Stephen Marley performs a powerful acoustic set with his full band, playing songs from his catalog as well as some of his dad’s classics at French Broad River Brewing.
8x GRAMMY® Award-winning singer/songwriter/producer, Stephen Marley, just released his new album, “Old Soul,” on September 15, 2023 – his first full-length project since 2016. Featuring a stellar lineup of special guests including Bob Weir, Eric Clapton, Jack Johnson, Ziggy Marley, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Buju Banton, and Slightly Stoopid, the 14-track acoustic-inspired album is now available on all digital platforms via Tuff Gong Collective/UMe/Ghetto Youths International. Limited-edition double LP vinyl in translucent yellow and green, CD, 2LP standard black vinyl, and merch bundles are available now at stephenmarleymusic.com.
Old Soul comes as a complete revelation. While grounded from the road during the COVID lockdown, Stephen set up a new studio on a remote family farm in the Florida countryside, holding nightly jam sessions in a converted garage. With a stripped-down ensemble comprising binghi drums, bass, acoustic guitar, and flute, Stephen played whatever he felt like—ranging from original compositions and reggae rarities with deep personal meaning to classics recorded by Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, and The Beatles. “Irie vibration,” Stephen says of the sounds made together on the farm. The lion’s share of Old Soul was recorded during these “unplugged” jam sessions.
Even as the album showcases Ragga’s versatility, the message within his music remains consistent. “We come to free the people’s minds,” says Stephen. “The only way you can free your soul is to free your mind. My father said, ‘No chains on my feet, but I’m not free.’ And then he comes saying, ‘Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery.’ Anywhere the music calls us, we are going to be there to spread the message of love and unity.”
Old Soul explores a musical palette that spans a variety of cultures and genres alike, with hand-selected special guests furthering the spiritual journey that encompasses the album.
In celebration of the new album, Stephen embarked on an ambitious Old Soul Tour Unplugged 2023 through the Fall, and will continue to tour in support of the new album in 2024.
$1 of every ticket will benefit the mission of Ghetto Youths Foundation (GYF) to provide aid and assistance, support, and critical resources to people in need across the globe. Each year GYF programs serve hundreds of young people, seniors, families, and communities with transformative outreach initiatives supporting health and education, sports and arts, community-building, and fundamental social services.
For more information, visit ghettoyouthsfoundation.org
Sneezy is a Fusion Rock band from Chicago, IL that draws its innovative sound from Rock, Hip-Hop, and Soul influences. Sneezy’s eight members have been building musical chemistry together for over a decade. Live performances are best characterized by engulfing grooves, crowd interaction, and occasional freak dancing! Find out more by searching #SneezyMusic.
