What do you get when you mix music with bass, synthesizers, percussion and guitar? You get a unique blend of electronic world reggae. This mix of music comes from a local band called Magmablood.

“We got the name because magma is the blood of the earth,” said bandleader Nikolai Borziak. “And we are the blood of a higher divinity.”

The band consists of three members, two of which attend ETSU: Borziak, a senior history major with a minor in art, on bass, synthesizer and computer; James West, a freshman music major with a minor in bluegrass on the guitar; and Bernard Reno Howard on percussion, who is a senior in high school.

West and Howard have known each other since the third grade and have played music together for about as long as they knew how.

West began playing guitar when he was about 14, but Howard only began to play percussion two years ago. Howard said he started out on guitar and bass, but needed something more energetic.

“The only reason I am able to play is [because of] people like James who have been studying music their entire lives,” he said.

Borziak met the two of them at a show about a year ago, when Mamma Jamma – another band that Howard plays in – was performing. “When he [Borziak] saw us play, he liked our style, so he wanted to incorporate it in his own music,” said West.

Magmablood has plans to do some traveling over the summer and will be playing in New York and Vermont. They will also be playing locally today for Earth Day and also this Saturday, April 24 at 10 p.m. at The Next Door by the Acoustic Coffeehouse on W. Walnut.

Borziak says his favorite part about playing in a band is “playing at the same time as everybody else and feeling the groove. When people dance to the music, that’s the highest form of appreciation, I think.”

The band members encourage everyone to come out to dance and enjoy this unique blend of music.

“Here in Johnson City, for our style of music, we have this circle because we all have similar taste,” said Howard. “We try to combine different styles and work shows who have similar feelings toward them. Music is all about the vibe and how people feed off of it.”

The unique genre that Magmablood plays is worldwide, but is not really considered mainstream, but not underground either. Jam band music and hip hop have been influences, said Howard, naming bands such as Mo, Fish and Disco Biscuits. Howard said “hippie music” is the best way to describe it.

Howard is in a few different bands, including working a bit with local rapper Shaun White and the band Mamma Jamma, but he considers Magmablood the most intricate.

“A lot of what music is is studying pre-made drum trends. Mamma Jamma is the hardest group we have, but Magmablood is the most intricate, just because of how much passion is put into it.”

The members of Magmablood describe themselves as eccentric, unique individuals, and that is why they click so well.

“We’re having fun, that’s for sure,” said Borziak.

These unique and eccentric individuals come together to produce powerful music and this will increase their chances of going places.

“With our communication skills, and Borziak’s production skills, the music is really powerful. That’s why I think Magmablood will end up going somewhere in music.”

Magmablood encourages everyone to come out to the The Next Door at Acoustic Coffeehouse. There will be five bands, for $5 at the door. The show begins at 10 p.m.

For more information on the band, visit www.myspace.com/magmablood. To receive a free copy of their latest album, Space Magnetic, visit www.magmablood.bandcamp.com.

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