You know that garage jam, where you sang your heart out and had your dad, your brother and your pals chime in for good-kine fun that lasted till the wee hours?

Could be the spark of a career in music.

Well, that's sort of the origin of New Zealand's No. 1 reggae group, Katchafire, the first out-of-towners to headline both nights of KCCN FM100's Birthday Bash, tonight and Saturday at the Waikiki Shell.

The eight-member band, on the road in Ireland, Scotland and various ports in England before its arrival in the Islands earlier this week, is keen on sharing what it calls its Aotearoa (New Zealand) Reggae with the rest of the world.

With time-zone differences and a busy work sked, the best way to connect with Katchafire was via e-mail. So we shipped off questions to Logan Bell, Katchafire's lead and background singer (who also mans rhythm guitar and creates much of the group's original music).

Question: What is your earliest recollection of reggae, and how did it inspire you to stick with it and make it your career?

Answer: My intro to reggae was through my parents' garage parties. They would sing along all night, and so would I. It was a good feeling of whanau (extended family, in Maori) — sharing unity with music.

Q. What about reggae's legacy that inspires or amazes you? For instance, you've been influenced by acts like Bob Marley and Steel Pulse — even working as a Marley tribute band earlier in your career. Have you discovered elements of your personal life, through the music of those who made an impact on what you do?

A. Yeah! For real! It's like some of those old songs are like the soundtrack to my life. It's a lifestyle.

Q. The word is that the group was named after the Marley song; were there other alternate choices/considerations?

A. True (on the Marley link). There was Slow Burnin', which we named our second album, but can't remember the others.

Q. What do you plan to do at the FM100 Birthday Bash here that you might not be doing in other shows? Or are you going full-throttle and do it up big, no matter the city or the venue?

A. We have got a mean show this time 'round; we have revamped for this U.S. tour so the audience can expect a full-throttle skankamelian roots reggae. I can't wait!

Q. How often do you compose music — and do you have a routine? At home? On a plane? Alone, or with a collaborator? Write with the guitar, or record? Is it all an enjoyable process, or do you have moments of challenges and frustrations?

A. For the most part, we try to keep it enjoyable, but recording can be a challenging and time-consuming process. We like to get into an environment that allows us to feel comfortable. I write when I feel inspired, anytime, anywhere, usually with just a guitar.

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.