It All Starts In Here

Music that blend reggae roots, island vibes, and country storytelling

About George

George Ruiz is a dedicated songwriter, performer, and creative voice blending reggae, island, and country influences into fresh, emotionally rich music. As lead vocalist and chief writer for The Irie, he’s crafted memorable hooks and meaningful lyrics that connect with diverse audiences — including the Irie’s award-winning song Sunday Afternoon, which won Best Reggae at the 2025 Hollywood Independent Music Awards. Now embarking on his solo journey with the EP Escape Paradise, George works both independently and collaboratively — developing demos, co-writing with other artists, and partnering with producers — all fueled by his mission to craft songs that resonate deeply and tell real stories. He’s also an active member of Grammy U, committed to growing his network and artistic craft in the industry.

Professional Experience

Bands & Groups

The Irie, a reggae/alternative band hailing from Phoenix, Arizona, has been making waves since 2014 with their energetic blend of reggae, rock, and pop. For over a decade, they’ve captivated audiences nationwide with dynamic live performances and a fresh take on modern reggae-pop. Fronted by singer-songwriter George Ruiz, The Irie combines sun-soaked rhythms, heartfelt storytelling, and irresistible hooks that resonate across genres. Their latest single Sunday Afternoon earned the Hollywood Independent Music Award for Best Reggae Song in 2025, cementing their reputation as a rising force in the national music scene.

The Irie

2014- Present
www.theirieband.com

Solo performance

George Ruiz is stepping into his solo career with Escape Paradise, an upcoming island-country project that showcases his growth as a songwriter and performer beyond his work with The Irie. Blending tropical rhythms with country storytelling, George’s solo music highlights his versatility, strong melodic sense, and passion for crafting songs that connect with listeners across genres. He enjoys playing a wide range of styles including island-country, reggae-pop, and alternative punk, while also performing intimate acoustic shows that put his songwriting front and center. His debut EP is set to release in Fall 2025 and reflects a fresh, coastal sound that captures both his reggae roots and new artistic direction.

George Ruiz

2014- Present

highlights Through The Years

Career Highlights


EP Can’t Get Enough – The Irie
Debuted #1 on iTunes
Reggae Charts Debuted #12 on Billboard’s U.S. Current 
Reached #75 on Overall iTunes Charts

Album Planet Paradise – The Irie
Debuted #7 on Billboard’s U.S. Current Reggae Albums chart
Reached #3 on iTunes Reggae Charts
Peaked at #6 on Amazon Reggae Charts

Acoustic Release Mango Island – The Irie
Debuted #1 on Global Reggae Billboards

Carrer Awards


In 2025, The Irie won the Hollywood Independent Music Award for Best Reggae Song with their single Sunday Afternoon, earning national recognition for their songwriting and sound.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Next Tours

See where George is performing next—join the vibe in person at upcoming shows, festivals, and live appearances near you.

18 APR
Phoneix, AZ
Reggae Rise Up Arizona
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13 Jun
Redmond, OR
Reggae Rise Up Oregon
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