The Red Eyes

The Red Eyes are an Australian dub and reggae group formed in Melbourne in 2002. They perform a mix of reggae, dub and roots music, and are led on stage by frontman El Witeri, whose performances draw on his New Zealand upbringing and Māori heritage. Witeri opens and closes shows in Māori, presenting the band’s live sets as a communal experience.

Music and releases

The band releases original material rather than working mainly as a cover act, with lyrics that focus on local stories and themes that are intended to connect with audiences in Australasia. Their debut full-length album is Rudeworld, released in 2007, following the EPs Highplace in 2004 and My Kingdom/Prolific in 2005. Their 2010 album Red Army builds on the group’s live sound and uses studio takes alongside guest appearances and contributions from a large circle of Melbourne musicians.

Recognition and airplay

Red Army receives critical attention and is nominated for Best Blues and Roots Album at the 2010 Australian Independent Record Label Awards. It is also named Album of the Week by PBS FM and Radio Australia. The band’s earlier releases also receive regular airplay in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, the Pacific Islands and Canada, and the group sells more than 12,000 copies worldwide across its early releases.

Live work and festivals

The Red Eyes develop a reputation for large-scale festival performances and national touring. They appear at events including Meredith Music Festival, Earthcore Global Carnival, The Great Escape, Woodford Folk Festival, Peats Ridge Festival, Bellingen Global Carnival, The Soundscape Festival, Victoria’s Pyramid Rock Festival and the national Raggamuffin tour. They also tour internationally to New Caledonia.

Collaborations and shared bills

The band performs alongside artists including The Original Wailers, Horace Andy, Luciano, Mad Professor, Easy Star All-Stars, Dub Syndicate, Salmonella Dub, The Black Seeds, Katchafire, Cornerstone Roots, Concord Dawn, Sola Rosa, Pitch Black and The Resin Dogs. They also take part in a live onstage mix by Mad Professor at the Australian World Music Expo.

Funding and career notes

In 2005 the group receives a Victoria Rocks Music Touring Grant and a JB Seed Music Making Grant. Their track Arms over Jordan appears on a Rolling Stones compilation, while Rudeworld features on the Kiss My Grass compilation. One track from Rudeworld also reaches number seven on Radio Toronto listener charts.