Formed in 2001 and named after Israeli dub artist/producer Badawi’s1996 release, Bedouin Soundclash’s debut album Root Fire (2001) received critical acclaim before sophomore album Sounding a Mosaic (2004) sent the band global, culminating in a series of sold-out shows and festival appearances around the world. The album featured the smash hit single “When The Night Feels My Song”, produced by hardcore royalty Darryl Jenifer of Bad Brains, and the band went on to pick up their first JUNO Award in 2006 for Canada’s Best New Group, having significant chart success in the UK along with numerous accolades around Europe.
Their sound is difficult to define and exists somewhere in the ‘global, dance. world punk/folk ethos” and that is how songwriter and lead-singer Jay Malinowski prefers it. “I grew up listening to the Clash, and Asian Dub Foundation, alongside my parents record collection of Paul Simon and Bob Dylan.” Says Malinowski. “My hero was Joe Strummer, and I wanted to emulate him when I was young. I loved how Joe took you somewhere that was familiar but strange. That’s where I hope our music lives.” Those who have covered Bedouin’s music are a testament to this, ranging from electronic superstar Diplo, to Grammy-award winning Country artist Sturgill Simpson, to England’s punk-folk laureate Frank Turner and Los Angeles punk-ska saviours The Interrupters.
Bedouin Soundclash have toured all over the world and have shared the stage with the likes of No Doubt, Ben Harper, Damian Marley, The Roots, The Interrupters, Gogol Bordello, Bad Brains, Frank Turner and Thievery Corporation among many others.