Killer Groove Records proudly presents the explosive new 7" from The Appetizers, Milan's rock steady and early reggae ambassadors, blending authentic Jamaican roots with attitude and a modern spirit.

"Make It Reggay" and the outstanding cover of "A Message From The Meters" mark the band's explosive return and serve as the first two singles from their upcoming second studio album, Keep Your Step, set for release in Spring 2026 on limited-edition LP, CD, and digital formats. Alongside the digital release, both tracks will also appear on a limited 7" vinyl (300 copies worldwide), out February 6, 2026.

On the A-side, "Make It Reggay" began as a rough sketch from the band's early days, an idea they kept revisiting, refining, and reshaping until it finally clicked. From the very first bars, a strong funk imprint comes through, rooted in African-American culture and the rhythmic language of '60s Black music. A tight, driving groove leads the way, locking in with sharp songwriting, fat rounded basslines, punchy guitar stabs, and instrumental interplay that feels completely organic.

The title, a nod to the godfather of soul James Brown, speaks to the deep DNA shared by funk and Jamaican music, two styles that have always fed into each other at reggae's core. The choice to use the original spelling "Reggay," as coined by Toots & The Maytals in the late '60s, is a deliberate homage to the genre's pioneering era and its raw expressive purity.

On the flip side, The Appetizers' cover of the historic "A Message From The Meters" brings their reggae sensibilities to the forefront, weaving Jamaica's offbeat swing with the disciplined rhythmic architecture of classic funk. This fusion highlights how naturally the two genres converse: the reggae one-drop meeting the funk backbeat, dub-infused ambience wrapping around sharply defined guitar chops, and basslines that glide between Caribbean pulse and Crescent City strut. The result is a fresh reinterpretation that feels both reverent and boldly personal.

Their version filters the instrumental brilliance of The Meters through their own sonic lens: warm, deep, and steeped in rock steady textures. It becomes a meeting point between two profoundly rhythmic worlds, a message carried through groove, spirit, and time.

The production stays true to The Appetizers' signature sound: organic tones, deep groove, and that live-room vibe you only get when real musicians are locked in together. Luca Monza and Claudio Mambrini, the band's creative engine, handled the artistic production with serious care and craft. Mastering came courtesy of the great JJ Golden (Black Pumas, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Jr. Thomas & The Volcanos, The Frightnrs) at Golden Mastering in Ventura, California. One of the most trusted ears in the game for this sound, ensuring every ounce of warmth and authenticity came through.

This 7" marks a new chapter, one where the band doubles down on honoring reggae tradition while never standing still. It's an invitation to let the groove take over, to feel the music body and soul, where roots meet modern sensibility and artistic hunger in the spirit of Jamaican culture.A must-have for reggae and rock steady fans across the globe.

The Appetizers are a rock steady and early reggae band born in Milan in 2020, brought together by musicians deeply embedded in the Italian and international reggae scene. Different paths, shared vision: recreating that vintage Caribbean and American sound with authenticity, respect, and a forward-thinking edge.

Drawing inspiration from Jamaica's golden era and channeling the soul of Delroy Wilson, Alton Ellis, the early Wailers, and The Upsetters, The Appetizers carry forward the essence of bass culture with a pure, fully organic approach.

Their debut album Listen Up! (2022), released via Belgian imprint Badasonic Records (home to The Slackers, The Aggrolites, David Hillyard & Victor Rice), featured ten original tracks and a dub cut by Victor Rice. Distributed across Europe, the UK, the US, and Japan, it quickly earned international recognition among reggae connoisseurs and selectors worldwide.

Following extensive touring, including shows with The Slackers, Black Uhuru, Skip Marley, and more, the band returned to the studio to record Keep Your Step, their second album produced by Killer Groove Records. Here the band expands its musical language, weaving together the spirit of historic Jamaican labels like Studio One and Treasure Isle with '60s funk, arriving at a warm, organic, and timeless sound: soul, Jamaican roots, and modern sensibility in perfect balance. Their lyrics explore heartbreak, social issues, and reflections on life and music, performed with dedication and respect for tradition while always pushing forward.

If you're into The Skatalites, The Ethiopians, and those classic Caribbean rhythms, this one's for you.