The name Rootz Underground has become synonymous with good, clean, conscious music over the years and is increasingly becoming a household name in Jamaica. Jeffery Salmon, Charles Lazarus, Paul Smith, Leon Campbell, Stephen Newland, and Collin Young are the six members behind the success of the band that is making waves in reggae music. TEENage the paper where every teen matters, sat down with Stephen and Collin to give you, our readers, closer insight on Rootz Underground.

TEENage: How was the group formed?

SN: It was just a group of friends with a common love for music, so we started to link up on weekends.

TEENage: How did you come up with the name Rootz Underground?

CY: A girl friend of the group came up with the name because she taught we were “rootsy” and close to the earth.

TEENage: What do the guys in the group do for fun?

SN: Site-seeing anything natural, especially the water, swimming and playing football of course.

TEENage: How do you describe your music?

CY: It is Reggae Rock.

TEENage: What has been the group’s greatest challenge to date?

SN: Getting our music out to everyone and building the right team to push the group forward.

TEENage: What is in the pipeline for the group?

CY: We are currently working on our live album and several mix tapes.

SN: There is also our soon to be opened online “E” Store where person will be able to purchase their favourite Rootz Underground music.

TEENage: Where can people see the band perform next?

CY: Well, after this interview, we are off to America for a show, then we tour Europe doing shows throughout April, so our next show in Jamaica would be sometime in May.

TEENage: What are your latest singles?

SN: The most current ones are Power to the people and Unknown Soldier.

TEENage: How big is the culture of bands in Jamaica?

Stephen: Many bands are out there, but not getting the right marketing push from the media.

TEENage: How big of a role entertainers and musicians have to play in society?

CY: A very big role, because music can break down all barriers, man cannot control the molecules of sound so we need to use them to our advantage.

TEENage: Where do you see the band in the next five years?

CY: Doing a lot more music.

SN: (Laughing) On a farm.

TEENage: What is your message to the Jamaican youths?

SN: Have fun, learn about yourself and “fuljoy” your youth.