House of Shem hail from Aotearoa, New Zealand and like many legendary reggae groups this
band is built around the classic harmony trio format. At the helm is Carl Perkins, a man with over
thirty years experience writing and playing reggae music. As a former member of Herbs, Mana
and the Twelve Tribes of Israel Band amongst others, Carl’s musical credentials are impeccable.
Joining him up front are two of his sons, Te Omeka and Isaiah who not only provide harmonies
but both of whom also write, take turns at singing lead and play keyboards as well. It is this blood
link and family bond that renders the sound of their combined voices as something really
extraordinary. Each of the three has their own distinct song writing style and voice, effectively
giving the band three different lead singers. The harmonies are sublime and the precision of their ensemble performance is phenomenal.
Credit must also go to the rhythm section – certainly one of the tightest you are ever likely to hear
down in the South Pacific Aotearoa New Zealand, with Kaya Webster who is a “one-drop”
prodigy, having played drums for the Twelve Tribes of Israel Band since he was of primary school
age and Francis Harawira, a heavy-duty bassist also formerly of the T.T.I. Band and Token
Village. Rounding out the sound is the exceptionally gifted guitarist Roy Venkataraman – a
seasoned veteran himself who toured and played with The Wailers band for a number of years
and the soul infused horns of Chris Nielson on saxophone.
To date, four House of Shem songs have been featured on the best-selling “Conscious Roots”
compilations (with combined sales in excess of 30,000 units) and in May of 2008 their debut
album, “Keep Rising” was released. The album is an especially strong opening statement from
the group and with each of the family members splitting the composition credits evenly it neatly
demonstrates the bands musical range and diversity of styles. There is something for everyone on here with catchy pop songs, deep devotional hymns, lovers rock and dancehall crowdpleasers all included and vying for your attention.
Over the last couple of years the band has extensively toured the country. They have become a
regular fixture at annual festivals such as Sound splash , Parihaka Peace Festival, Ragamuffin,
One Love, Parachute Fest, Tribal Pride, Rhythm & Vines, and have forged a loyal fan base not
just in the main centers, but also in the smaller rural communities. 2010 has blessed House of
Shem with a tour of New Caledonia, New Zealand & Australia with Ragamuffin alongside top
reggae acts Shaggy, Julian Marley, Lauren Hill, Steel Pulse and also the opportunity to record &
mix there soon to be released second album at Neil Finns, Roundhead Studios in New Zealand
with Legendary reggae producer & engineer Errol Brown who has produced, recorded and mixed albums for Bob Marley, Ziggy Marley and most classic reggae albums to come out of Jamaica.
The House of Shem live experience is an unforgettable occasion – a rare mixture of power and
beauty. Whether you are Rasta or raver, this band’s incredible tightness, heavenly harmonies,
conscious lyrics and blend of traditional and contemporary reggae styles will leave you spellbound.