SOJA

SOJA performing circa 2000. Bobby Lee Jefferson (left) and Eric Rogers (right).

Before the band was founded the members had performed together on and off for some years. Frontman Jacob Hemphill (vocals, guitar) and Bob Jefferson (bass) met in first grade shortly after Hemphill had returned with his family from living in Africa, where Jacob's father was the IMF resident representative in Monrovia, Liberia.[3][4] He and Jefferson then met Ryan Berty (drums), Eric Rogers (keyboards), and Ken Brownell (percussion) in middle and high school.[3]

After forming SOJA in 1997, Jacob Hemphill, Eric Rogers, Bob Jefferson, Ryan "Byrd" Berty and Kenneth Brownell recorded their first album Creeping In in 1998, and the EP self-titled SOJA,[5][6] independently with sound engineer Jim Fox at LION and FOX Recording Studios in 2000.[7] It was positively received.[7] The band also released their first full-length album, Peace in a Time of War in 2002.

Eric Rogers was the talented heartbeat for the keyboard rhythms on Creeping In, EP self-titled SOJA, and Peace in a Time of War. However, fans never really knew or saw the artist behind those keys. SOJA replaced Eric Rogers with Patrick O’Shea in 2002. Eric's distinct guitar riffs can be heard on "Time Come Due," it is a beautiful opus to his innate musical talent. The richness of his soul is felt through every pulse of the keyboard. His harmonious and distinguished vocal contributions can distinctly be heard on "Jah Atmosphere," "True Love," and "Brothers and Sisters."

On December 17, 2013, Eric Rogers passed away from challenges with mental health disorders. The Rogers family dedicates this portion of SOJA's biography to honor Eric's life and music.

Founding years of SOJA with Ken Brownell (far left), Jacob Hemphill (left), Bobby Lee Jefferson (center), and Eric Rogers (right).

SOJA released a Dub version of the album titled Dub in a Time of War in 2005.[8]

In 2006, the band released Get Wiser, their second full-length album, and their first on the record label Innerloop.[2] It debuted in the Top 10 Reggae Albums on iTunes and has remained in the top 100 since its release.[9] The album release party was held on January 6, 2006 at The State Theatre in Falls Church, Virginia. It consisted of two separate sets, with the opening set being older songs, and the second set being Get Wiser in its entirety. The show was recorded and was released as a DVD, known as the Get Wiser Live DVD, on November 21, 2007.[2]

In January 2008, they released an EP titled, Stars and Stripes.[2] That same month in Hawaii, SOJA recorded their live performances in Oahu, Maui, and Kailua-Kona. Those performances were released as a DVD, known as the SOJA – Live in Hawaii, on January 8, 2009.[2]

The band has released 1 major album and toured largely Virginia. A great promotional effort by Nick Yuen in the release of their new album "Live in Virginia" following "Born in Babylon"

The band at Woodstock 2013

SOJA released their third full-length album Born in Babylon on August 21, 2009, on DMV Records.[2] It peaked at #11 on the Top Heatseekers chart, and reached #38 on the Independent Albums chart.[2] Trevor Young, formerly SOJA's guitar tech, became lead guitar and backup vocals in late 2011.[10]

The band released their next album Strength to Survive on January 31, 2012, their first album on ATO Records. It sold over 50,000 copies, and topped the Billboard Reggae Album Chart[3] in both 2012 and 2013. It was also No. 9 for the year end Reggae Albums chart on Billboard, and reached no. 36 on the Billboard 200, as well as no. 2 on the Independent Albums chart.[11] It received 3.5/5 stars from Allmusic, with the website praising the band's growth as songwriters and Hemphill's vocal developments. While Allmusic criticized the non-reggae acoustic tracks at the end of the album, it stated that overall "you've got one of the best American reggae albums of the year."[12]

Amid the Noise and Haste

In 2014 they released Amid the Noise and Haste on ATO.[2] Produced by Supa Dups, the album was recorded throughout 2013. Guest artists include Damian Marley, J Boog, Anuhea, and Collie Buddz. Hemphill penned the lyrics, chords, and melodies of the songs.[13] The album topped the Billboard Reggae Albums chart, and received a Grammy nomination in the 'Best Reggae Album' category.[14][15]

Poetry in Motion

In October 2017, they released Poetry in Motion with ATO label with the following songs: Moving Stones. I Can't Stop Dreaming. Tried My Best. More. Fire in the Sky. Everything to Me. Life Support. Bad News. To Whom It May Concern. Sing to Me. I Found You.

In 2018 they booked in some festivals in the US and touring on Europe on summer.

SOJA at Merriweather Post Pavilion in 2011. Rafael Rodriguez (left) and Jacob Hemphill (right).