Alex Rebel Marley Music Pioneer
Alex “Rebel” Marley is a true Jamaican music pioneer who creates eclectic music that draws on the influences of Dancehall, Reggae, Hip Hop, Afro-beats, Rock, Jazz and more. There are many sides to his work - it’s almost like opening a book that'll never end, such is his dedication to exploring the musical art form and the culture that surrounds him. Yet alongside the diversity, there’s always a distinct signature Alex Marley sound based on mellow reggae or upbeat dancehall, fused with the acoustic and electronic – it’s unique and avant-garde.
Alex Marley playing guitar, which he studied at college Born in Jamaica in 1987 and raised in Kingston, Alex is a musical talent with deep connectivity to his own Jamaican history and that of the diaspora. His album Return of the Rebel is buzzing across the world right now and we’re loving his newest collaboration Foundation with Blaze Mob and Micah Sheminah.
Heavily influenced by his cousin Bob Marley and his sons, Alex’s music offers no apologies in its commitment to the teachings of Rastafari, upliftment and equal justice for all. But that’s not all you can expect from Alex, his tracks explore living life to the full, love and happiness. Alex is also a champion surfer, expert motorbike rider and highly skilled footballer.
Alex on stage He’s been creating music since a child, writing his first track Colour Prejudice at the age of 11. Since then he’s learnt to play a range of musical instruments, studied History, Literature and Media and attended the Edna Manley School for Performing Arts in Jamaica to study guitar and voice. He’s toured extensively across the US and the world, and has collaborated with many artists from across the genres and shared the stage with Tarrus Riley, Etana, Chronixx, Sizzla, Junior Reid, Bounty Killer, Rebelution and many more.
Alex’s tracks Love Song Pon My Guitar, Rebel Music, Faraway Girl and more are featured on Jamarado in So Hot Right Now, Now Beatz, Rebel Rockers and across the music zones. All available for download on iTunes. Follow him on Insta @alexmarleymusic
Alex, 2018 has been exciting years for you with the release of the album Return of the Rebel and touring the world. Tell us a bit about what’s been going on and what’s coming up? I’ve finally released Return of the Rebel, which drew from the EP Melodies of a Rebel released in early 2017. It’s no longer available as it was only the precursor to the album. The album has actually made its way to Grammy ballots which has definitely been exciting. I’ve just finished a tour in Egypt which sold out and was an incredible experience. The Egyptian people made me feel really welcome and I’m looking forward to returning.
How did you get into music? It was always around me growing up in Jamaica. I also went to performing arts school, Edna Manley Performing Arts School where I studied guitar and voice. It was a good experience. I'd say I'm half trained – half self-taught. I do believe also that you can’t teach creativity. Theory and knowledge and understanding are interesting but creativity is something else. I've been creating music since a child, since then I've learnt to play a range of musical instruments, studied History, Literature and Media. Music for me was a natural path, as I said if it's all around you and you love it - the way in simply unfolds. What’s unique about the way you create music? I like to create music from across the genres and also make my music collectors items. I often release music as limited edition – that means only so many people can have a copy so it’s unique and special. Music isn’t always about selling millions of copies. Rarity matters too. It’s the same with vinyl and a real Jamaican tradition to focus on the rare and limited edition. I like to continue that with the digital versions too. I’ve definitely been Influenced by the way vinyl works and I am going to be putting tracks out on vinyl soon.
You use the title Alex “Rebel” Marley? Tell us about the meaning behind this. I love the persona of a Rebel – someone who can think and act for themselves and challenge what is taken as given around them. Rebel, has of course many meanings too. Rebelling against injustice, repression - seeking another way of life and thinking for your self. Rebelling can even be about your diet - I'm a vegan as I support animal rights, environmentalism (check out the destruction of our planet from meat and dairy farming) and also for my health and spirituality. | You enjoy working with a band and live music? It’s all about the energy when musicians get together. Love Song Pon My Guitar and Rebel Music were recorded with a fully live band from 9 Miles where Bob Marley was born and lived as a young child. We even camped out together and lived like Bob to enter the spirit of the music. Bob Marley is my cousin and my main mentor in music - Spiritually and Mentally.
What are some of your musical highlights? I think it’s been helping people through music, like when I have worked with primary school children showing them how to play instruments and create music. Also when I had my first venture into Afro Beat. The track Fire Starter which was produced in Kenya. It was very much a song about homeless children - They walk the streets no shoes on their feet, Mr big business man - how do you feel?
Tours have also been big highlights. Festivals in the US. I did a 30 state tour in 30 day a few years back. I was in a different state in America every day. Was the hardest and most fun experience at the same time. From New York and Wyoming – I saw most of America. It was festivals and club gigs. At one festival in Austin, Texas it was a huge audience with mainly Rock bands - it was great to bring the reggae vibes to a new audience. On the Rock theme – Carlos Santana and Jimmi Hendrix are both great inspirations to me.
I also played 3 stadiums in Gambia. Headlining. I loved the way people reacted in Gambia. The vibe of people was different from anywhere else ever. I have also toured in Europe. Small club dates. Interesting Germany, Austria, Italy Czech Republic. Prague. Slovakia. And most recently Egypt which was amazing and before that Abu Dhabi where I did a concert on a US military base. It was a fantastic experience – there were Soldiers from all over the world and they really appreciated the music. I love that Reggae is so international. There is major support all over the world. It started as a small musical and cultural seed on a Caribbean island and is now an international movement.
How do you write music? Whenever I get inspiration from somewhere or from how I am feeling. I make that art work and make it work when I feel the emotion. I am always true to myself and that art work. There has to be an instantaneous flow for me. Sometimes, I record a track the same day and sometimes years later. It varies. Intuition. The timing has to be right to do the actual recordings.
Do you think about a concept for the whole album? I think an overriding concept can dull creativity. I prefer to go with flow right songs as they come. Record 10- 15 songs and then choose. See how people gravitate to the tracks. I have to mention the incredible animated video for Feel No Way on Youtube. What inspired that? Well, I really wanted to do something different and make an impact with the visuals. So I ventured into the cartoon world. Visuals are very important today.
What’s coming up? Concerts in Jamaica and around the globe. AND most of course new tracks and collaborations. 2019 is going to be a big year. What are your interests outside of music? Definitely sports, travel and natural living. Surf. Snow-boarding. Surfing is amazing as you interact with ocean and nature. I love skateboarding too - it’s street culture. Also, as I mentioned earlier, I used to be a music teacher in Jamaica teaching kids how to play music. It was the most rewarding experience and it renewed my love for music and why I decided to do music. In Gambia, I also worked with the Gambian government on creating and teaching music lessons and learning about African music. This is a different side to the music and I love it as much as the creating and performing.
What’s your biggest motto in life? Bob said One Love. I say to friends, fans and my family. One Love. Many Blessings. Where’s Reggae at now? Reggae is the most popular music in the world when it really comes down to the music that’s listened to and experienced by the people not necessarily purchased. And now there are huge Reggae festivals on every continent. In Columbia there are amazing all night clubs and in Costa Rica. America is playing Reggae more and more. It’s the music of the people for the people. Major record companies try to pretend it’s not the big thing. They try to marginalise it. Reggae doesn’t describe the music. It’s Powerful music. Cultural music that Empowers people. It’s a movement. It’s self-sustaining and about empowering Jamaica, the African movement and the conscious, free spirited souls around the world. Bob Marley talked about One Love and used Haile Selassie I’s words in his tracks. He understood Reggae’s power to bring people together in peace and understanding to build a better world for everyone. Finally, what’s on the agenda for Alex Rebel Marley in 2019? More music, more tours!
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Alex Rebel Marley
Music Pioneer
Alex “Rebel” Marley is a true Jamaican music pioneer who creates eclectic music that draws on the influences of Dancehall, Reggae, Hip Hop, Afro-beats, Rock, Jazz and more. There are many sides to his work - it’s almost like opening a book that'll never end, such is his dedication to exploring the musical art form and the culture that surrounds him. Yet alongside the diversity, there’s always a distinct signature Alex Marley sound based on mellow reggae or upbeat dancehall, fused with the acoustic and electronic – it’s unique and avant-garde.
Alex Marley playing guitar, which he studied at college
Born in Jamaica in
1987 and raised in Kingston, Alex is a musical talent with deep connectivity to
his own Jamaican history and that of the diaspora. His album Return of the Rebel is buzzing across
the world right now and we’re loving his newest collaboration Foundation with
Blaze Mob and Micah Sheminah.
Heavily influenced by his cousin Bob Marley and his sons, Alex’s music offers no apologies in its commitment to the teachings of Rastafari, upliftment and equal justice for all. But that’s not all you can expect from Alex, his tracks explore living life to the full, love and happiness. Alex is also a champion surfer, expert motorbike rider and highly skilled footballer.
Alex on stage
He’s been creating music since a child, writing his first track Colour Prejudice at the age of 11. Since then he’s learnt to play a range of musical instruments, studied History, Literature and Media and attended the Edna Manley School for Performing Arts in Jamaica to study guitar and voice. He’s toured extensively across the US and the world, and has collaborated with many artists from across the genres and shared the stage with Tarrus Riley, Etana, Chronixx, Sizzla, Junior Reid, Bounty Killer, Rebelution and many more.
Alex’s tracks Love Song
Pon My Guitar, Rebel Music, Faraway Girl and more are featured on Jamarado in
So Hot Right Now, Now Beatz, Rebel Rockers and across the music zones. All
available for download on iTunes. Follow him on Insta @alexmarleymusic
Alex, 2018 has been exciting years for you with the release of the album Return of the Rebel and touring the world. Tell us a bit about what’s been going on and what’s coming up? I’ve finally released Return of the Rebel, which drew from the EP Melodies of a Rebel released in early 2017. It’s no longer available as it was only the precursor to the album. The album has actually made its way to Grammy ballots which has definitely been exciting. I’ve just finished a tour in Egypt which sold out and was an incredible experience. The Egyptian people made me feel really welcome and I’m looking forward to returning.
How did you get into music? It was always around me growing up in Jamaica. I also went to performing arts school, Edna Manley Performing Arts School where I studied guitar and voice. It was a good experience. I'd say I'm half trained – half self-taught. I do believe also that you can’t teach creativity. Theory and knowledge and understanding are interesting but creativity is something else. I've been creating music since a child, since then I've learnt to play a range of musical instruments, studied History, Literature and Media. Music for me was a natural path, as I said if it's all around you and you love it - the way in simply unfolds.
What’s unique about the
way you create music?
I like to create music from across the genres and also make my music collectors items. I often release music as limited edition – that means only so many people can have a copy so it’s unique and special. Music isn’t always about selling millions of copies. Rarity matters too. It’s the same with vinyl and a real Jamaican tradition to focus on the rare and limited edition. I like to continue that with the digital versions too. I’ve definitely been Influenced by the way vinyl works and I am going to be putting tracks out on vinyl soon.
You use the title
Alex “Rebel” Marley? Tell us about the meaning behind this.
I love the persona of a Rebel – someone who can think and
act for themselves and challenge what is taken as given around them. Rebel, has
of course many meanings too. Rebelling
against injustice, repression - seeking another way of life and thinking for your self. Rebelling can even be about your diet - I'm a vegan as I support animal rights, environmentalism (check out the destruction of our planet from meat and dairy farming) and also for my health and spirituality.
You enjoy working with a band and live music?
It’s all about the energy when musicians get together. Love Song Pon My Guitar and Rebel Music were recorded with a fully live band from 9 Miles where Bob Marley was born and lived as a young child. We even camped out together and lived like Bob to enter the spirit of the music. Bob Marley is my cousin and my main mentor in music - Spiritually and Mentally.
What are some of your
musical highlights? I think it’s been helping people through music, like
when I have worked with primary school children showing them how to play
instruments and create music. Also when I had my first venture into Afro Beat.
The track Fire Starter which was produced in Kenya. It was very much a song
about homeless children - They walk the streets no shoes on their
feet, Mr big business man - how do you
feel?
Tours have also been big highlights. Festivals in the US. I did a 30 state tour in 30 day a few years back. I was in a different state in America every day. Was the hardest and most fun experience at the same time. From New York and Wyoming – I saw most of America. It was festivals and club gigs. At one festival in Austin, Texas it was a huge audience with mainly Rock bands - it was great to bring the reggae vibes to a new audience. On the Rock theme – Carlos Santana and Jimmi Hendrix are both great inspirations to me.
I also played 3 stadiums in Gambia. Headlining. I loved the
way people reacted in Gambia. The vibe of people was different from anywhere
else ever. I have also toured in Europe.
Small club dates. Interesting Germany, Austria, Italy Czech Republic. Prague.
Slovakia. And most recently Egypt which was amazing and before that Abu Dhabi
where I did a concert on a US military base. It was a fantastic experience –
there were Soldiers from all over the world and they really appreciated the
music. I love that Reggae is so international. There is major support all over
the world. It started as a small musical and cultural seed on a Caribbean
island and is now an international movement.
How do you write
music? Whenever I get inspiration from somewhere or from how I am feeling.
I make that art work and make it work when I feel the emotion. I am always true
to myself and that art work. There has to be an instantaneous flow for me. Sometimes, I record a track the same day and
sometimes years later. It varies. Intuition. The timing has to be right to do
the actual recordings.
Do you think about a
concept for the whole album? I think an overriding concept can dull
creativity. I prefer to go with flow right songs as they come. Record 10- 15
songs and then choose. See how people gravitate to the tracks.
I have to mention the incredible animated video for Feel No Way on Youtube. What inspired that? Well, I really wanted to do something different and make an impact with the visuals. So I ventured into the cartoon world. Visuals are very important today.
What’s coming up? Concerts in Jamaica and around the globe. AND most of course new tracks and collaborations. 2019 is going to be a big year.
What are your interests outside of music? Definitely sports, travel and natural living. Surf. Snow-boarding. Surfing is amazing as you interact with ocean and nature. I love skateboarding too - it’s street culture.
Also, as I mentioned earlier, I used to be a music teacher in Jamaica teaching kids how to play music. It was the most rewarding experience and it renewed my love for music and why I decided to do music. In Gambia, I also worked with the Gambian government on creating and teaching music lessons and learning about African music. This is a different side to the music and I love it as much as the creating and performing.
What’s your biggest motto in life? Bob said One Love. I say to friends, fans and my family. One Love. Many Blessings.
Where’s Reggae at
now? Reggae is the most popular music in the world when it really comes
down to the music that’s listened to and experienced by the people not necessarily
purchased. And now there are huge Reggae festivals on every continent. In Columbia
there are amazing all night clubs and in Costa Rica. America is playing Reggae
more and more. It’s the music of the people for the people. Major record companies
try to pretend it’s not the big thing. They try to marginalise it. Reggae
doesn’t describe the music. It’s Powerful music. Cultural music that Empowers
people. It’s a movement. It’s self-sustaining and about empowering Jamaica, the
African movement and the conscious, free spirited souls around the world.
Bob Marley talked about One Love and used Haile Selassie I’s
words in his tracks. He understood Reggae’s power to bring people together in
peace and understanding to build a better world for everyone.
Finally, what’s on
the agenda for Alex Rebel Marley in 2019? More music, more tours!
