Rocksteady
Everything published on Viyolens under Rocksteady — reviews, buying advice and how-tos written for players and producers in the UK.
The Best Rocksteady Artists to Know
From Alton Ellis to the too-often-overlooked Phyllis Dillon, here are the rocksteady artists whose Kingston studio sessions genuinely built the bridge from ska to reggae.
A Beginner's Guide to Rocksteady
Slow bass, offbeat chords and close harmony singing: here's what rocksteady actually is, broken down step by step for anyone hearing the word for the first time.
Ska Music Subgenres, Explained
Three eras, three countries, one shared offbeat chord. Here's how original Jamaican ska, 2 Tone and third-wave ska-punk actually differ.
Rocksteady for Newcomers: Where to Start
You've probably heard rocksteady already without knowing its name. Here's the gentlest way in: five songs, a few myths cleared up, and no homework required.
The History of Rocksteady
Two years, two rival studios and one massive shift in Jamaican music. Here's the no-nonsense history of how rocksteady took ska's crown and handed it straight to reggae.
Rocksteady Subgenres, Explained
Two years wasn't long enough for an official family tree, but real rocksteady subgenres still emerge once you know what to listen for. Here's the honest map.
The History of Ska Music
One genre, three separate revivals a decade apart. Here's how ska actually moved from 1950s Jamaica to British 2 Tone and the American third wave.
Essential Rocksteady Albums Explained
Looking for a classic rocksteady album? Here's the honest answer: it's mostly a singles genre, and these are the compilations that genuinely count as essential listening instead.
The History of Reggae Music
A decade-by-decade timeline of how Jamaican music went from mento and ska to reggae, dub and dancehall — and how it ended up everywhere.
The Best Rocksteady Songs Right Now
No chart hype, no trend chasing — just the rocksteady songs that actually defined the genre in its brief 1966-68 run, and still hold up today.
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Reggae Music
Reggae music is built on groove, bass and spacious rhythm. Shop gear for warm low end, echo-rich production and live per...
Rocksteady
Rocksteady is a smooth Jamaican style linking ska to reggae with bass-led grooves and vocal harmony.
Ska Music
Upbeat offbeat genre with brass, skanking guitars and energetic grooves built for lively live performance.
