Isla Vista has produced its fair share of successful artists over the years with the likes of Jack Johnson, Rebelution, and Steve Aoki. Reggae-rockers The Olés are on the rise and hope to join the list of I.V. veterans to make it big.
Founded in 2011 by freshman year roommates Matt Tweed (lead vocals) and Cole Leksan (lead guitar), The Olés have made a name for themselves playing house parties in Isla Vista and gigs downtown. Recent performances of note include appearing at Casa de la Guerra during Fiesta and opening for reggae legend Don Carlos at SOhO for the Roots Reggae Explosion.
The band’s current lineup is rounded out by Daniel Kearney (bass), Eric Lordan (drums), Nick Marks (trumpet), and Dominick Burnham (trombone). Having previously released their 2012 full-length album Sabado Sessions and 2013’s No Strings EP, The Olés have recently been celebrating the success of last year’s five-track Westward Bound EP. But the end of summer saw the band back in the studio recording Strickley Speaking, their first LP with the current line up, which they hope to release this winter. In a recent email interview, Leksan talked about the band’s direction, what separates them from other artists, and representing Isla Vista.