Bryan 'Root Sound'
Artist, Writer & Producer, Upful Vibes Records
Bryan aka Ras B, also known as Root Sound, is a musician, producer, and creative visionary whose journey through music has been as rich and dynamic as the sounds he creates. As a co-founding member of the Live Roots Reggae Band One Drum, and the architect behind Root Sound productions, Upful Vibes Records, Upful Vibes Publishing, and Upful Vibes Clothing, as well as his own recent live performance incarnation The Root Sound Dub Experience, seamlessly blending roots reggae, soul, and world rhythms into an immersive sonic experience. Whether on guitar, bass, or behind the mixing board, his artistry brings a deep sense of groove and storytelling to every performance.
But Ras B’s path to music was a Journey. A former athlete, he faced and overcame chronic pain, channeling his energy into creativity, business, and mentorship. Production became a way to not just bring more music into the world but to uplift others, leading him to start multiple businesses, and share his art new ways, for example, recently writing his new book on positive mindset called, The Art and Science of Mindset, & dedicating himself to teaching and inspiring others to unlock their own gifts.
His live performance history is just as diverse. With One Drum, he’s shared the stage opening for legends like Lee "Scratch" Perry and Israel Vibration’s band, while performing with many other reggae bands such as Iron Roots, Logan LaValley and Coronation Band, as well as many songwriters, and variety of bands and artists up through the years, including the world music band Mbanza, and the soul funk project JJ Brown’s Raw Soul Band at venues like Ophelia’s, The Fox Theatre, Cervantes Next Door, Little Bear Saloon, Ashkenaz Berkeley, and many more. His deep connection to rhythm and a love for music, traces all the way back to growing up as an athlete, and eventually leaving school due to injuries, traveling the country, finally spending time in San Francisco, where he studied African drumming, performed in Carnaval in the Mission District, and even started a Jazz Soul project with friends while studying Jazz History at San Francisco City College, deepening his connection to the musical DNA of sound and rhythm.
Beyond performing, Ras B plays a vital role in supporting and connecting the reggae community. As both an organizer and booking coordinator, he works with others and is connected to a strong network of musicians, DJ's, Promoters, Producers, and backing bands to help bring conscious music to The People. From booking shows and organizing reggae events to creating spaces that honor the roots while embracing the future, Bryan is dedicated to participating and playing a part in keeping the culture thriving. Whether on stage, in the studio, or behind the scenes, he continues to push the boundaries of being a multifaceted component to roots music, building a bridge between tradition, community, with the common threads that health is wealth and thus to "know thy self".
"Won't you help to sing, these songs of Freedom..."
— Bob Marley
