The Black Seeds

by Andy KellmanInspired by funk and soul, but even more so by reggae, the Black Seeds took shape in Wellington, New Zealand, in 1997. Their first album, Keep on Pushing, wasn't issued until 2001, but by then, they had already established themselves as a strong live act, and their first release solidified a fan base that spread through France, Belgium, Australia, and Switzerland. The follow-up, 2004's On the Sun, went double platinum in the band's native country. Into the Dojo, released in the middle of 2006, debuted at number one; in addition to touring throughout Europe, the band also played some dates in the U.S.