The Movement

Originating from Columbia, South Carolina, the Movement later made their homes in Philadelphia and subsequently San Diego, where they rose to prominence as a top alternative reggae-rock group throughout the 2000s, cultivating a devoted following through multiple independently issued recordings that earned strong notices, above all the 2008 effort Set Sail. After weathering several personnel changes and moves, the group staged a notable return beginning with Side by Side in 2013 and continuing three years afterward with Golden, which reached number two and then number one on the reggae charts and substantially broadened their reach.

Childhood companions Josh Swain and Jordan Miller formed the core of the band before recruiting John Ruff, also known as DJ Riggles. Drawing from Sublime, Pixies, and an array of additional reggae and rock sources, Swain, Miller, and Ruff introduced the Movement in 2004 via their debut On Your Feet, framed as “alternative reggae.” Positive response followed, prompting several years of road work that included opening slots alongside 311, G. Love & Special Sauce, and Blues Traveler.

Riggles departed by 2008, after which Swain and Miller connected with Philadelphia producer Chris DiBeneditto, whose prior credits included Slightly Stoopid and G. Love & Special Sauce. The pair settled in Philadelphia and tracked Set Sail at DiBeneditto’s Philadelphonic Studios, marking their breakthrough. Gary Jackson came aboard on drums and Jay Schmidt on bass, yet Jordan Miller exited in 2012. The remaining trio issued One More Night that year before relocating to San Diego for their next project. Side by Side appeared in 2013 and entered the Billboard Reggae Albums Chart at number two. After the unexpected 2014 digital-only acoustic set Beneath the Palms, the Movement became the first act signed to the Rootfire Cooperative imprint, releasing Golden in 2016, which ascended to the top of the Billboard Reggae chart. Keyboardist and horn player Matt Goodwin had joined by then. Continuing as relentless road warriors and festival regulars, they delivered the shimmering, pseudo-psychedelic Ways of the World in 2019.