Free Reggae: Marley’s Mellow Mood “Tune in Tuesdays” Presents Kelissa

Words by LargeUp Crew—

Marley’s Mellow Mood has come up with a new way to “free the people with music,” launching a weekly free music download series, co-curated by LargeUp, and dubbed Tune in Tuesdays. Each Tuesday, this link features a download of a new single from a different artist.

This week’s featured track is “Sing,” from Jamaican singer Kelissa. Raised in the hills of St. Andrew by parents who shared lead singing duties in reggae band Chakula, she is fresh off the release of a new EP, Rebel in Disguise, through Zinc Fence Records, and a recent tour of Africa.

Sample/download below, and read on for a quick interview with Kelissa.

>>>Download

Describe your sound in 20 words or less…

A diverse blend of music with soothing melodies and revolutionary lyrics infused with Jamaican flavor and international appeal.

What role does your heritage play in your music?

I am a child of reggae and Jamaican culture. I grew up watching my parents on stage and in the studio singing and playing roots rock reggae music. So, I feel like I inherited their musical mission. My cultural tradition and experiences are a strong feature of my music. There are elements of my heritage within my language, in the content of my lyrics and even within the musical composition. I’ve lived in different contexts outside of Jamaica that have also contributed to my musical sound. I think that music is a reflection of our experiences. Music is like a record of heritage and culture.