Nomalakadoja’s name is quite a mouthful. It’s pronounced “NO-ma-lack-a-DO-ja.” Don’t worry if you’ve never heard it before—the members of the band made it up. Actually, it slipped out of one of its member’s mouths while freestyling along to an Outkast record. They liked it so much they named the band after it and gave it the definition “feel-good vibe.”
“You don’t really experience nomalakadoja until you see what it’s like being at one of our live shows, and the good vibes going around. That’s really what it’s all about,” says guitarist/singer Spencer Vantress.
The four-piece plays a laid-back, uplifting variation of reggae that also has surf and rock influences. More than any of the musical influences, they feel the most important thing is that the music has nomalakadoja.
“The guitar solos are cruisy, and hit the notes that bring a smile to your face. It’s not so classic-rock-oriented. It’s more island vibes. Mainly what it’s all about is getting people out there dancing and smiling and mixing it up with people they don’t normally hang out with. Have fun, dance and get some exercise,” Vantress says.
The group started out doing reggae jams and covers at Pono Hawaiian Grill in 2013, and solidified into a proper band with originals that plays all the local clubs. The good vibes spread into everything they do, including the lyrics. They have one song called “Happy,” which describes a nice day hanging out in Santa Cruz and feeling good.
“It basically explains our lifestyle, and it’s a representation of what we’re about,” Vantress says. “Mainly what’s brought us together is the love and the unity, and that’s what we’re preaching. That’s what we’re sharing with everyone. That goes right along with reggae.”
INFO: 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22. Catalyst, 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $10. 429-4135.
