Hailing from Kirikiriroa/Hamilton in Aotearoa/New Zealand, KATCHAFIRE weaves a universal tapestry of sound, drawing from the rich foundations of classic roots reggae, R’n’B, funk, and modern dancehall. Their music is a fusion of catchy pop hooks, infectious grooves, and uplifting vibes crafting a universal vibe in reggae music.
With a discography that spans six albums, KATCHAFIRE has left an indelible mark on the reggae scene. Each release carries their signature blend of authenticity and innovation. Their talent has been recognized with multiple awards, and their albums have achieved platinum status. Their music resonates with fans across the globe.
With platinum sales, hit singles, and a massive fanbase selling out shows around the world, 2025 sees KATCHAFIRE continue to expand and tour around the world again.
Their sound is built on the foundations of classic roots reggae with an R’n’B and funk rub, fusing modern dancehall and with catchy pop, infectious grooves and uplifting vibes.
Built on a family movement, it all started when lead guitarist Grenville Bell, father of lead singer Logan Bell & drummer Jordan Bell, moved into an apartment building in town with his then teenage sons where they could make music all night, and the rest is history...
After countless jams and sold-out concerts, they swelled to an 8-piece collective of multi-talented songwriters and musicians and became a staple on Pacific Roots scenes around the world.
KATCHAFIRE’s popularity and critical acclaim has seen them share the stage with artists from Damien Marley, Steel Pulse, UB40, The Wailers, to Michael Franti and Spearhead and many more. They've garnered respect from the likes of Don Letts (acclaimed documentary maker and Clash tour DJ), music journalist David Katz, and have been championed on the airwaves by radio legends such as Steve Barker (BBC), Charlie Gillet (BBC) and David Rodigan (Kiss FM and others) to name a few.
Through the height of the Covid19 pandemic KATCHAFIRE spent time in Aotearoa studios recording new music and now look forward to their first overseas shows since the pandemic began. Katchafire have long been prolific international tourers and 2021 was the first year the band did not tour overseas in over eighteen years.
Not resting on their laurels whilst international borders were closed, Katchafire released two new singles “Circle Back” and “Whaingaroa” as well as re-releasing their “100” single from the Legacy album in Te Reo (Māori language) as part of the Waiata / Anthems documentary series – “Karawhiua”. They released “Always With You” in 2022, and in 2024 released a cover of “Magic (What She Do)” originally by reknown New Zealander Dave Dobbyn in June, released original single “Commit” in July, and the “Seriously (Revived Version) in November.
With more tours coming up in Australia, Europe, and the Americas through 2025 - there is no stopping the ‘Fire!!
Twenty years after its original release, Katchafire began working on an epic project to revive their “Revival” album with the first taste “Seriously (Revived Version)” out now.
Katchafire singer and founding member Logan Bell said,
“The song ‘Seriously’ is a love lament, I remember writing the tune all up in my feels about neglected love interests of the day. We were pretty driven to make a career out of music and I would put those pursuits to the side because the band took precedence over everything else.”The band have been working on remixes of the original ‘Revival’ tracks with engineer Philip McFarlane (Earthkry) and producer Stephen ‘Dubklaat’ Maxwell from Jamaica, and this momentous album project will also see songs being re-recorded with a host of very special guests from the global reggae world.
Speaking about the ‘Revival’ album, Logan said
“When the album came out it was at the beginning of a massive reggae resurgence, and our message was for the under-represented, oppressed and down-trodden, speaking directly to like-minded people. We were igniting and raising consciousness using reggae music to push our message to the world to where it needed to be. It became a journey of meeting people and touching hearts with all the blessing of fruits of the king’s music. “
“Originally recorded around 2000, the ‘Revival’ album was the band’s first time together in a studio, our first time tracking and mixing and they weren’t as hands-on as they are now with the process. We felt that certain aspect of the finished album left us wanting, so remixing the album is something we’ve always talked about. Twenty-three years on we got the chance, and it was really fun to hear the original studio performances. They still stand up today and it made me feel real proud of those early recordings and the OG team.”
“Seriously (Revived Version)” Single out 15 November 2024https://onerpm.link/katchafireseriously2024“Reviving Revival” Album out 2025
