Post by kaya on May 16, 2008 13:12:55 GMT -5
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Marley Breaks Away From Family Band
By Adrian Gomez
Of the Journal
For Stephen Marley, all the world has definitely been a stage since he was born. Coming from a lineage so recognized in music, he's always had a lot to live up to.
“It's been amazing to be around my family,” he says during a recent interview. “We all have our talents, and I'm fortunate enough to be making music on my own.”
Marley is one of the sons of reggae legend Bob Marley, and he performed with his brothers and sisters in the Melody Makers for some time. But something still wasn't sitting well with Stephen.
“I always wanted to make a solo record and get my voice and stance out,” he says. “In order for me to do that I had to leave the band and be put in the driver's seat.”
Marley released his long-awaited album in 2007 and has been touring in support of it since.
“Playing live has a life of its own,” he explains. “When you arrive for a show, there is the business side to it, but it doesn't affect me. When I'm there, I'm ready to let the audience know my message. It's also very humbling because the fans have been amazing.”
Marley says it was his father who inspired how each member of the family works. He said there is a very good work ethic in the family.
“Our father is our mentor,” he says. “He wanted us to all remain on good terms and not to be squabbling all the time. So we all support each other in our musical ventures.”
Marley's debut, “Mind Control,” has a few tracks that were inspired by him being jailed in Florida on marijuana possession charges.
“When I was in there, the first thing I thought was 'I'm not supposed to be in here,' ” he says. “The lyrics came to me immediately for 'Iron Bars' and the rest is done.”
Though “Mind Control” is a solo album, Marley does get help from friends like Ben Harper and Mos Def. His brother Damien even shows up on a song.
“We're always here to help each other out,” he explains. “Ben and Mos are friends, and of course all of my family is ready to help me out with music.”
Marley says through making music he's able to write about social issues.
“This has been a great outlet for my entire family,” he says. “We all have a voice, and I'm just doing my part in letting the world know.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stephen Marley
WHEN: 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 20
WHERE: Sunshine Theater, 120 Central SW
HOW MUCH: $20 at Sunshinetheaterlive.com
Source: www.abqjournal.com/venue/15172211vmarley05-15-08.htm
Marley Breaks Away From Family Band
By Adrian Gomez
Of the Journal
For Stephen Marley, all the world has definitely been a stage since he was born. Coming from a lineage so recognized in music, he's always had a lot to live up to.
“It's been amazing to be around my family,” he says during a recent interview. “We all have our talents, and I'm fortunate enough to be making music on my own.”
Marley is one of the sons of reggae legend Bob Marley, and he performed with his brothers and sisters in the Melody Makers for some time. But something still wasn't sitting well with Stephen.
“I always wanted to make a solo record and get my voice and stance out,” he says. “In order for me to do that I had to leave the band and be put in the driver's seat.”
Marley released his long-awaited album in 2007 and has been touring in support of it since.
“Playing live has a life of its own,” he explains. “When you arrive for a show, there is the business side to it, but it doesn't affect me. When I'm there, I'm ready to let the audience know my message. It's also very humbling because the fans have been amazing.”
Marley says it was his father who inspired how each member of the family works. He said there is a very good work ethic in the family.
“Our father is our mentor,” he says. “He wanted us to all remain on good terms and not to be squabbling all the time. So we all support each other in our musical ventures.”
Marley's debut, “Mind Control,” has a few tracks that were inspired by him being jailed in Florida on marijuana possession charges.
“When I was in there, the first thing I thought was 'I'm not supposed to be in here,' ” he says. “The lyrics came to me immediately for 'Iron Bars' and the rest is done.”
Though “Mind Control” is a solo album, Marley does get help from friends like Ben Harper and Mos Def. His brother Damien even shows up on a song.
“We're always here to help each other out,” he explains. “Ben and Mos are friends, and of course all of my family is ready to help me out with music.”
Marley says through making music he's able to write about social issues.
“This has been a great outlet for my entire family,” he says. “We all have a voice, and I'm just doing my part in letting the world know.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stephen Marley
WHEN: 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 20
WHERE: Sunshine Theater, 120 Central SW
HOW MUCH: $20 at Sunshinetheaterlive.com
Source: www.abqjournal.com/venue/15172211vmarley05-15-08.htm