Press
Upstarters leader Ryan in Bass Player magazine!
Bite Me Bambi singer Tahlena Chikami echoed Jeremy's praise of Tokyo's Oreskeband and also shouted out The Upstarters from DC.
"For years I’ve worked in TV with many major artists...The tone and feel of how she sang it “STOPPED ME ON THE STEPS” of the venue. I really had a tear form in my eye watching her in that moment." (Comment)
Firefly’s fierce little sister: Ladybug Music Festival flexes 'girl power' with 40+ acts
This article features an interview with the Upstarters about co-headlining the Ladybug festival.
"A Baltimore based group that refers to themselves as Genre-mashers. And with this hot new remix of their Reggae tune Bubble, they most certainly are that! We often talk about the sense of community here at WTMD which is why we really appreciate this song and the message that it sends out."
FM Radio host on WTMD 89.7 - Kelly Bell introducing our song for the radio debut.
"Amazing ska/reggae/punk/R&B unlike anything else I've heard."
100.7 The Bay - "SPAM" Production Director, On-Air Host, and Voiceover Talent in Baltimore, Maryland
"The Upstarters are phenomenal and really have their own style and awesome live show."
Drew Skibitsky of KILL LINCOLN - Bearded Gentlemen Music article
“Those reggae roots are the driving force behind the work of Baltimore’s The Upstarters; a collage of influences that blend the former with some R&B, punk and hip hop that manifests in a primal and rhythmic celebration on stage that gives respect to those original seeds while sprouting up a variety of flower all their own. The ladies and gents in the group water that flower until it bears fruit, both on their own compositions, or with a new take on a familiar classic or modern radio hit. You’d be crazy for missing out on their INtensity and high level of energy; and after two days of what seems like an endless run of talent, you can finally start wrapping up your night by sweating off another few pounds with The Upstarters.”
Brianna Hansen - inWilmDE.com
"Start with a lot of ska, then blend in reggae, rock-core, punk, hip-hop, metal, funk and R&B to make a power-packed and very satisfying musical cocktail. You’ve got a unique sound."
Charles Benoit of reggae-steady-ska.com
"The Upstarters serve a delicious mash up of funky sounds that will have you dancing like no one is watching! It’s impossible to be in a bad mood when you listen to The Upstarters because their energetic vibes and upbeat rhythms bring sunshine to your soul even on the cloudiest of days. Wanna brighten your own day? Then do yourself a favor and add them to your Spotify play list now!!!"
Fernando Delgado of Hightopps Backstage Bash Music Festival
"The perfect soundtrack for the midsummer vibes on Wednesday night. They pumped out one ska-horned party number after another, and by the end, the entire place was skanking along!"
John Glennon - A Soundman's Guide
"They’re captivating; they catch the eye, a very good group of young musicians.”
Joe Keyes on Patch.com - AOL / TIME WARNER INC.
“Great energy. Great Voice. Awesome musicianship. Love the variety. Nice work!”
Michelle - Carbon Red