The Black Seeds share new single ‘Let The Sunshine Through’

The Black Seeds are an eight piece band whose origins lie in the windy hills of Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington).

The group have crafted their own brand of South Pacific Soul, skillfully blending the deep grooves of reggae, funk, afrobeat and dub into an undeniably infectious mix that has embedded itself in Aotearoa’s collective consciousness.

The band continues to headline festivals and delight audiences across the globe. While simultaneously pushing the creative boundaries of Aotearoa’s Roots movement and sound.

Today they release their second single off their forthcoming 7th studio album: Let the Sunshine Through.

Described by lead singer and songwriter Barnaby Weir as “a bitter sweet love song,” Let The Sunshine Through presents a positive take on a turbulent time.

Weir explains that “I wrote this song just pre-Covid lockdown in New Zealand and worked on it during the first lockdown just after having had my first child, which was quite complicated and stressful.”

“Let The Sunshine Through is about finding hope in a fraught scenario. There was something about the key that it is in and the melodies of the song, they are emotional but in a positive way.” That universal sentiment is sure to unite audiences on the dancefloor when the band hits the road performing at summer festivals throughout Aotearoa.

Along with the official track, The Black Seeds have included a digital B-Side instrumental version of Let The Sunshine Through, expertly showcasing the different layers of melody and percussion that form the backdrop to Weir’s vocals.

Since the release of their debut album Keep On Pushing in 2001 The Black Seeds have gone on to release a total of 6 studio albums (four of which reached platinum sales). They’ve been nominated for six Aotearoa Music Awards, (winning Best Roots Album in 2012 for Dust and Dirt), and have topped the New Zealand Album Charts on multiple occasions.

With strong success at home, The Black Seeds took their sound across the globe. Consistent touring throughout Europe, North and South America, Australia and the Pacific has led to over 60 million Spotify streams, as well as placings on the US Billboard Reggae chart, and the iTunes Reggae Charts in the UK and Germany. Their tracks have found placements on classics Breaking Bad and Weeds, as well on the big screen in Eight Below, and The Inbetweeners II.

Highlights from two decades of international press have included The Huffington Post describing their sound as “thick, bottom-heavy, and melodic,” and Clash Music deeming them “one of the best live reggae acts on the planet.”

The Black Seeds are an unstoppable live force, with all eight members transferring energy, spirit and positive vibrations to their audiences. They deliver a sound that expertly reflects what life is like during the summer months in the South Pacific.

Their career achievements are proof of why The Black Seeds are at the forefront of Aotearoa’s internationally renowned roots movement.

Photo Credit: David James