It’s on the record. Reggae/dancehall artist Wayne Marshall — who has toured all over the world (and back again) with fellow reggae artist Damien Marley — is the most excited about his upcoming Hawaii tour dates. “I have never been to Hawaii,”
It’s on the record. Reggae/dancehall artist Wayne Marshall — who has toured all over the world (and back again) with fellow reggae artist Damien Marley — is the most excited about his upcoming Hawaii tour dates.
“I have never been to Hawaii,” said Marshall from a Miami hotel. “What I know of Hawaii, it’s definitely reggae country. … I have been on the road for over a year now with Damien (Marley) in various countries. Hawaii is my most anticipated place to visit that I haven’t visited yet.”
In addition to Marley, Marshall will be performing with fellow Ghetto Youths International (the family-owned label owned by Julian, Damien and Stephen Marley) artists Jo Mersa, Black-Am-I and Christopher Ellis Sunday at Kilohana Pavilion.
“I will definitely be bringing that island vibration, and bring that reggae and dancehall vibe to the fullest,” Marshall said. “Every time I come to a place I’ve never been before, I’m more encouraged to do a wicked job — making friends and doing what I need to do to establish my name there.”
While Marshall has collaborated with some musical heavyweights including Sean Paul and Elephant Man, and launched two albums (2003’s “Marshall Law” and 2008’s “Tru Story!), the Jamaican singer feels like he is just beginning to hit his stride. He is gearing up for his debut album with Ghetto Youths, titled “Tru Colors.”
“The reason I named it ‘Tru Colors’ is because it’s really going to focus on unleashing my true colors,” he said. “It’s going to be a mixture of music — all the music that has influenced me over the years. Not just dancehall and reggae. I’m really proud of it.”
The lead single off the album, “I Know,” was released to radio stations earlier this month. Marshall said the song is in line with the reggae hits of the 80s and 90s, combined with futuristic beats.
“It’s doing really well. It’s a whole new resurgence of my career.”
Marshall first began to dabble in music as a child, when he turned his class into an impromptu dancehall.
“That was really my first training ground,” Marshall said, laughing. “One of my friends would take the drums on the desk, and I would pretend to be an artist and DJing in school. It was fun.”
In a twist of fate, Marshall was welcomed into King Jammy’s studios — one of the most prominent dancehall producers in the country — and had the opportunity to hang around artists like Bounty Killer. He was able to hone his musical and writing talents, and decided to go out on a limb and pursue his passion for music.
“I had the voice and the ability to write, and at that point, I was feeling the music so much,” he said. “I just made up my mind and knew this was a passion in me from a very tender age.”
Best known for a dancehall performer, Marshall is multifaceted — filling in the role of musician, songwriter and strategist, not only for himself, but other artists.
“Music is what made me know him,” Damien said. “Wayne does a whole heap of writing, even for other artists. He has always had a gift for different topics, and he comes up with certain kinds of concepts.”
Even though Marshall has toured the globe for more than a year, and is expecting a child in July with his wife, he has no plans to slow down. “It’s all about balance and keeping all aspects of life balanced,” he said.
Who’s on your iPod?
Wayne Marshall: I find myself listening to Lana Del Rey. It’s alternative, but very different. When I kick back in a chill mode, I always listen to her.
Who are your influences?
WM: There’s so many. In reggae music, you have artists like Jimmy Cliff … Over the years, I have been influenced my the Marleys themselves. Bob Marley, of course, is an icon in music. I have been influenced by hip-hop, Jay-Z, the best of the best.
What advice do you have for young musicians?
WM: Surround yourself with good people, who understand the music industry and the theory of the music. Music has certain rules to abide by, and once you mastered those rules, that’s where you get your freedom. Music isn’t man-made, it was designed with cosmos. You get a spiritual edge to music, and once you align yourself with the music, you let go, and you get the creativity.
