By the Rivers Fan Hub – Music, Members and Memories
By the Rivers is music you should listen to if you like soulful British music but with a twist. The Leicester-based seven-piece band became an instant favorite in the UK music scene. They mix reggae, ska, soul, pop, and plenty of world beats into their music. Their tracks usually have a message and emit a happy vibe that lingers. You can see them at festivals or small shows throughout the country. Even though their official website is no longer in operation, their fans ensured their place in history with a website that shares their past, music, and roster.
From Leicester to the Stage
It started when Nile Barrow and Jordan Birtles were a couple of school mates messing around with music in 2010. They weren't trying to reinvent the wheel — they were just experimenting with creating songs that would make people move and maybe think a bit, as well. Reggae was the foundation they worked from, though they were never boxed in. You could pick up on elements of two-tone, funk, dub, and even a spot of indie in their songs.
Their lyrics addressed lofty concepts like unity, care for the world, and becoming a better person. That real, genre-defying sound caught on with fans and enabled them to build a solid fan base. They stayed independent, releasing their own records and going around the festival circuit — where their high-energy live performances really started making waves.
Band Members
By the Rivers saw a few changes over the years, but the core creative crew held it all together. The band included Nile Barrow on vocals and keys, Jordan Birtles handling vocals and percussion, Sam Read on guitar, Will Todd on bass, Matt Freer on drums, Ollie Clarke on trumpet, and Chris Hargreaves on trombone. The rhythm section locked in tight with the brass, and the lead vocals had an easy, natural flow. It wasn’t just technically tight — it felt alive.
Influences and Musical Style
By the Rivers blend a wide range of sounds, drawing on both their British roots and global influences. Reggae sits at the core — you can hear it in the rhythm and the message — but they never limited themselves to just one style. They mix in two-tone ska, soul, funk, indie, and world music, creating a sound that feels fresh but still rings familiar.
Their lyrics dig into social and environmental themes, but they always keep things hopeful, which gives their music a different tone compared to heavier protest bands. With tight drum grooves and a lively brass section, there’s a strong '60s and '70s reggae-ska vibe running through their tracks. At the same time, there’s a youthful energy that brings it into the now — a mix that works for both longtime reggae fans and people just discovering the genre.
By the Rivers Discography
By the Rivers released their music independently, and it’s earned them a steady following for their consistent, well-crafted sound. Most of their tracks are available on major streaming platforms, but you’ll also find early gems floating around online, often shared by fans who’ve stuck with them from the beginning.
Albums and EPs
Their self-titled debut album dropped in 2013, carving out a space for By the Rivers in the UK reggae scene. Tracks like Vulture, Take Control, and Don't Say You Love Me stood out for their mix of infectious rhythms and thoughtful lyrics. The album was well-received by critics and helped land the band a regular spot on the UK festival circuit.
Two years later, they followed up with the What You See EP, which marked a clear step forward. The songwriting felt more refined, the production had more weight behind it, and the title track brought a smooth, groove-heavy sound that showed how much they’d grown musically.
Singles and Notable Tracks
Tracks like You Got It Wrong, One Word, and Burning Bridges show how well By the Rivers balance thoughtful lyrics with rhythms that make you move. They weave together reggae, soul, and pop in a way that feels genuine, never losing their own voice. The result is music that’s upbeat and catchy, but still carries real meaning underneath the surface.
Live Performances
By the Rivers were known for putting on a great live show. They made regular appearances at big UK festivals like Glastonbury, Boomtown Fair, Bestival, and Shambala — and even when they weren’t given prime-time slots, they still managed to draw solid crowds. Their live sets also took them on the road with major acts like The Specials, The Selecter, and Gentleman’s Dub Club, which helped raise their profile across the country.
Their gigs were anything but routine. Sets often stretched out into extended jams, brass solos, and moments of real connection with the crowd — always keeping things fresh and energetic. While their schedule eventually slowed down, they still turned up now and then for special shows or reunions, and their fans kept showing up.
Community Involvement
By the Rivers wouldn’t have gotten as far as they did without the support of their fans. In that same spirit, this site invites contributions from the community — gig photos, show memories, rare recordings — anything that helps keep the story alive. It’s not just about archiving the past, but about keeping the band’s energy going through shared experiences. If you were there, have an old demo, or just a story from the road, it’s more than welcome. Every piece helps build a fuller picture of what By the Rivers really meant — not just as a band, but as a shared moment in time.
The Lasting Impact of By the Rivers
By the Rivers still hold a place in the British music scene today, known for blending reggae vibes, soulful melodies, and energetic live shows that left a lasting impression. Although their official pages have gone quiet, this fan-run site keeps their story alive — preserving not just the music, but the spirit they built along the way.