.
The band has toured extensively, with regular gigs at major Australian festivals including Woodford Folk Festival, Pyramid Rock, Meredith and Earthcore.
The band has also supported or earned places on bills with acts like Mary J Blige, Jimmy Cliff, Maxi Priest, Horace Andy, Luciano and The Resin Dogs.
Witeri said The Red Eyes was looking forward to performing songs off the forthcoming album at Queenscliff Music Festival in November.
“This will be our first time performing at the festival. It’s such a good line up, so we’re really looking forward to mixing with other artists, too.”
