World On Fire - A Tribute To Stick Figure, is a professionally structured, production-forward music project built to deliver a premium live experience, night after night, while laying the foundation for something even bigger. This is not a jam band, not a hobby.
Founded in November 2025 by two Berklee College of Music alums, Jim Merrikin and Doug Roerden, World On Fire exists to faithfully recreate the live energy, sonic depth, and emotional lift of modern American reggae as popularized by Stick Figure, while operating with the discipline, systems, and long-term vision of a scalable entertainment company.
This is a serious opportunity for musicians and industry professionals who want to be part of a project with momentum, standards, and a future.
The Opportunity For Musicians
World On Fire is ideal for musicians who:
• Care deeply about their craft, sound, feel, and musical integrity
• Want consistent, professional, live performance opportunities
• Value preparation, reliability, and respect for the audience
• Are excited by the idea of being part of a project with a clear growth arc
Live performances are paid work, with transparent expectations, disciplined rehearsal schedules, and a clear path toward higher-profile shows as the project scales. We maintain bench depth, documented systems, and professional standards so no single person is overextended, and so excellence is repeatable.
Who We Are Actively Seeking
We are currently seeking conversations with high-caliber professionals for the following roles. While lead vocal DNA does not have to be 100% identical, World On Fire - A Tribute To Stick Figure is a sound-alike tribute band, not a look-alike one. Fans should expect to receive an experience which sounds as close to the original studio recordings as possible.
🎤 Lead Vocalist
A commanding voice with range, control, and emotional presence. The ability to honor the original material while owning the stage is essential.
🎛️ Front-of-House / Sound Engineer
A production-minded engineer who understands modern reggae sonics, dynamics, and the importance of repeatable results.
🚚 Road Crew (2 Positions)
Reliable, detail-oriented professionals who understand touring discipline, load-in/out efficiency, and protecting the show experience.
What We’re Building
Many tribute acts are informal by nature. World On Fire is not. We are building an authentic, two to two-and-a-half hour experience that will allow fans to enjoy the vibes at prices which are easy on the wallet. Many of the songs performed are collaborations between Stick Figure and other modern reggae artists such as Slightly Stoopid, Collie Budz, Barrington Levy, and TJ O'Neil.
This project has the following characteristics:
• Arrangements are analyzed and recreated with precision
• Tones, effects, and transitions are engineered for consistency
• Playback, monitoring, and production systems are built with redundancy
• Rehearsals focus on repeatability, not improvisation
• Modern technology is used to complement performances, not replace them
The result is a show that feels intentional, immersive, and emotionally resonant, whether it’s performed in a 1,500-capacity event, a festival setting, or a destination venue.
Why This Project Is Different
At its core, World On Fire is a premium tribute concert experience, designed to sound unmistakably authentic to Stick Figure fans who know every note, lyric, and texture of the recordings. But the execution is where this project separates itself, making it not just a cover band, but a true tribute act.
Every element of the show is treated as a product:
• Professionally capitalized (with production, gear, and content infrastructure in place)
• System-driven, not personality-driven
• Built to scale, without burning out its core members
• Designed to attract repeat buyers, agents, and festivals
World On Fire operates under a formal corporate structure, uses clear contractor agreements, and is intentionally designed to protect margins, people, and long-term sustainability. We are building a reputation, not just a setlist.
The Two-Brand / Two-Band Vision (Why This Matters)
World On Fire is the first chapter of a longer creative story. Over the next several years, this project will intentionally open the door to an original modern reggae act featuring music inspired by Stick Figure and other notable artists in the genre.
The plan is deliberate:
• World On Fire establishes touring credibility, audience trust, and operational stability
• World On Fire builds strong relationships with industry professionals to leverage later plans for original music
• As momentum builds, band members work on original material to be performed under a new brand and band name. Songs from the two bands are never intermingled
• Eventually, both bands perform separately in the same universe, under the same professional umbrella, using the same talent, capital equipment, and infrastructure
For musicians and industry professionals, this means:
• You’re not just joining a tribute band
• You’re entering an ecosystem designed to support original music at scale
• You’re early in something that is meant to last
Timeline & Trajectory
2026 – Intentional soft launch, limited regional shows, content capture, proof-building
2027 – Expanded regional and national touring, higher guarantees, agency relationships
2028 and beyond – Dual-brand performances, festival expansion, original music rollout
Growth is methodical by design. Quality and sustainability always come before volume.
How to Get in Touch
If this resonates with you and you believe in yourself and your skills, professionalism, and mindset align, we’d love to hear from you.
📩 Email: jim@worldonfiretribute.com
Please include:
• A brief introduction and why you think you are a good fit for this project
• Relevant experience
• Performance or work samples (links preferred)
This project has excellent funding and is being built with intention. If you’re looking for something meaningful, professional, and forward-looking, we should talk.
World On Fire - A Tribute To Stick Figure is operated under Coastal Roots Entertainment, Incorporated.