“Sol Seed is so much more than a band. It’s kind of a way of life,” says Sky Guasco, didgeridoo player and percussionist for the popular Eugene-based group.

Since Sol Seed won EW’s Next Big Thing in August 2013, the group’s been busy: “We quit our day jobs and became full-time musicians,” Guasco says. “We started touring full-time every other month. On the off-months we were recording.” 

And Sol Seed recently released Family Tree — recorded locally at Telos Studios. “We spent about three months total with them in the studio,” says Telos’ studio engineer Chris Ressnor. “There were a lot of shenanigans. It was a good time. [Family Tree] came out amazingly.” 

Fans who’ve followed Sol Seed for a while will find some surprises on the group’s first full-length record. Still present is the familiar reggae backbone blended with elements of rock, hip hop and electronic music, but Guasco says in recording Family Tree, Sol Seed added some new twists to the formula. “Madre Tierra” is more influenced by Latin music than reggae, Guasco notes, adding, “We have a three-part horn section on this album. We really pride ourselves on having a self-titled genre of reggae-fusion.” 

Sol Seed aimed for a “family tree” vibe in all aspects of the recording process, says Guasco. Besides producing the album locally, Family Tree features guest appearances from local musicians like Medium Troy’s Connah Jay. “All the artists in the album are very, very close friends,” Guasco says. 

Sol Seed funded Family Tree via Kickstarter. Guasco says he’s looking forward to Sol Seed’s upcoming album release show April 11 at Cozmic as a chance to say thanks for all the support. “With the album release, it’s a rare local show. We’re constantly on the road. We’re really looking forward to it,” Guasco says.

Sol Seed’s CD release show kicks off 9 pm Friday, April 11, at Cozmic; $6 adv., $8 door.