Soul Rebel

Soul Rebel

Soul Rebel is a music project from Mogliano Veneto, near Venice, that forms in summer 2002. The group begins by playing Bob Marley songs in a “Mojan Reggae Style”, and the line-up settles with Rosa Brunello on bass, Federico Ros on drums, Rocco D’Aguanno on guitar, Fabrizio Pittalis on keyboards and synths, and the voices of Celeste Matarese and Giovanni Brunello. The band meets and rehearses at Rocco’s house, which becomes a shared creative space.

Early recordings and performances

The first original songs include “Mojan Reggae Style” and “Brown”. Soul Rebel soon plays beyond Mogliano Veneto, performing across the Triveneto area and at competitions. In November 2003 the group records its first demo, Suonare il nostro vizio, with four tracks.

Style and themes

The music combines reggae with an electro touch from the keyboards and synths, alongside the group’s characteristic rhythmic approach. The lyrics deal with love and existential themes, and also express opposition to war and social injustice.

Later activity

By 2006 the band is working on its first full-length album, planned as an eleven-track release, while continuing to perform locally and outside its home area. In spring it takes second place in a contest in Slovenia, which leads to selection for the final national contest on the Rototom Sunsplash stage. In summer Soul Rebel appears as a special guest of Caparezza at Marcon Festival and also performs in the Venice jail, reflecting the group’s interest in social and community-based performance.