American band Iration is not unfazed by the current turmoil across the world brought on by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Their latest single Right Here Right Now, however, calls for gratitude despite the challenges being faced.

“The inspiration was that in today’s world, there are so many distractions and ways to take your mind off what is happening around you that we wanted to do a song about living in the present. Enjoying what is around you and being thankful,” lead vocalist and guitarist Micah Pueschel said in an interview with the Jamaica Observer.

Right Here Right Now also features Rebelution lead singer Eric Rachmany and Stick Figure. Like Iration, Rebelution and Stick Figure are among the top-selling American reggae bands.

Pueschel spoke about collaborating with Rachmany and Stick Figure.

“We are friends and have toured multiple times together so it made sense for us to involve them. Also, the messages in their music fit in with the message in the song,” he shared.

Right Here Right Now is the first release off Iration’s seventh full-length studio album, which is scheduled for release in July. The 13-song set also has collaborations with Common Kings and Hawaiian singer Eli-Mac.

“We really wanted to have more features on this record. When we play live shows, we have guests and we do a kind of ‘brodeo’ at the end of every show. We wanted to have songs that we have the ability to do that and have people on stage with us,”Pueschel explained. “We always felt it was something we hadn’t done enough of on previous records and that fans really love it. It’s also good to have a different vocal perspective on a song.”

Iration has scored seven top 10 albums including three number ones on the Billboard Reggae Albums Chart. They include Time Bomb (2010), Fresh Grounds EP (2011), Automatic (2013), Hotting Up (2015), Double Up (2016) and their self-titled set which topped that chart last year.

Pueschel credits the focus on melodies and lyrics for Iration’s success.

“I think a focus on trying to be unique, do what is meaningful to ourselves as artistes and focusing on doing something new and creative with each release. All that with a focus on the importance of songwriting. We really focus on great melodies and lyrics that evoke real emotions,” he said.

Growing up in Hawaii and California gave members of Iration a natural affinity for reggae and island sounds. Formed in 2004, the band’s current line-up also includes Adam Taylor (bass), Joe Dickens (drums), Cayson Peterson (keyboard/synthesiser) and Micah Brown (guitar/vocals).

The original members met in high school in Hawaii and ended up going to college in Santa Barbara, California. They started performing at backyard events and eventually headlined festivals in the United States.

Iration has worked with Jamaican acts on previous albums and hope to do so again.

“We were lucky enough to work with (artiste/producer/broadcaster) Mikey Dread on our first album on a song called Generation Time. We were one of the last groups to work with him before he passed away so it was very special. We have toured with Protoje and would definitely like to work with more Jamaican artistes going forward,” said Pueschel.