Classic ska origins meet modern touring energy
Original sounds span the vibrant spectrum of 60s ska, early reggae, vintage soul, and R&B. A group formed in 2017 arrives in Alicante Sanctuary at 20:30 on Wednesday, the 12th, bringing a lively return to the room.
The Soulrockets’ founders, Shandon and Olly Riva, built this continually touring ensemble from the ground up. Over five years the band has played more than 350 shows, weaving through stages across multiple continents. They’ve rumbled through ska wars in Mexico, headline moments at Zwarte Cross in the Netherlands, and commanded crowds at festivals such as This is Ska, Reduit Festival, and Dynamite Fest in Germany. They’ve also graced the Gdansk SKA Jamboree in Poland, the Tramore International SKA Fest in Ireland, and Rock N Stock Fest in France, often sharing stages with Skatalites on occasions that drew large followings. The trajectory places them among the most promising acts in the ska scene. [Citation: international ska tour history]
Their debut recording, a Jamaican ska inspired project, was released in both vinyl and CD formats under the title Get Up / SELF in 2017. The release earned recognition across many ska-focused websites and radio networks worldwide, frequently cited as a standout Record of the Year in multiple ska communities. The sophomore album, Coffee & Sugar, arrived in 2018 through Germany’s legendary Ska Grover Records, presented as a vinyl and CD release that broadened the band’s international footprint. [Citation: debut and sophomore releases]
In December 2018, the group issued a single on vinyl that featured Mr. Tony Dallara, celebrated as one of Italy’s most enduring vocal figures, interpreting a classic from 1957. The project highlighted the band’s ability to connect with timeless Italian pop narratives while preserving ska’s bright, rhythmic core. [Citation: Tony Dallara collaboration]
November and December 2019 found the band supporting a Trojan Records legend in both Italy and Germany, Miss Susan Cadogan, whose Kingston-based roots helped anchor a wave of ska revival energy. The collaboration reinforced the band’s reputation for bridging generations within the genre. [Citation: Susan Cadogan support gigs]
2020 brought the quarantine era, during which the group released several digital-only versions through Black Dingo productions and issued two EPs. Cocktails and Tales Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 introduced ten fresh songs named after popular cocktails, showcasing a playful approach to storytelling through music while maintaining ska’s infectious groove. [Citation: 2020 digital releases]
In 2021 the band supported the living legend Roy Ellis of Symarip, further cementing their standing within the ska community. 2022 marked the release of their 33rd recording, including two additional tracks, a milestone that reflected steady productivity. That same year, they celebrated recognition as one of the best acts of a 25-year era, with an arrangement that captured the spirit of a track titled Scissors by Inspector, a beloved source from Mexico’s ska scene. [Citation: 2022 releases and accolades]
Continuing momentum in 2022 saw the launch of black dingo, a live digital album featuring Susan Cadogan performing live in Italy. The label Jump Up Records in Chicago released a single featuring Susan Cadogan as well, expanding the band’s footprint in North American markets and keeping their live energy accessible to fans who follow ska across continents. [Citation: 2022 live album & single](https://example-not-an-link.invalid)