Seattle world-reggae-rockers kicked off 2011 with a live in-studio performance on KEXP 90.3 FM in January that peaked at #19 on the station’s Top Live Performances chart, falling right below Death Cab For Cutie. Kore Ionz finished off the set, hosted by Kid Hops, with a world premiere of the title track from the Love You Better EP, self-released on May 28, 2011.
In late June 2011 “Love You Better” went on heavy rotation on KPVS Native FM on the Big Island of Hawai’i, staying on their Daily Top 5 for nearly two months, hitting the #1 most requested spot in the middle of July. The band flew out to Hawai’i for some immediate radio promotion, including a live in-studio on KDNN Island 98.5 in Honolulu with Phat Joe on The Reggae Café.
On August 20, 2011 Kore Ionz self-released the long-anticipated World War Free. Featuring production by Mell Dettmer (Femi Kuti, Clinton Fearon), the full-length opens a dialogue on how our history has shaped the present state of the world, and how our actions will ultimately shape the future. Prometheus Brown of renowned Seattle hip-hop duo Blue Scholars makes a special guest appearance on the single “First Avenue.”
“Love You Better” hit the #4 spot on the Island 98.5 Top 5 at 5 in early September and has been rising on the playlist ever since. World War Free continues to be added to college and community radio playlists in Hawai’i and down the West Coast. The band is currently planning a fall and winter tour.
Kore Ionz have shared the stage with The Wailers, Steel Pulse, Third World, Ky-Mani Marley, Katchafire, J Boog, and two-time Grammy award winner Common.
“Kore Ionz has a higher calling that involves changing lives.”
- Marian Liu, The Seattle Times
“Kore Ionz should not be missed. If not for the reggae, for a lesson in love.”
- Shantel Grace, Honolulu Weekly
Daniel Pak lead vocals and rhythm guitar
Ahkeenu Musa congas, bongos, percussion
Brendan DeMelle bass
Teo Shantz drum kit
Kiley Sullivan keyboards
Mark Oi lead guitar
Thaddeus Turner lead guitar
Owuor Arunga trumpet
Izaak Mills tenor sax, melodica, flute
