Dive into the Vibe: Native Leaves, Salt Lake City's Reggae Hip Hop Dream Team

Dive into the Vibe: Native Leaves, Salt Lake City's Reggae Hip Hop Dream Team

Author: Zak Davis & Matt Allen April 17, 2026 Duration: 4:28

Ever heard of Salt Lake City’s rising reggae fusion band? Well, strap in because Native Leaves is bringing sunshine, groove, and good vibes from Utah to your playlist and probably making other coastal bands a little jealous. Think reggae with a splash of hip hop — and somehow it all feels effortless. Let's break down why they are the local band you didn't know you needed.

Key Takeaways:

  • Native Leaves formed in 2019 and blend reggae, hip hop, and blues into their signature sunshine energy.
  • Influences range from Tribal Seeds to Jack Johnson, creating a chill yet meaningful sound.
  • Their 2021 LP, Dab and Fever, scored over a million streams—yeah, they’re kind of a big deal.
  • They've played major venues and festivals like Reggae Rise Up and opened for Sean Kingston and Rick Ross.
  • Their latest project, Runaway Child (2026), is a tight, confident sophomore effort.
  • Favorite track? "Riot" — infectious groove, slick vocals, a must-listen.
  • You can find them on all streaming platforms, plus check out their Florida live sessions.
  • Native Leaves is proof that you don’t need to be on the coast to make coastal-worthy music.

Resources & Links:

Connect with Matt Allen:

And remember — good music is no longer just coastal. Salt Lake City’s got the vibe, and Native Leaves is leading the charge. Catch them, support local, and keep those good vibrations rolling!

Chapters

00:00 Spotlight on Native Leaves: A Unique Sound from Salt Lake City

02:07 The Evolution of Native Leaves: From Dab and Fever to Runaway Child

03:48 Supporting Local Talent: The Importance of Discovering New Artists


There's a particular energy to music made outside the mainstream, and ZHZ Podcast: Independent Music, Artist Interviews & The Utah Scene digs right into the heart of it. Hosts Zak Davis and Matt Allen, from the Z Frequency project, use their platform to amplify the voices often heard only in local venues or home studios. Each episode feels like a conversation among friends, one that just happens to be packed with the kind of practical insights and honest stories that artists usually share after the show. You'll hear from emerging independent musicians not only about their creative process but also about the real, unglamorous work of building a career from the ground up. While the pulse of Utah's vibrant local scene provides a consistent backdrop, the discussions here resonate with anyone curious about the DIY ethos shaping modern culture. This podcast serves as a vital connection point, offering listeners an authentic look at the people and passion behind the tracks. It’s for fans who want to discover their next favorite artist before anyone else and for creators looking for camaraderie and actionable advice. Tune in for genuine interviews that skip the superficial talk and get straight to what matters in independent music.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

ZHZ Podcast: Independent Music & Artist Interviews
Podcast Episodes
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Discover how she builds CONFIDENCE ON STAGE in this high-energy Rapid Fire Round. The ZHZ Podcast reveals live performance secrets!In this Rapid Fire Round, singer-songwriter Elena Hirsch answers seven fast-paced questio…
Landing Huge Gigs With Just One Email: Elena Hirsch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:17
Landing huge gigs is easier than you think. Elena Hirsch reveals her "Power of the Ask" inside our latest Independent Music & Artist Interviews. 🎤💃🏻Watch this episode to learn how Elena went from cold-emailing news stati…
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CROCHET butterflies and DARK pop vibes with Briauna—our fastest Rapid Fire yet from Independent Music & Artist Interviews. 🎙️Briauna pulled up for a Rapid Fire round that goes from wholesome to unhinged in the best way—c…