Scubaroots

Scubaroots is a UK act associated with ska, chillout, funk and hip-hop. The group forms around Richard De Rosa and Richard Cox, who write and produce the tracks, and it develops from the South West college circuit before building a following in Bristol and at gigs around the UK.

The band performs as a 10-piece live outfit, and the line-up sometimes expands to include gospel choirs, record-collector DJs, Latin percussion groups and other guest performers. Its music draws on breakbeat, funk, reggae and roots influences, with a performance style described as high-energy, disciplined and soulful.

Background and themes

Scubaroots presents itself with a tongue-in-cheek approach, using stories and characters involving debauchery, doctors, bankers, cannabis and “dub star hotels.” The act is also described as avoiding ordinary work and still pretending to be students, with Len singled out as learning to make guitars.

Recordings and collaborations

The group records in Shepherds Bush and works on the album Babylon Pharmacy, which is listed as an intended release for 2010. It also works with Morgan Nicholls, formerly of The Streets, Gorillaz, Lily Allen and The Senseless Things.

Scubaroots is championed by artists including Mr. Scruff, The Scratch Perverts and DJ Derek, and it performs at festivals in the UK and abroad.