HAWAIIAN alternative/reggae group Iration is number one on the Billboard’s reggae album chart as well as on the iTunes reggae charts with Automatic.

Their third studio full-length set, Automatic was released on July 2. It opened at the top with sales of more than 8,000 copies in its first week.

Describing the group’s sound as a mix of reggae and rock with pop sensibility, lead singer and guitarist Michah Pueschel spoke to Splash about the group’s latest achievement.

“It feels great to know that people are interested in our work and willing to pay for our music. We are just thankful to have an audience,” said Pueschel.

Now based in California, Iration also comprises Joseph Dickens (drums); Joseph King (engineer/dub); Adam Taylor (bass); and Cayson Peterson (keyboards).

This was not the first chart-topping album for Iration. In 2007, Iration did it with Time for Rest. The group repeated the feat three years later with Time Bomb. The latter album sold more than 36,000 copies.

The lead singer lists the group’s main influences as Black Uhuru, Don Carlos, Aswad, Junior Reid, Bob Marley and the Wailers.

Asked if it was important for them to be accepted by a Jamaican audience, Pueschel said:

“We know what we play is not Jamaican reggae or roots reggae, but I think the Jamaican artistes that we have played with have accepted our sound and understand what we do.”

Pueschel said there were no immediate plans to record or perform in reggae’s homeland, but he was open to record or play there.

“We are from Hawaii so we have an island vibe. We play music to make people feel better. We don’t want to ruin anyone’s day with a song. We want people to feel better after listening to us,” he added.

Iration began its journey as a cover band playing at college parties. The group recorded New Roots in 2006 and evolved into a headlining act on the American festival scene. Their largest markets include Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange County in California.