Connect
Biography
Groundation is an American roots reggae band from Sonoma County, California, formed in 1998 by Harrison Stafford, alongside fellow jazz students Ryan Newman and Marcus Urani at Sonoma State University. The band's name is inspired by the Rastafarian “Grounation” ceremony, reflecting their deep spiritual and cultural influences.
Groundation debuted with the album Young Tree in 1999 on Young Tree Records, a label co-founded by Stafford. Their breakout album, Hebron Gate (2002), helped cement their international reputation with a fusion of roots reggae, jazz improvisation, and world rhythms. Known for analog recording techniques and a rich horn section, the band brought a fresh, genre-bending approach to contemporary reggae.
Over the years, Groundation released several acclaimed albums, including We Free Again (2004), Here I Am (2009), and The Next Generation (2018), which won “Best Roots Reggae Album” from Reggae.fr. Their music blends deep philosophical themes with technical musicianship, earning them a loyal global following and appearances across major festivals worldwide.
In 2022, Groundation released their tenth studio album, One Rock, featuring legendary collaborators like Israel Vibration, The Abyssinians, and The Congos. With a mission rooted in unity, justice, and cultural preservation, Groundation continues to push the boundaries of roots reggae while honoring its foundational message.
Discography
Stay connected
Receive the latest reggae releases, artist updates and music news directly in your inbox.
