Official Music Coast Interview with The Bandulus: Navigating Musical Fusion & Creative Innovation
July 9, 2024
The Bandulus (BAN-DOO-LOOS) are a vibrant ska, reggae, and soul band originating from Austin, Texas. The brainchild of Jeremy Peña, formerly of Los Skarnales and the Trenchtown Texans, The Bandulus came into existence in 2008. Peña sought to blend traditional ska and reggae influences with soulful melodies, creating a unique and dynamic sound that quickly garnered attention. Their debut album, "Ska.Reggae.Soul," released in 2010, features notable collaborations with musicians like Vic Ruggiero of The Slackers and members of The Stingers ATX. This album set the tone for their musical journey, characterized by heartfelt lyrics and genre-crossing tracks that keep listeners engaged. In 2012, they followed up with "The Times We Had," which was acclaimed for its soulful influence and was featured on several top 10 lists for ska and reggae records. Their third album, "Love A Woman," released in 2020, further showcased their ability to blend rock ‘n’ roll, Motown harmonies, and contemporary reggae production into a cohesive and captivating collection of songs. The Bandulus have shared the stage with legendary acts such as The Skatalites, The Wailers, Inner Circle, and The Slackers, as well as modern favorites like The Interrupters and Collie Buddz. They have also performed at major festivals including the Victoria Ska and Reggae Festival and the Freedom Sounds Ska Festival in Germany. Known for their electrifying live performances, The Bandulus continue to captivate audiences with their infectious rhythms and soulful energy.