Duburbia is the premier dub/rock band from the Virginia Beach/Norfolk area in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Duburbia has been entertaining the crowds with their original style of reggae and rock fusion for several years now. The music draws on the vast musical interests and influences including punk, funk, hip-hop, blues, rock, and reggae as well as the beach oriented attitude of the band.
Duburbia formed in early 2004 when Jay Kelly, Nick Clark, Matt Maxwell, and Mike Berlind all got together for the first time to play music. Singer Jay and Guitarist Nick had been in a band together in the mid ‘90s and had both been struggling to form a solid band since. Matt was introduced to the two through mutual friend and former bassist Ben Grillo. With Matt on bass, the three found drummer Mike though an ad at the local music store Alpha Music. Duburbia stepped on stage for the first time at a Norfolk hole in the wall bar called Paulette’s Outer Banks. It was a very special show for the band because they got to play with one of their favorite bands and biggest influences, the band Bargain Music, from Long Beach, CA. Duburbia quickly took over the local music scene and played at every venue they could get into. Bringing in keyboardist Chris Jones, Duburbia rose through the ranks and began getting the best local gigs at the best local venues including The Jewish Mother, The Beach Club, The Peppermint Beach Club, Club Excess, and The Norva. They also shared the stage with many of their favorite bands such as Long Beach Short-Bus (members of Sublime), Slightly Stoopid, Pepper, Fishbone, HR of Bad Brains, Authority Zero, The MisFits, The Expendables, Badfish (Sublime Tribute Band), The Phunk Junkies, as well as many others.
Duburbia self-released their first album, ‘The Situation,’ in Oct. of 2004. About a year after the release, Chris Jones left the band and was replaced by keyboardist Jason Campen in Sep. of ‘05. With Jason s, Duburbia recorded their second self-released album, ‘One More Brick For Babylon.’ The recording sessions for this one were long, drawn out, and meticulous, but the band was very pleased with their final outcome. ‘One More Brick…’ was released in Nov. of ’06.
The year of ’07 found much change within the band. Nick left the band in late ’06 and was replaced by Diego. Duburbia added an extra touch to the mix with percussionist, Fred, and MC Big Rob. Mike then left the band in Sep. of ’07, along with Diego. DJ Smith stepped in to add a new style on drums, and Nick returned on guitar. Duburbia hit the stage again with a strong performance on New Year’s Eve at Jillian’s Waterside in Downtown Norfolk. Duburbia hit the stage stronger than ever for the '08 year.
On February 5th, 2009, Duburbia and all their fans, friends, and family suffered a great loss in the passing of singer Jay Kelly. The members of the band continue to bring their music to the masses now in other bands. The music of Duburbia was nearly synonymous with the sounds of Jay Kelly, so although the band remains together in heart, friendships, family, and memories, the members feel they cannot continue Duburbia without Jay.
March 29, 2008 @ White Horse Pub
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