In the vast tapestry of reggae’s rich history and sound, bands that can seamlessly meld the genre’s roots with contemporary sensibilities stand out. One such gem in the musical galaxy is Reggae Force, a band that marries traditional reggae soundscapes with modern-day narratives and global concerns. In this exclusive interview, we sit down with the stalwarts of the band – Junior Jazz, Alaina Reed, Aston Barrett Jr., and Peter Williamson. They share their journeys, the driving force behind their latest album “Tune In,” and how their experiences with reggae legends have shaped their present sound. From inspirations behind the album’s tracks to the intricacies of their collaborative process, this conversation offers a deep dive into the world of Reggae Force. Join us as we embark on this rhythmic voyage.
Junior Jazz
1. As one of the founding members of Reggae Force, how do you balance staying true to the traditional reggae sound while creating something fresh and contemporary?
The kind of musical compositions I do is to me, timeless… it has the traditional vibe but a modern spin, so to keep it fresh and relatable to what’s happening currently.
2. Can you share the inspiration behind the current single, “The Game is Over”, and how it speaks to current governmental concerns?
This song “The Game Is Over” Is one that sort of wrote itself. It tells a story that’s inspired by political turmoil happening all over the world at the time… It’s about people speaking up and calling out their leaders on injustice… It’s like a movie, “it’s like a wild fire.”
3. How does your experience playing with reggae legends shape the music you create today?
Playing with quite a bit of reggae legends has been a great influence on my whole career in all aspects.. it’s like a full study and now I incorporate it into my works.
4. You collaborated with Alaina Reed in writing lyrics for the album. How does this creative process work between you two?
Alaina and I have a cool and unique way of bouncing ideas off each other.. she’s always able to find that word or phrase to get us out of a block in writing process. It definitely works well.
5. Reggae has been a powerful tool for social commentary. In your opinion, how important is this role today, especially in the context of the new album “Tune In”?
It’s very important that we carry on the tradition of roots reggae, especially in these times of chaos, confusion and uncertainty for many.. roots reggae is that source of inspiration for life going forward.
Alaina Reed
1. You’ve co-written the lyrics for “Tune In”. Can you share some insights into the themes and messages you aimed to convey in the album?
Jazz and I write well together I think. When I had the idea for the band, the main reason I chose Jazz, besides his musical abilities, was our ability to reason about many topics of life. We were coming up with ideas for the lyrics of the songs and we wanted to deliver some powerful messages of today on the album. Family, the Earth and the environment, meditation, and political foolishness of this time are all important to us. Calling was a personal journey that just came to me during a trip to Colorado. Roots, reggae music had a huge influence on me and my life. When I heard Bob Marley sing “oh what a rat race” from my old office job in a cubicle, I realized that this was not how I wanted to spend my life.
2. How do you think your contributions, not only as a lyricist but also as a band member, influence the unique sound of Reggae Force?
Of all the members, I grew up on rock music and metal music. I loved Pink Floyd, Metallica, and songs with electric guitar. I think a lot of those elements that are on the album are my influence. I also was obsessed with Bob Marley and Peter Tosh and wanted an album they would like to listen to wherever they are listening from.
3. In the process of creating this album, were there any unexpected challenges or particularly rewarding moments?
The main challenge was time management. Babylon system and stress of bill paying and everyone being too busy to finish. We have had the songs done for quite some time, but there was always one more thing to mix or change and everyone would get busy with life and we got it done when we could. I guess it was meant to be this way. Aston “Familyman” Barrett played bass on Calling. From I started playing reggae, I loved his bass lines so much and to have him play on the fist song recorded that I wrote was really rewarding for me.
4. As a woman in the reggae industry, how do you think your perspective brings a different dimension to the band’s music?
Hahaha – I am the most organized… but besides that, I think I always just wanted to be one of the band. I am very comfortable traveling an being in bands with men. I don’t really feel different from the band because once you are playing it’s all music which doesn’t have a gender to me. I think it is a bigger deal to the audience which I see when a promoter or someone announces me as “the white girl” on bass. As far as how it brings the a different dimension to the band I guess you would have to ask the other guys.
5. What inspired you to address environmental issues in songs like “What A Hell”?
I love nature. I love the planet. I love animals and peace and quiet. I want my daughter to have some planet Earth left. I always envisioned “What a Hell” in a documentary of some kind helping to educate people to treat our Mother Earth with more care and respect.
Aston Barrett Jr
1. You’ve mixed most of the songs on the album. How do you approach this crucial aspect of production to ensure the essence of the music is retained?
First of all, its a great feeling to know the band trusted in me to mix this album!
2. You’re playing with Reggae Force but also have a deep connection with Bob Marley and the Wailers. How has this link influenced the music of Reggae Force?
Alaina came to me and said she wanted a band, so we came up with the name Reggae force. At this time, I wasn’t really touring much, so we looked around and she found Junior Jazz and Peter Williams and that’s how everything came together.
3. How do you see the evolution of reggae music in the current music landscape?
It’s always growing and will continue to grow.
4. What are the unique elements you bring to Reggae Force that sets the band apart from others in the genre?
I just bring the good vibes and the love for the music.
5. What has been the most fulfilling part of the journey creating “Tune In”?
I’ve learned a lot since it took us years to finish this album. My full time job is leading The Wailers now, haven’t had much time, but I was committed in finishing the debut album and now it’s all done…
Peter Williamson
1. As a seasoned artist, how do you feel the reggae scene has evolved over the years, and where does “Tune In” fit within this evolution?
I’ve seen reggae evolve big time over the years. From the sound to the line ups. I’m sure that Tune In will fit right in the evolution. The live Reggae Force sound is in cycle.
2. How does your experience with previous legends of reggae music influence your approach to making music with Reggae Force?
Each one of us has to learn from someone. Fortunately I’ve learned from some of the best. I just utilize that knowledge in production for Reggae Force and others.
3. What part of the “Tune In” album are you most proud of, and why?
I’m proud if the whole album “Tune” In. It was a labor of love. We all put our all in it.
4. You’ve worked with many legends of reggae music. How have these experiences influenced the creation of the “Tune In” album?
All of our experiences in life with everyone wether artist or not led to the creation of this album.
5. What do you hope listeners will take away from the album, and what impact do you think it will have on them?
I hope our listeners get a positive vibe from Tune In. All the songs are positive and motivational and inspirational. Thanks. 🙏🏽
