Tarrus Riley Interview
Tarrus Riley Interview
Not even ten chariots with horses can stop this new Reggae voice on the scene… no, its not a novelty act, but one that is destined for legendary status. A ‘natural’ man of superb talent has risen like a Phoenix…some would say, its Jah will.
Voted artist of the year by nearly every Reggae publication, singer-songwriter Tarrus took 2007 by storm with his chart-topping Reggae album Parables, which encompasses a wide variety of subjects ranging from love and relationships, social-commentary as well as spiritual, feel good songs.
The title track, Parables, written by Tarrus on Max Romeo’s Three Blind Mice rhythm, cautions us to ‘read between the lines’. Tarrus’s first cover song of John Legend’s, “Stay With You”, will prove to be one of the perpetual classics from Tarrus Riley. “She’s Royal” is the kind of song that creeps up on you, with an excellent arrangement. The anthemic “Lion Paw” offers a stamp of approval, with rhythm. “Beware” hits us with reality illustrating troubles and violence in the streets. And then Della Manley helps to bring us home to “Family”, a real groove-finder capped off by a melodious chorus. Sold! Tarrus Riley, young, gifted and bold!
“She’s Royal” has been a smash-hit for you, when did you realise exactly how big it was?
Boy, everyday I learn how big that song is. It’s just a simple, little song I wrote to make the women feel nice about themselves and people love it all over. ‘Cause I work hard, y’know? I struggled in the music, so when I sing songs and people like them, it makes me feel nice.
Your father was a popular singer in the 80s and worked with many icons, how important has he been in your career?
The importance of my father in my career is I had early experience in the studio and it gave me confidence. Him being my father, like if he was a mechanic I would be growing around the garage, but him being a musician I grew around the music
You record and tour with Reggae legend Dean Frasier who also worked with Bob Marley, what influence has he had?
Dean is like a big brother to me, so that is great you know? And he is also part of the management so its good vibes, like family. And being that he worked with Bob he has great experience.
People are usually surprised when I inform them “Stay With You” was originally a John Legend track, is that why you chose it?
Not really you know, it was mainly the melody and the lyrics
Has John heard it and what did he think?
Yeah, he’s heard it and I’ve met members of his band and they all said they love it
We’ve seen Junior Reid and Sizzla amongst others working with US artists, do you have any plans on working with any in the near future?
Well that is the mission that is what I want to do, I want to unite with as many musicians as possible. Right now one of my favourite singers is Amy Winehouse from England. I really like her music. I will work with anyone that’s music is nice and I love melodies and lyrics.
Where is the most unusual place you’ve performed and got a positive reaction?
Barcelona. The people don’t speak English but they still love what I was dealing with. It was funny because I didn’t really know what to expect from them. It was a nice, little intimate show.
What track would you say you’re most proud of from the album Parables?
It depends on my mood, every song has a different mood for a different time. At different times you like different songs. “Pick Up The Pieces” is a special song. It’s mainly the message because we get a lot of heartbreak but we still have to pick up the pieces and keep moving on. ’Cause how you know a real person is by the things they go through, that they can manage them and how they come out of it. We just have to pick up the pieces and go forward.
What are your goals for 2008?
Just to make good music and make people feel nice with music. Also to big up my country Jamaica and make the whole world know that reggae is still alive and kicking, my type of way. You have a lot of different genres indigenous to Jamaica like Rocksteady, Ska, Mento, Dancehall and Reggae. I play Reggae but I also play other genres but I am an original youth that’s making original music. I’m just in love with Reggae and that’s what I want to big up
If there was one celebrity you’d dedicate "She’s Royal" to, who would it be?
It wouldn’t be a celebrity, man. It would be my Mother! She’s not a celebrity to the world but to me, she’s a celebrity
Finally, if you were working in a record shop, how would you sell your album?
I would just tell you that I put a lot of hard work into what I’m doing and I really know you will love it because I love it and if I don’t love it, you wouldn’t love it. I put a lot of hard work into it and its quality stuff. And I’ll probably start singing it [laughs]. Everything has inspired this album. The breeze, the bee’s, the birds, the musicians, music itself.
Lastly I will like to big up Europe, big up my fans and big up all my Jamaicans. Give thanks, Tarrus Riley.
Tarrus Riley’s album Parable is in store now and will be touring the UK with Jah Cure in March.
Words by Marvin Spencer [2nd+2=0]
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