JAmusic: Music lovers
globally will always be looking for that new, impeccable sound that can be
looked upon as leaders of the new wave of vocalists. How would you define a
musical genius that can eventually become a vocal leader?
RL: A person who express truth and courage inna
time of need. Who take action by utilizing connection to make good music.
JAmusic: Some of the most
genius artistes have thrived when taking chances and innovating. How
important/present is that on the Reggae soundscape today; from what you've seen
and that might have help in composing your singles?RL: Too
many bands today all sound the same to me. Most of dem claim to be reggae but
when you you attend at dem shows, none of dem play no one reggae tune. Seen
JAmusic: How do you think a
single such as Rasta Son will impact your growing fan base as well as
attract new listeners?
RL: When babylon
constantly get away with wicked intention and it still continue til this day is
what inspired "Rasta Son". I
wrote this song about all the gun violence going on in Chicago this summer and
dropped my single few months before the Michael Brown shooting. Rasta only
speak truth for Jah people not no fan base and I feel it is enough to keep real
listeners because most of dem are already burned out of di same ole music on
the radio.
JAmusic: You have an album
in the works, could you talk a bit on that?
RL: I have a seven
piece band from Arizona. We just finished recording an EP and hopefully working
forward to a full LP album "Roots Of Art" releasing inna few months.
JAmusic: What's the biggest
risk you've taken artistically; one that went over surprisingly well and one
that might've gone over people's heads?
RL: Five years ago, I was offered a major label
producer contract. Turned it down and
took the independent route instead. I’m
very fortunate to take the longer road.
JAmusic: Who's the artiste
that keeps you on your toes? Pushes you to go harder?
RL: These are my musical influences Rockers (1978 film), Jacob Miller, Half Pint,
Ini Kamoze, Horace Andy, Augustus Pablo, Dennis Brown, Jimmy Cliff, Meta &
The Cornerstone, Antony B, Yellowman, Junior Reid, Sizzla, Alberosie, Niyorah,
Delly Ranks, Marlon Asher, Johnny Osbourne, J Boog, Jah Mason, African Brothers, The Gladiators,
Midnite, Wailing Souls, John Holt, Elijah Prophet, Richie Spice, Don Carlos,
Barrington Levy, Gregory Isaacs, Dennis Brown, Bob Marley and many more. The feedback I
receive from the crowd and some individuals who pull me aside after shows are
the people who push me to go harder.
JAmusic: When you got into
the music business where did you think you'd be today or where did you see
yourself fitting in at the moment?
RL: After meeting and opening for many great
artists the last two years, I still feel like I don't fit in anywhere except
for the pacific island reggae scene in Arizona.
Locals have nothing but love over there
when it comes to roots island reggae.
I just feel my music is very rare and maybe it's the reason why
promoters love booking us.
JAmusic: What's the purpose
on your musical journey? What's the message you're trying to give?
RL: The best feeling is when realize your purpose
in this life. I believe I'm blessed with a gift for a reason and have to use my
talent wisely to let Jah speak through my music.
JAmusic: What's one song
that you hold close to you because of a particular line or better yet what's
the most philosophical quote you've heard in a song that you hold close to your
heart?
RL: "For we have
been a victim of, Mind control and pharmaceutical drugs," No Guts No Glory
- Niyorah
JAmusic: We live in an era
where the average person's attention span is limited to what they want to see
or hear. What are you doing differently that will hold their attention?
RL: I normally like to do my thing and take my own
path. I don't spend too much time with the scene and I only perform once or
twice a month. I've noticed more people are attending to my shows because they
don't see me that often. I plan on eventually performing everyday when I hit
the road hopefully after I release "Roots Of Art".
JAmusic: With success comes
a lot of negative feedback, how do you react or deal with negativity?
RL: It's a balance of life like the ying-yang.
Sun-moon, up -down, left-right. It can not exist without each other. I only
project positivity for those who carry negativity.
JAmusic: What kind of
future plans have you set for yourself as an artiste (to accomplish and maintain)?
RL: I think it is time for me to hit the road, we
are planning a US Midwest and west coast tour this fall. I've been already
asked twice to perform in France this year and I look forward on traveling/performing
internationally.
JAmusic: What insight can
you give on the power of music and its ability to communicate certain messages
verbally and non-verbally? And what do you think your music represent?
RL: Music is very
powerfully. It has the ability to uplift many spirit with low energy and increase
high frequency which can be measured in hertz.
Sound creates vibration and vibration can activate your kundalini seven
chakras. I feel my music represent truth, courage and soul. At the same time, I
just have to listen to mi heart and let Jah work speak through eye.