Though Bob Marley is no longer with us, his legend lives on through the music of his children. One Marley who has been getting a lot of attention lately is the young Julian Marley. Julian established a name for himself while touring the world as a member of his brother’s music group. In 1996, Julian branched out and released his first solo album, “ A lion in the morning.” After taking a break from the public, Julian is back in the spotlight promoting his latest project “ A Time & Place” released October 7^th 2003. Fortunately, Julian Marley was able to find time out of his hectic schedule to talk to me about his music and his life as a Reggae artist.

Islandflave.com: Congratulations on your new album. What has been some of the feedback you’ve received on the album?
Julian Marley: Everyone has liked it so far.

Islandflave.com: Did you collaborate with other artist for this album?
Julian Marley: No, not really.

Islandflave.com: What message are you trying to deliver with this album?
Julian Marley: This album is about consciousness. It’s a very personal and spiritual album. Each song has a different feeling, that’s why we call it “ A Time and Place.”

Islandflave.com: What will be your first single?
Julian Marley: The international single will be “Harder Days.”

Islandflave.com: Why did you choose that song?
Julian Marley: That one has a more Hip-Hop influence to it. It has that flavor that fit within the market right now.

Islandflave.com: Why did you decide to follow in the footsteps of your father and become a Reggae artist?
Julian Marley: It’s not something you decide, it’s natural. From a very small age I can remember trying to play the guitar, the drums…We grew with Reggae around us and are just continuing the work.

Islandflave.com: Sounds like you are a very talented musician. Do you play a lot of instruments?
Julian Marley: Yes, I like to play the keyboard, drums, bass, guitar… Anything you can put your fingers on.

Islandflave.com: Has your father’s success in the music industry added pressure for you to succeed?
Julian Marley: To be honest, there wasn’t an added pressure. Part of that music is within us, it come natural. We have deal with the same thing as every artist and that’s deal with the people, which we love.

Islandflave.com: What is your involvement with the Ghetto Youth International?
Julian Marley: My brothers Steve and Ziggy founded it back in’89. It was just a Jamaican company then we decided to take it over. That’s where you get the youth. We do producing, productions, and that’s the label we came out of.

Islandflave.com: What do you like to do in your spare time?
Julian Marley: I like to play football (soccer) and read some books.

Islandflave.com: Who are some artists out today that you admire their work?
Julian Marley: Wow, I listen to music on a wide scale.

Islandflave.com: Since you are always traveling, where do you call home?
Julian Marley: Home is in the temple, in the spirit. So, everywhere you travel everywhere you go you are at home because you are within your own self.

Islandflave.com: What do you like and dislike about constantly being on the road?
Julian Marley: We love to perform and meeting people. Performing is fun we love it. The only bad thing would be not getting enough time to sound check

Islandflave.com: How do you see your career progressing during the next five years?
Julian Marley: Obviously growing and making more music and elevating spiritually.

Islandflave.com: Thank you Julian for taking the time to speak with me today, I wish you the best and much success with your music.
Julian Marley: Thank you.

Photos courtesy of Reggaephotos.de and Melodymakers.de