The Lions

Inspired by reggae, sound system culture and the myriad of musical styles influenced by Jamaican music old and new, The Lions’ sound is firmly placed in soul music. The band draws together a dozen or so of LA’s elite reggae and soul forerunners who loosely coalesced as The Lions in 2007. Members of the legendary ska band Hepcat, Deston Berry and Alex Desert, form half of the vocal team, with Desert also having a successful career on screen. The other half is the sweet falsetto of Malik Moore and DJ stylings of Black Shakespeare, cousin of Robbie Shakespeare (of Sly & Robbie fame) and co-runner of the i&i Sound System.

The Lions' desire to create records with an edge and roughness led them to draw inspiration from classic Jamaican records by artists such as The Upsetters, The Soul Syndicate, Rockers All Stars, and Roots Radics. Their dedication to capturing that authentic sound resulted in recording their rhythm section on tape, allowing for some imperfections that added character to their music.

In addition to Hepcat members Deston Berry and Alex Desert, vocalist Malik Moore and DJ Black Shakespeare complete the talented lineup of The Lions. Guitarist Dan Ubick brings his experience from being part of Breakestra while bassist