From backyard BBQs in Southern California beach towns to its rise as one of the most popular reggae rock bands in the country, Fortunate Youth remains devoted to its roots and a simple mission: Spread peace, love, and unity with music. It’s a mantra of sorts for the multi-faceted sextet from Hermosa Beach, driving a relentless thirst for live performances and an ever-evolving cache of original material dotted with influences of blues, ska, rock, world, soul, and punk. Now in 2021, with a fifth studio set, Good Times (Roll On), Fortunate Youth is hoping to rekindle the spirit of those halcyon days, grillin’ and chillin’, and to reunite, once again, with their fans worldwide.

It was first on SoCal Little League fields that the core of the group bonded as friends and brothers before forming the band as twenty-somethings in the summer of 2009. Out of the ashes of local favorites Rude Boy Roots and Irie State of Mind, Fortunate Youth emerged, graduating from house parties to prized area clubs; and sneaking underage band members into South Bay bars to play their ambitious sets. They developed an instantly magnetic repertoire around inspired nascent originals and covers of Sublime and Bob Marley, and expanded their circle of fans with early runs in the Golden State and to neighboring Arizona.

They became devoted to performing live, ticking off countless miles in the van crisscrossing the U.S., and logging two years of roadwork before recording their first album. They played to small but passionate crowds, slept on floors, and earned particularly rabid responses in Florida and the cannabis-friendly ski towns of Colorado. And true to their egalitarian ethos of brotherhood, even swapped spots onstage, rotating instruments to best fit the performance. As their popularity increased, so did their schedule, with F.Y. supporting brethren such as Slightly Stoopid, Stick Figure, and SOJA on major tours as well as continuing to headline national treks of their own; totaling over 27 tours since their inception.

Including the forthcoming Good Times, Fortunate Youth has also catalogued over a dozen releases- ten LPs and EPs, studio and live combined, and several singles- since their 2011 debut, Irie State of Mind; notably, all have been recorded, produced, and distributed, in DIY style, by the self-invested band. After Irie peaked at #2, their next next three studio sets- 2013’s It’s All a Jam; 2015’s Don’t Think Twice; 2017’s Fortunate Youth- each hit #1 on Billboard and ITunes Reggae charts, and landed in the Top 25 of several others. 2017’s self-titled effort, in particular, remained in the Top 10 for five weeks, reaching #9 on iTunes Overall chart.

Now, with the glistening title track, “Good Times (Roll On),” as the album’s lead single, Fortunate Youth turns a slightly nostalgic eye to its humble beginnings in the backyard, plus a few new tasty surprises under the lid. Also, there’s a wish: that the return of those feel-good vibes finds brighter days for the planet. “We’re trying to change the world through the music we write and play, and the lives we live out performing onstage,” says singer Dan Kelly. “We always hope our music can change the outlook of anyone’s day.”

Bumpin Uglies’ latest album, Climbing Up the Wall, marks a significant chapter in the band’s evolution. Following their celebrated release of their last album, Lyrics Over Everything, this latest record showcases the band’s enduring commitment to authenticity, bold storytelling, and their steadfast dedication to evolving their craft.

Consisting of 14 tracks, Climbing Up the Wall vividly explores personal battles, emotional vulnerabilities, and the intricacies of everyday life. Frontman and songwriter Brandon Hardesty dives deep, tackling themes of addiction, mental health, and love with an unfiltered lyrical honesty that resonates profoundly. The album opens with “Sweet Tooth,” a candid look at addiction’s lingering grip, juxtaposing upbeat melodies against stark reflections. Meanwhile, songs like “Back in Bed” provide an intimate, tender snapshot of comfort found within personal connections, highlighting the band’s versatility and emotional depth.

With “Burn it Down” and the dynamic road-trip tribute “I-95,” Bumpin Uglies channels their renowned live energy into studio recordings, capturing the spirit and gritty charm fans have grown to expect. The album also showcases notable collaborations, most prominently on the pre-released track “Orange Crush,” featuring Logan Rex of Artikal Sound System. The song blends buoyant pop melodies with reggae undertones, perfectly capturing the tension and allure of a fleeting, passionate romance.

Further pushing their musical boundaries, “Thirst Trap” introduces hip-hop influences paired with an engaging R&B chorus, showcasing the band’s creative willingness to experiment beyond conventional genre norms. Tracks such as “The Crown” and “Vultures” stand out for their incisive commentary on societal expectations, industry pressures, and personal authenticity, further amplifying the band’s stance on remaining true to their values and artistic identity.

Throughout the record, Hardesty’s lyricism remains both relatable and profoundly reflective. Songs like “Crawling Up the Wall” and “Darkness” delve deeply into mental health struggles, candidly confronting anxiety, depression, and the isolation that often accompanies them. Yet, there’s a prevailing sense of hope and resilience woven throughout the album—particularly evident in songs such as “Growing Pains” and “Falling,” which grapple openly with fatherhood, legacy, and the balance of personal fulfillment against familial responsibility.

Continuing their signature independent approach, Climbing Up the Wall preserves the gritty, authentic production style that has become synonymous with Bumpin Uglies. Distributed independently, the album’s production emphasizes emotional clarity and lyrical poignancy over polished perfection, further strengthening their deep connection with fans.

With a fiercely loyal following known as Uglies Nation, Bumpin Uglies’ commitment to their craft and their audience remains unshakeable. This album cements their reputation for delivering music that is both introspective and rebellious, deeply personal yet universally accessible.

Josh Heinrichs is a long time celebrated artist in the global reggae scene, with a career spanning over two decades. Known for his deeply soulful voice and heartfelt songwriting, he has released 26 albums and collaborated with reggae legends, including members of Bob Marley and The Wailers.

In 2008, Josh worked with Junior Marvin, Bob Marley’s iconic lead guitarist, on the Joy album with his former band Jah Roots before embarking on a solo career. His debut solo album, Josh Heinrichs and Friends, featured Aston “Familyman” Barrett of The Wailers, alongside members of Katchafire, The Green, and Cas Haley. His 2016 album, Good Vibes, reached #1 on the Billboard Reggae Chart, cementing his place as a top-charting artist.

Josh’s career is further highlighted by collaborations with some of reggae’s most prominent names, including Stick Figure, Collie Buddz, Fortunate Youth and Tribal Seeds, Natalie Rize, Artikal Sound System, Arise Roots, Marlon Asher, Inna Vision, and Bobby Hustle. These partnerships showcase his versatility and deep connections within the reggae community.

A seasoned performer, Josh has toured the United States extensively as a national touring act, completed 11 tours of the Hawaiian Islands, and brought his uplifting music to Guam on three separate tours. His vibrant reggae sound and dynamic live shows have earned him a dedicated global following and numerous sold-out performances.

With his remarkable career and collaborations, Josh Heinrichs continues to be a driving force in reggae, inspiring fans and artists worldwide.