REBEL CONTROL
Sharing a mutual passion for seductive melodies, gut-wrenching basslines and ‘back-a-yard riddims’, the illicit offspring of Andy Baron and Concrete Johnson was fashioned into prized gem, Rebel Control - The philosophy – to elevate reggae music kicking and screaming into the 21st Century.
Andy kick-started his youthful musical career as an MC with various sound systems and in 2001 was enticed by the allure of Jamaica where he honed his prodigious talents recording debut solo album "Believe In Yourself."
Regularly performing as a solo artist and with his then band (The Believers) throughout England, France, Czech Republic and Jamaica, Andy has graced major festival stages alongside reggae monoliths, Steel Pulse, Horace Andy, Morgan Heritage and Culture, whilst developing a burgeoning reputation as a major league frontman and vocalist.
Concrete Johnson picked up his beloved bass at the tender age of thirteen, subsequently performing on a myriad of studio ventures, recently recorded with Jah Bunny (Trojan label drumming legend) as well as songwriting stints with N'Dea Davenport (Brand New Heavies).
Having commandeered a squatted derelict shop in West London, Rebel Control proceeded to host their notorious jam sessions, attracting the finest British based reggae musicians including Richie Stevens, Jeff Scantlebury, Winston Rollins, Tim Cansfield and Milton Myrie whom collectively have performed and recorded with Maxi Priest, Aswad, Shaggy, Eddy Grant, Soul 2 Soul and countless others.
2007 saw an independently released, lovers rock version of the John Legend hit Ordinary People - described by Reggae Arena as ''a reggae jewel'' and garnered huge online and specialist radio support from Europe and America.
A fateful encounter with producer Mike Pelanconi (Lily Allen, Gregory Isaacs) led to Mike mixing a selection of sizzling tracks from the band’s studio sessions, culminating in their eagerly anticipated debut album, JAMMIN AT REBEL H.Q. scheduled for release in April 2009.