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: 58

ZHZ Podcast: Independent Music, Artist Interviews & The Utah Scene
Podcast Episodes
Jason Bradford on Synthpop and DIY Music | ZHZ Podcast Ep. 007 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:53
Join us for a captivating episode where our hosts, alongside guest Jason Bradford, delve into the intimate bonds forged through music. They unpack the intricate art of songwriting and share the ambitions driving the band…
Dave Hunsaker: The Beat Goes On Through Sticks And Skins [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:11
Zak Davis and Matt Allen engage in conversation with musician and audio engineer Dave Hunsaker, exploring his musical journey and dedication to drumming. They delve into his collaborative efforts such as Ariel's Bones wi…
Brad Jennings: From Guitar to Bass & Los Ocupados [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:52
Zak Davis and Matt Allen engage in conversation with Brad Jennings, an accomplished musician from Freshly Squashed Fly and the Washington-based ska band Los Ocupados. They explore Brad's musical origins, his initial fora…
Metal Riffs & Reverb: Meet Jeff Huso [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:37
Join Matt Allen, Zak Davis, and Jeff Huso as they dive into their musical journeys, sharing stories of early gigs, instrument mishaps, and forgotten lyrics. They chat about their influences like Oingo Boingo and Public I…
Behind the Mic with Matt Allen: Trumper, Voice, and Journey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:01
Zak Davis and cohost Matt Allen reminisce about their musical journey that started in 1991, deeply influenced by their shared love for Oingo Boingo. Matt looks back fondly on his trumpet-playing days in school before tra…
Allow Myself to Introduce Myself [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:58
Zak Davis, the engaging host of the Z-Frequency podcast, embarks on a journey through his musical lineage in his inaugural episode. He reflects on his early years and the first musical experiences that significantly shap…