Ziggy Marley, the Grammy Award-winning Jamaican musician, recently sat down with Billboard at his favorite vegan spot, Crossroads Kitchen in Los Angeles, to discuss his highly-anticipated new album, Brightside. Over a delicious plant-based meal, Marley opened up about the making of the album, his decision to record entirely in 432 Hz, and how a song about his legendary father, Bob Marley, became a part of the project.
As the son of the iconic Bob Marley, Ziggy has carved out his own musical path, releasing multiple albums and earning critical and commercial success. He has also continued his father’s legacy of spreading messages of love, unity, and positivity through his music. With Brightside, Ziggy takes his message to another level, infusing his reggae sound with elements of hip-hop, funk, and rock.
Sitting at their table in the cozy and vibrant atmosphere of Crossroads, Billboard’s interviewer started the conversation by asking Marley about his inspiration for the new album. Marley explained that the album’s title, Brightside, comes from the idea of finding positivity and hope in the midst of challenging times.
“I wanted to create music that uplifts people and reminds them to always look for the bright side, even in the darkest moments,” he shared. “I believe that music has the power to heal and bring people together, and that’s what I wanted to do with this album.”
When asked about his decision to record the entire album in the frequency of 432 Hz, Marley explained that it was a conscious choice to create music that resonates with the natural vibrations of the universe.
“432 Hz is known as the frequency of healing and has been used in ancient civilizations for its calming and balancing effects,” he said. “I wanted to create music that not only sounds good but also has a positive impact on the listeners.”
With tracks like “Play with Sky” and “Moving Forward,” Brightside is a perfect blend of reggae and other genres, showcasing Marley’s versatility as an artist. The album also features collaborations with artists such as Jack Johnson and Ben Harper, adding more depth and diversity to the project.
But one of the most significant highlights of the album is the track “Closer to the Light,” which pays tribute to Marley’s father. Marley shared that the song came to him unexpectedly while he was working on the album.
“I was in the studio one day, and this melody just came to me. It felt like my father’s spirit was guiding me to write this song,” he revealed. “It’s a very personal and emotional song for me, and I hope it resonates with others as well.”
As the conversation continued, Marley also opened up about his love for veganism and how it has influenced his life and music. He shared that his journey towards a plant-based diet began with his desire to live a healthier lifestyle and grew into a deeper understanding of the importance of compassion and sustainability.
“I believe that what we put into our bodies not only affects us physically but also spiritually. Eating a plant-based diet has brought me closer to nature and has made me more conscious of my impact on the environment,” Marley explained.
He also added that his love for veganism has led him to open his own plant-based restaurant, Zion Kitchen, in Los Angeles, where he serves up delicious plant-based dishes inspired by his Jamaican roots.
As the interview came to an end, Marley expressed his hope that Brightside would resonate with people from all walks of life and inspire them to spread love and positivity in the world.
“I want this album to be a reminder that even in the toughest of times, there is always a bright side to look towards,” Marley said with a smile. “I hope it brings joy and healing to those who listen to it.”
With a renewed sense of hope and positivity, Ziggy Marley’s Brightside is set to be another powerful addition to his musical legacy. And as he continues to spread love and light through his music, it’s clear that this reggae legend’s message of peace and unity will continue to live on for generations to come.
