Not your typical reggae band, welcome to the world of The I-Rates.
The I-Rates started as Soul Shakedown Party in the cold Portland Maine winter of 2002. Scott Girouard, the bands singer and guitarist started the band as a side project while his other band had some time off. Soon the group decided it was too much fun and they made it their main gig.
The I-Rates have gone on to play colleges, clubs and private parties all over New England. They have released 2 CD's, a 6 song CD in May of 03, and a 4 song EP in May of 04. Both CD's were recorded in one day each, and capture Soul Shakedown's raw party style reggae. They have learned how to make a positive vibe in their music, while dealing with such topics as heartbreak, war, racism and, what Girouard feels, is the canned music being pushed upon impressionable youths today.
The I-Rates have shared the stage with such acts as reggae legend Yellowman, punk mambo kings Babaloo and many other local and national acts.
We currently play all over New England. We are hoping to expand our tours soon. Playing live is the best feeling. We had a show recently that was not going well. It was a last minute gig so we had no time to promote. The first set was terrible and I went outside to get away. Our drummer and I sat on the sidewalk and I told him I never wanted to play this venue again. We came back to do our second set and the place was packed! By the time we started playing people were dancing on tables!
The Wailers, Yellowman, Steel Pulse and yes, even Sublime.
I have 2 main guitars. A Gibson SG Faded Special, and a Gibson Melody Maker. I play these through a mid 80's Marshall head and a 1971 Traynor 2x15 cab. Our bass player plays Fender basses and Eden bass cabs. Our drummer has a wide assortment of vintage drums. We never know what he will show up to the gig with!
People need to take a chance once in a while and go see some unkown bands at small clubs. Some of the best shows I have seen was when I walked into a local bar on a week night and came accross a band I had never heard of. Go see live music and turn off your radio!
