Dancehall star Kranium released In Too Deep today on Atlantic Records. The seven-track project is a perfect mix of high-end R&B production and authentic Jamaican sounds.

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Music Features

On This Day: Bob Marley and The Wailers Made the Greatest Reggae Album of All Time

The groups international debut, “Catch a Fire,” was released on this day in 1973.

On this day in 1973, Bob Marley and the Wailers released Catch a Fire, their Island Records debut that put Reggae music on the map and established Bob Marley as a revolutionary leader and budding pop star.

The album became a staple of the Reggae genre and is widely regarded as one of the greatest musical projects of all time. Bob Marley and The Wailers possessed uncanny ability when it came to fusing anarchist protest music with mainstream pop sensibilities. "No chains around my feet but I am not free," Marley calls out passionately on "Concrete Jungle," over dark layers of synths. "I know I am bound here in captivity!"

Songs like "Slave Driver" and "Stop That Train" are so melodically dulcet that western audiences didn't initially pick up on the group's chilling political anecdotes. "Every time I hear the crack of a whip, my blood runs cold," Bob Marley coos out on the former. "I remember on the slave ship how they brutalized our very souls." This was the group's secret weapon. They were such a talented group of musicians that their messages could be spoon-fed to western audiences simply by embedding it within the uplifting sound of roots reggae. They had found a way to unify the messages of the internationally oppressed with normally docile westerners. It was a talent that would prove to be insanely marketable.

As Bob Marley's movement surged in Jamaica, Island Records founder Chris Blackwell, the white son of a Jamaican sugar heiress, connected with the singer's politically charged music. He had previous experience in importing reggae singles to the U.K. and had curated chart-topping songs from acts like Cat Stevens and Traffic. The unity between Blackwell and The Wailers seemed like a match made in heaven, but the record head had a very specific idea for what the band should sound like. Founding Wailer's members Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer didn't find Blackwell's expectations to be in line with those of the group. But Blackwell had paid in advance for recording sessions in Jamaica, so they entered the studio begrudgingly.

When the group emerged with nine finished songs, Blackwell enlisted a pair of white musicians to aid in post-production and remixed the entire album to appease white audiences. The Wailers found this reprehensible; Marley was more lenient with the idea. "I felt the way to break the Wailers was as a black rock act," Blackwell told Rolling Stone. "I wanted some rock elements."

The changes initially worked, as Catch a Fire was a breakout success, but the original Wailers wouldn't last. They were "derailed within a year over questions about their career trajectory" and authenticity as a result of Blackwell's "modern overdubs" and edits. Island Records also focused more on making Bob Marley "a stand alone figure," which did not sit well with his band. Regardless, Blackwell's edits couldn't strip Bob Marley of his messages, and as long as that was intact, Marley felt that everything else was malleable.

Revisit this iconic album below:

Catch A Fire

Music Lists

The Best Bob Marley Songs in Honor of his 75th Birthday

The Reggae icon, who would have been 75 today, made some of the greatest protest music ever made.

No Woman, No Cry (Live At The Lyceum, London/1975)

While it's nearly impossible to put a cap on the number of hits reggae legend Bob Marley attained in his career, there are a few songs that universally take the cake–and no, "Three Little Birds" is not one of them.

The Reggae icon, who would have been 75 today, made some of the greatest protest music ever made, and he inspired international social justice as a result. "His artistic fearlessness and social commitment remain an inspiration to activists, musical and otherwise. His songs of freedom have become universal hymns," wrote Rolling Stone. In honor of his birthday, here are some of Bob Marley's biggest hits.

No Woman, No Cry (Live)

While there are plenty of live recordings of Bob Marley's moving anthem, the Lyceum Theatre performance in London in 1975 was an iconic moment in the career of Bob Marley. The original Natty Dread version was much more upbeat, but on Live! Bob Marley slows the song down to give it a blues edge. That's not to mention the addition of organs, gorgeous harmonies from the I-Threes, and that goosebump-inducing audience chant. It elevated the song to new heights, and even now it's the preferred version to the original. The song itself is about England's colonization of Jamaica, giving the moment that extra umph when you realize he's in London.


MUSIC

HIRIE Talks Addiction, Bipolar Disorder, and Spirituality on her Album "Dreamer"

Tropical-pop singer-songwriter releases third album ahead of headlining her U.S. fall tour.

Tropical pop singer HIRIE's third album, Dreamer, is a sonic journey base-lined by islad beats that celebrate the bold, joyful, and even messy impulses that drive the female experience.

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MUSIC

INTERVIEW | My Silent Bravery Spins Out Positive Vibes On 'Willing To Try'

Music that inspires, helps and motivates others to overcome challenges

My Silent Bravery is the musical project of singer-songwriter Matthew Wade, who recently finished a new album, called Willing To Try, co-written with Jim McGorman. The album will be released as three EPs over the next year. Willing To Try – Chapter 1 just dropped and is out now and includes three Billboard hit singles.

The positive vibes emanating from My Silent Bravery's music reflect his passion for "paying it forward," giving back to the world through music.

Popdust caught up with My Silent Bravery, asking him about his musical influences, his social awareness, and his new music.

How would you describe yourself?

Fun, passionate, and driven.

What's your backstory?

It's a long story! The short version is that I started making music when I was 18. I wrote my first song for a high school project of all things! I was traveling in Australia a few years later and working out in the gym and ended up herniating a couple of discs in my neck. The injury led me to do a lot of soul searching for pain relief which led to me to spirituality, more specifically Kabbalah. As a result of my studies in Kabbalah and working on myself, I realized I wanted to give back to the world at large and music was the vehicle I wanted to use to help spread a positive message. I think everything happens for a reason. My injury was the biggest challenge of my life so far, but from the biggest challenges also come the biggest blessings. The injury helped me recognize it's important to pay it forward and help others. I want to create music that inspires, helps, and motivates others to overcome their challenges

What is the most trouble you've ever gotten into?

Good question. I have never been asked this one before! When I was a teenager, I believe I was 13, I pierced my ear without my parent's permission and against their will. Big mistake lol. I got punished big time. 3 months grounding, 2 months no allowance, 1 month no TV.No Bueno lol.

What's your favorite song to belt out in the car or the shower?

It changes constantly pending what I am listening to. But right now, I have been belting out songs from the latest Red Hot Chili Peppers record, "The Getaway." I am loving this record and it actually works out well for me vocally as Anthony Kedis has a very similar range and I love the inflections in his voice. He is one of my favorite singers.

What musicians influenced you the most?

I would say my biggest musical influence is Bob Marley. I love how he promoted a message of peace and unity with his music. It's something that I try to adhere to with my music. Also, there is a philosophical, spiritual vibe to a lot of his music and lyrics. I have some of that in my music, but built with my own way and beliefs. In addition, I am a big fan of Dave Matthews Band, Pearl Jam, John Mayer, Ed Sheeran, The Police, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, 311, and countless others.

How, if at all, do your musical influences shape and impact your music?

Growing up I was always a huge fan of music, from Bob Marley (positive vibrations) to Dave Matthews Band (acoustic guitar driven) to Pearl Jam (Alternative Rock), my tastes were diverse and I appreciated a well-written song that inspired and could make you move or feel something emotionally.

How would you describe your style of music?

Inspirational Acoustic Alternative pop rock music!

Where do you find inspiration for your songs?

Most of my inspiration comes from life experience. I feel I really have to be connected to a song emotionally in order to go out, perform and promote it for an extended period of time. Every song has its own story and inspiration. I find I need the songs to resonate internally if I want others to be moved by them.For me, each song is a story, and I try to tell the story to the best of my ability. I then hope listeners connect with the stories, get drawn into them and relate emotionally and how it applies in their own lives.


What is your songwriting process? Do the lyrics come first, or the music?

I write the majority of my songs on the guitar. I usually come up with a chord progression that feels good and that is somehow inspiring to me. Then, I'll come up with a melody for the lyrics over that. Usually, the lyrics are the last thing to come and it's a lot of refining from there. It's like putting puzzle pieces together, but it's an unbelievable feeling when the puzzle is completed.

You obviously have a social conscience. Why is it important for artists to make their voices heard in socio-cultural issues?

I think it's important for artists to make their voices heard because a lot of people look up to artists and are inspired by their work. I remember when I was a kid. If an artist I liked started bringing an issue to the forefront, I was much more likely to pay attention. I remember when Pearl Jam was fighting ticket master or the Beastie Boys organized the Tibetan Freedom Concert.My last single "Girl You Think You Know" tackled some of the pressures people encounter with social media and how they feel the need to post things in order to get the most amount of fanfare. In particular, how difficult it must be for the younger generation and women in particular to grow up in this day and age with the pressures that come with being on social media.

I really like your music video "18." How did it come about? There's a retro-1980s vibe to the music video. What inspired you to move in that musical direction?

Thanks so much! I wrote "18" with my good friend and producer Jim McGorman (Gwen Stefani, Avril Lavigne, Goo Goo Dolls) a couple years back. Ironically, it was the first song we ever wrote together and it's my favorite on my new record, Willing to Try. We wanted to write something anthemic and about that feeling of what it was like to be young and free. It took on a nostalgic feel as well with some of the pop culture referenced in the song which led to the idea of the music video.Making the music video was sort of a long and arduous process to bring the vision to life until my mgmt. and I connected with the guys at Ocelot.My manager, Evan Stein, and I were very involved with the vision of the video and gave some flexibility to the guys at Ocelot to bring it to life. It was inspired by the neo-eighties aesthetics of shows like The Americans and Stranger Things. To me it's like a high school rom-com or short John Hughes movie.


You just dropped a new EP, called Willing To Try. What makes this EP different from your previous releases?

Yes! The new album is called Willing to Try, which I co-wrote with Jim McGorman as mentioned. The album features twelve tracks and it will be released in 3 separate EPs over the next year or so. The first one just dropped and features three Billboard hit singles! Sonically, the new songs blend modern synths and keyboards along with acoustic guitars and atmospheric electrics.I think what makes it the most different is that I co-wrote this whole new body of work with Jim. My first several albums I wrote the majority of the material on my own because I felt like in some way I need to have complete ownership of the material. The last couple of years I have been co-writing nearly all my material and it has opened me and my music up to so many different possibilities and ideas and I feel the music has benefitted significantly. I think my brand and message has stayed consistent over the years.I am still all about "paying it forward" and feel like my mission in life is to help inspire others to do the same by delivering a positive message to the masses through the music of My Silent Bravery.

Will you be touring soon?

Yes! I have tour dates this weekend supporting Trapt. I also have a summer tour booked which I will be announcing very soon!Be on the lookout on my website and socials.

Follow My Silent Bravery on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

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Duncan Morley - Find You Now Ft. Rick Ross

"Find You Now" is the title of Duncan Morley's latest music video, featuring Rick Ross. The Boss hooked up with Morley after hearing the song one time. The combination of Morley's cool, velvety tones with the palpable texture of Ross' unique voice lends harmonic balance and depth to the tune.

Morley, who is in the studio now, laying down tracks for his album, plans to release a few more singles over the course of the summer months. At the same time, he will be touring with Wyclef Jean, which means he'll be as busy as a shark at a feeding frenzy.

Popdust decided to talk with Morley before his life maxed-out on the hectic-o-meter, asking him about what it was like making a video with The Boss, his influences, and what's in store for the future.



What's your backstory?

I'm just somebody who had a dream and wouldn't take no for an answer.

What is the most trouble you've ever gotten into?

I stole a car and got in a high-speed chase one night. I won the race but lost the battle, lol. I got caught an hour later. The irony was that it was my 16th birthday and I could have got my license that day.

What are the five things you can't live without?

Bob Marley, burritos, meditation, travel, (family/friends/animals) .

What's your favorite song to belt out in the car or the shower?

"Man in the Mirror" - Michael Jackson

What musicians/vocalists influenced you the most?

Bob Marley, John Lennon, Michael Jackson, maybe throw some old school Boyz II Men in there.

Where do you find inspiration for your songs?

For me, inspiration comes from the experiences in my life, the highs and lows. Those are the moments I try to capture in my music. Or sometimes it comes from the message behind the songs that inspires me.


How did you hook up with Rick Ross?

My record label, Blue Sapphire Music, and my manager, Lucci, helped set up the collaboration. Lucci, who is also one of Wyclef Jean's managers, presented the record to Rick Ross and the next thing you know I'm on a flight down to his home studio in Atlanta, where he featured on the song. This was also a courtesy of Epic Records. 'Im very grateful for Rick blessing the track and giving me this opportunity, as well as my team for putting this all together I wouldn't be here without them.

What was it like working with Rick Ross on the music video for "Find You Now?"

It was crazy! Rick is a PRO. It was surreal being side-by-side with the BOSS himself. It was the moment when I finally realized all my hard work was paying off, I'd never been on a real set, it was like a movie. The director, Spiff TV, is a legend too. The whole team is the real deal. I remember seeing the 18-wheeler pull up to drop off the equipment and I couldn't even count how many crew members there were. It was probably one of the highlights of my life to date. Especially considering I directed, produced, edited, and carried my own equipment for my last music video shoot on a $800 budget.

What is your songwriting process? Does the music come first and then the lyrics?

It varies. Sometimes I will just come up with a melody when I'm walking down the street, or other times I'll think of some lyrics or a song idea first. But most of the time my team and I come up with the track first, then I'll write lyrics and melodies to that.

Will you be touring in the near future? If so, where?

For sure! I'm excited to announce the tour dates soon, it's starting this summer. First date is with Wyclef Jean at Beach Club in the Montreal area.

It's presumptuous to ask at this point, but when might listeners expect new music? Are you back in the studio now?

I'm always in the studio trying to cook up the next record. But yeah, I am working on my album now and will be dropping a few more singles this summer too!

Follow Duncan Morley on his Website, Facebook, Twitter, and Blue Sapphire Music.

Randy Radic is a Left Coast author and writer. Author of numerous true crime books written under the pen-name of John Lee Brook. Former music contributor at Huff Post.