SOJA’s first album was recorded independently with renowned sound engineer Jim Fox. Jacob notes, “Jim told us that he would work with us and so we could afford to make our first record, and when we ran out of money he started making up ‘discounts.’ It was awesome. I asked him why a while back, and he said ‘I didn’t want to see a good thing stop.’ What was even crazier was at the time he wasn’t working with bands that were from the US, just Jamaican artists. Big ones like Black Uhuru, Israel Vibration, Burning Spear, Don Carlos, and Inner Circle. Jim worked with us independently and recorded, mixed, and mastered the whole thing. That is how it all started.” SOJA’s first album, “Soldiers of Jah Army EP” was released at the beginning of 2000.
In 2002, SOJA released their first full-length album, “Peace in a Time of War.” Though the band was young, the album had hits. “True Love,” “Rasta Courage,” and “Peace in a Time of War” were the first songs to bring the band strong attention nationally and internationally and cement them in the reggae world. Tours became larger, their fan base expanded rapidly and they grew up smart in the independent music industry. In 2006, the band released “Get Wiser,” their second full-length album. The album was a break through for the band, as they explored the duality in their music, combining beautiful, longing melodies with hard drum and bass, and layered with intricate lyrics. SOJA created their musical style with a new complexity and depth that they would carry with them to their future albums. Jacob shares, “When you listen to an artist you can either have a series of one liners, or you can tell a story with your music. We set out to tell a story, it’s like poetry – dancing around an entire theme, but never putting a period on anything. It is like the two sides of a coin, but you can see them at the same time.” “Get Wiser” debuted in the Top 10 Reggae Albums on iTunes and has remained in the top 100 since its release. Singles off the album including “Open My Eyes, “You Don’t Know Me,” and “Can’t Tell Me” remain in heavy rotation on college radio across the United States, and have also received major radio play internationally in places such as France, Brazil, Argentina, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, Costa Rica, Mexico, Venezuela, Guam, and Tahiti. The success of “Get Wiser” took the band on three years of intense touring nationally, and internationally. In 2008 SOJA released their EP “Stars and Stripes.” They blended new sounds and new rhythms with their existing reggae sound, growing into what SOJA was becoming. The EP contained three new songs plus remixes and new versions of popular songs. In early 2009 the band released the documentary DVD “SOJA Live in Hawaii: A Marc Carlini Film,” showcasing the power and energy of their 2008 Hawaiian tour which included four islands, five cameras, four shows, and everything in between.
Now, SOJA is ready to unleash their third full-length album “Born in Babylon” - the culmination of all past efforts on their label DMV Records. Set to be released August 25, 2009 exclusively on iTunes, “Born in Babylon” focuses on telling the same roots story that reggae artists have been singing about for decades, but their way, from the flip perspective of kids who grew up not in poverty, but in a government saturated community in Arlington, Virginia, across Mason-Dixon Line from the White House. SOJA shares about their new album, “This is the album we’ve been wanting to make for ten years. At first we were hard-core old school, then we got new school and inventive. This is what we’ve learned from all that. ‘Born in Babylon’ is hard roots drum and bass, big wide guitar and vocal melodies, and two and three sided lyrics, with two and three sided messages.”
For the rest of 2009 and moving into 2010 – SOJA plans on touring the United States extensively while promoting “Born in Babylon” with mainstay horn players Hellman Escorcia (saxophone) and Rafael Rodriguez (trumpet). Currently, SOJA averages 150 shows a year and the group has toured every major city in the US and internationally throughout Canada, Puerto Rico (avg 2500), Brazil (avg 4000), Argentina, Uruguay, New Caledonia (16,000 in attendance) Palau, Saipan, Guam (avg 3500), Hawaii (avg 2,000 on each island), Sweden, Switzerland, France, Portugal (avg 2000) and Holland. The band has also shared the stage with notable artists such as Citizen Cope, Matisyahu, Ben Harper, Slightly Stoopid, Damian Marley, Govt Mule, Umphrees McGee, and Steel Pulse to name a few.
In addition to their new music and touring, the band remains committed to creating real music, music that cant be ignored. Jacob pauses, “Bob Marley’s fans all feel like when he is singing a song, it’s to them. You could be from anywhere, any situation, rich, poor – it doesn’t matter; the song is directed at them. He speaks to you, the love songs too. That is what we are after. Not one side of the story, the whole thing, both sides of the coin. Just listen to ‘Born in Babylon.’”
disambiguation:
If you're looking for a US act:
http://www.last.fm/music/Soldiers+of+Jah+Army
Over the years, the Washington, D.C. music scene has become best known for its hardcore (Minor Threat) and go-go (Trouble Funk) alumni, but as evidenced by the great Bad Brains, reggae has been represented as well. SOJA has risen to the forefront, picking up right where the Brains left off – creating their own blend of conscious roots music entwined with the traditional rhythms of reggae, it “comes across with passion and depth.” (Washington Post ’06)
That said, SOJA is not that easy to define. Although they are rooted in reggae, they are not limited to it; their fan-base reflects this with a very diverse population. The music includes and embraces all walks of life - it has no prejudice – it is for everyone. The band grew up listening to reggae, hip-hop, and rock. In their sound, reggae became the predominate influence because it is dedicated to a real message and promotes revolution.
The group, which includes a pair of lead singers who also pull double duty - Jacob Hemphill (guitar) and Bob Jefferson (bass) – as well as Patrick O’Shea on keyboard, percussionist Ken Brownell, and drummer Ryan Berty, originally came together in 1997. Since 2000, the quintet has issued three full length albums and one EP – their latest, ‘Get Wiser,’ is their third for the group’s own label, Innerloop.
Hemphill explains the meaning of the album’s title. “The new album is called ‘Get Wiser’ – that’s the idea. We as a society tend to have blinders on. We are trying to uplift peoples’ consciousness by breaking down what makes us blind. To do this, we got to bring back truth. People get wiser.”
“Every song is different of course.” Hemphill continues, “I found music to be a way to express myself - through my life I’ve never been able to express myself well in conversations, but I can do it through music. It’s like my way to talk.”
Ever the road warriors (SOJA averages 150 gigs per year), the group will be supporting their latest release with a healthy amount of live dates this year on the “Get Wiser Tour”. With such a list of accumulated live dates, a specific high point is hard to pin down, but Brownell remembers a particular performance. “One of the shows that remains in the front of my mind was playing in Guam for the first time for nearly 6,000 fans. That was an amazing experience.”
With SOJA calling their own shots, ‘Get Wiser’ proves that the band’s message and music will only continue to grow stronger with each successive release. In support of their latest album, “Get Wiser”, SOJA is embarking on a journey around the world.
The Band
Jacob Hemphill - Lead Vocals, Guitar
Bob Jefferson - Lead Vocals, Bass
Ken Brownell - Percussion
Ryan Berty - Drums
Patrick O’Shea- Keyboards
911
Soja Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Trust in the Most High Father Jah Rastafari to keep InI strong.
911...
It's 9-1-1, when it's just begun, And there's a setting sun in Babylon.
9-1-1, when it's just beginning,
and there's no rising sun so they're gonna make one.
'cause there will be wars, and rumors of wars.
Bigger weapons are made
and your whole life will be taken
and it won't end until the end.
And we're all left feeling like there's no time for kneeling,
But if no one does, no one will.
Choose to be that chosen and make that first step-
Aim to love, don't shoot to kill.
In 9-1-1, when it's just begun
And there's a setting sun in Babylon.
9-1-1, oh it's just beginning,
and there's no rising so, so they're gonna make one.
Did you ever notice?
when I go and grow this
that they want to hold us in their cells,
Shackled away for no reason I said,
except to serve those who do well.
Your life passed around, and your whole future's in doubt...
And now you're on their probation.
Never meant to prevail, you're only meant to fail-
Just for blazing in their nation.
It's 9-1-1, when it's just begun
And there's a setting sun in Babylon.
9-1-1, when it's just beginning,
and there's no rising sun so, so they're gonna make one.
Peace I am crying for, your old system's not working no more...
Oh peace I am crying for, your old system's not working no more...
9-1-1, the gunshot from the gangsta,
9-1-1, the camera shot from the media,
9-1-1, the governments send their soldiers -
to fight to take the life of another.
9-1-1, and you can see it in creation,
9-1-1, on peoples facial expressions,
9-1-1, industrial stream pollution -
When chemical cause physical deformation.
9-1-1, when it's just begun
And there's a setting sun in Babylon.
9-1-1, when it's just beginning,
and there's no rising sun so, so they're gonna make one.
The song "911" by SOJA is a reflection on the state of the world today, with a focus on the constant conflict and strife that seems to be present in our daily lives. The title itself is a reference to the emergency number that is called in times of desperation, and it is used throughout the song as a metaphor for the chaos that is all around us.
The first two lines of the song assert that we are living in a battlefield, and that our only hope for survival is to trust in a higher power to keep us strong. This is a common theme throughout much of SOJA's music, as they are known for their spiritual and political messages. The song then goes on to describe the ways in which conflict manifests itself in our world, including wars, violence, and corruption. The chorus repeats the phrase "9-1-1" and emphasizes the importance of choosing love over violence.
The second verse of the song addresses the issue of unjust imprisonment, particularly in cases where people are incarcerated for nonviolent offenses such as drug use. The lyrics suggest that the criminal justice system is rigged in favor of those in power, and that the average person has little chance of prevailing. The verse ends with a plea for peace and an acknowledgement that the current system is not working.
Overall, "911" is a powerful message song that touches on a variety of topics, from war to poverty to the criminal justice system. It is a call to action for people to come together and choose love over violence, and to work towards a more just and peaceful world.
Line by Line Meaning
9-1-1 is the battlefield that we're living on.
The world is in constant conflict and struggle, and we are all living in the midst of it.
Trust in the Most High Father Jah Rastafari to keep InI strong.
In challenging times, it is important to have faith in a higher power to give us strength and guidance.
It's 9-1-1, when it's just begun, And there's a setting sun in Babylon.
When a conflict or problem first arises, it can feel like the end of the world is approaching.
9-1-1, when it's just beginning, and there's no rising sun so they're gonna make one.
When hope seems lost, people will take action to create a new beginning or solution.
'Cause there will be wars, and rumors of wars. And it won't stop when someone wins. Bigger weapons are made and your whole life will be taken and it won't end until the end.
Conflict is a cycle that perpetuates itself, with each side seeking bigger and better ways to destroy the other. This cycle will continue until it runs its course.
And we're all left feeling like there's no time for kneeling, But if no one does, no one will. Choose to be that chosen and make that first step- Aim to love, don't shoot to kill.
Despite the turmoil of the world, it is important to remain grounded in love and empathy, and to take the first step towards positive change.
Did you ever notice? when I go and grow this that they want to hold us in their cells, Shackled away for no reason I said, except to serve those who do well.
Those in power often seek to oppress and control those who are trying to make a positive impact on the world.
Your life passed around, and your whole future's in doubt... And now you're on their probation. Never meant to prevail, you're only meant to fail- Just for blazing in their nation.
Those who challenge the status quo may find themselves punished or marginalized, but it is important to continue to fight for what is right.
Peace I am crying for, your old system's not working no more... Oh peace I am crying for, your old system's not working no more...
The current system of conflict and oppression is not sustainable, and it is time for a new approach based on peace and cooperation.
9-1-1, the gunshot from the gangsta, 9-1-1, the camera shot from the media, 9-1-1, the governments send their soldiers - to fight to take the life of another. 9-1-1, and you can see it in creation, 9-1-1, on peoples facial expressions, 9-1-1, industrial stream pollution - When chemical cause physical deformation.
The problems of the world are varied and widespread, encompassing everything from violent crime to environmental degradation to political conflict.
9-1-1, when it's just begun And there's a setting sun in Babylon. 9-1-1, when it's just beginning, and there's no rising sun so, so they're gonna make one.
No matter how dire the situation may seem, there is always the potential for new beginnings and positive change.
Contributed by Colton W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Tara Mashay
on Here I Am
This guy is in love with a girl and tries pushing her away. They both care a lot about each other, for her own well being he tries to ignore her. But due to his life style of traveling she knows when he's around (tour dates posted online,etc) "she sees on her screen I am so here I am, here I am" he can't keep from seeing her because deep down they both want to be there so here he is. Neither of them care if they date other people normally because they both know they can't be together (maybe distance? Or he cares more about his passion for music?) "She don't call me one and only no she just calls me when she gets lonely" she gets lonely when she's not getting attention from other people where she is so she calls him to feel better because she's lonely and be gives in a lot to talk to her because he enjoys it. "I'm just a passing plan" sometimes he's able to stay away because he doesn't want her to be dependent on him when she's lonely. She knows he's always come back.