EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — A new reggae project is taking shape in El Paso, blending island-inspired rhythms with desert scenery and a mix of other genres.
The duo behind the band, Sam and Leo, described their sound as reggae with added influences, including R&B, hip-hop and other styles.
“We are Sam and Leo. We make music,” one of the musicians said. “We are a reggae band and we throw in some R&B in there, some little bit of everything.”
The two said they have been friends for more than 10 years and started making music together by “jamming in garages in the middle of summer,” playing open mic nights and collaborating on and off for about a decade.
They said this is the first time they have decided to take the project more seriously and release music.
They also said they are working to expand the local reggae scene, noting that reggae is often associated with beaches and islands, but that El Paso offers its own inspiration.
They pointed to the area’s sunsets, mountains and scenery as influences on what they write.
Right now, the duo said they do not have music released on streaming platforms, but they have been sharing short performance clips online. They said people can find them on Instagram at “Sam and Leo make music,” all one word.
They also announced a single is on the way. “We do have a single coming out on the seventh [of August] ,” one of the musicians said. “It’s called ‘Stay.’”
El Paso duo Sam and Leo say debut single “Stay” arrives on the seven
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