Jaya the Cat is a Dutch/American reggae, ska and punk rock band formed in 1998. The group originates from Boston and is based in Amsterdam, and its songs combine reggae, punk rock, ska and, at times, pop elements.

Formation and early line-up

Jaya the Cat forms through a shared interest in 1960s and 1970s dub and punk among three friends: Geoff Lagadec on vocals and guitar, Dave Smith on guitar and vocals, and Ben Murphy on bass. The band’s early material includes songs that range from drinking anthems and relaxed dance tracks to political commentary.

Recorded output

The band’s debut album, Basement Style, appears in 2001 on Gold Circle Records. After this release, former Shadows Fall drummer David “The Germ” Germain joins the group and Jaya the Cat begins touring steadily across the United States and Europe. Their live schedule includes major clubs and festivals such as Lowlands in the Netherlands, Pukkelpop in Belgium and the Warped Tour in the United States.

The second album, First Beer of a New Day, follows in 2003 on 4tune Records. The band later releases Ernesto’s Burning in 2004 on Music Machine Records.

The third studio album, More Late Night Transmissions with..., appears on I Scream Records and draws on the band’s experiences, with lyrics about bars, hotels, love affairs and political disillusionment. The release is also issued in the United States by I Scream Records USA. The group also releases the singles “Closing Time” and “Good Morning”.

Line-up changes and Amsterdam years

After the second album, Smith and Murphy leave the band, leaving Jaya the Cat in limbo for a period. Lagadec and Germain later meet up and look for new members. For a spring European tour, the group is temporarily joined by Dutch musicians Jan Jaap Onverwagt of Green Lizard and Alejandro Londoño. The band then takes a sublet in Amsterdam and remains there, with the stay turning into a longer base of operations.

The later line-up includes Jordi “Pockets” Nieuwenburg on guitar, Jeroen Kok on bass and Onverwagt on keyboards, with the live set expanded by keyboards, samples, percussion and a tiki bar stage setup.

Live reputation and use in media

Jaya the Cat plays extensively in Europe and the United States and develops a reputation for shows that involve audience singing, dancing and drinking. Their music also appears in skate, surf and snowboard videos.