Root Shock

Root ShockConscious, soulful, uplifting, even healing—that’s how many fans of Root Shock have described the band’s infectious sound and energy. With a reputation like that, it’s unsurprising that this group is indebted to reggae, a class of music forever married to love, humanity, social change, and an almost tangible sense of sunlight. But Root Shock didn’t form on a beach. Instead, they came up in snowy Syracuse, New York in 2012, and since then, they’ve developed a voice that transcends genre.

Spearheaded by the acrobatic, powerhouse vocals of Jessica Brown, the Root Shock sound is at once commanding and cathartic, but never at the expense of a velvety, carefully placed jazz or neo-soul lick. When he isn’t complementing Brown’s pipes with his own earthy vocal turns, Phil Grajko gets weird on the guitar, seamlessly moving from chop chords to girthy riffs and spellbinding solos colored by Latin, prog, and psychedelic rock textures—often in tandem with mad keyboard genius Brian Lauri. Rounding out the band, bassist Bill Eppel and drummer Tyre Outerbridge make for a formidable rhythm section fluent in patterns ranging from dancehall to ska to heavy dub style and funk.

In 2016, Root Shock released a self-titled album, produced by their trusted engineer, Jason “Jocko” Randall, and followed that up with the “Many Paths” EP in 2018. Both records are proof of the band’s democratic songwriting process, with thoughtful lyrics from Brown and Grajko that invoke hope in dark times, warn against injustice, and imagine a future in which all are free and equal and united by music.

Today, Root Shock is bringing their renowned live show to clubs, festivals, and concert halls across the Northeast and beyond, delighting audiences from all walks of life with a positive message and danceable tunes. 

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Root Shock performing Ripple live in Syracuse, NY
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Music Video for our newest single "Waves"
Directed by: Jesse Conti (Chariot Media Group) chariotmediagroup.com
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Live at SALTspace in Syracuse, NY | Video by Jesse Conti
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Official video for Sunlight off of the self titled debut Root Shock Album.

Directed, shot and edited by Kyle Corea. All rights reserved, 2017

Root Shock Performing "Ryu" @ Auburn Public Theater 🤙⚡🌌🎼🎵🎶

@rootshock with an absolutely #incredible performance of Sage last night 🙏 💕 @  @theyardamphitheater @raybrothersrbq 

Root Shock performing "Games" at The Yard Amphitheater Ray Brothers Barbeque

Root Shock performing "Ripple" @ the Summer Send Off @ Riverboat Bar

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