A Closer Look at Rastafarianism and a Deeper Dive Into Tonal Characteristics of Reggae Music as Bob Marley Biopic Title Is Revealed
Sinusoidal Weekly Highlights
Welcome to Sinusoidal Music’s weekly newsletter. Every Monday, we shall present you with the latest insights into the music business, production tips for musicians, the hottest new releases, and everything in between!
Music Buzz > What are the paparazzi after?
Bob Marley biopic finally gets official title
Bob Marley: One Love is the official title of the highly-anticipated biopic about the king of reggae. The news was shared by Bob Marley’s older son, Ziggy Marley, during Paramount’s panel at CinemaCon 2023.
Written and directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green (King Richard), Bob Marley: One Love will explore the life and career of one of the most influential songwriters in history. As one of the pioneers of reggae, Marley helped Jamaican culture be known worldwide while also using his music to spread his political messages of union and respect.
While Paramount is yet to reveal plot details about Bob Marley: One Love, Green has revealed that the movie will revolve around the making of “Exodus.” The Wailers recorded “Exodus” after Bob Marley survived an assassination attempt, left Jamaica, and was exiled to London.
Bob Marley: One Love stars Kingsley Ben-Adir as the legendary musician. Ben-Adir has also recently played another iconic historical figure, Malcolm X, in Regina King's critically acclaimed One Night in Miami. The film also stars Lashana Lynch as Rita, Bob Marley’s wife.
Music Through the Ages > Lesser known facts about how music shaped the world
Bob Marley’s love story with Rastafarianism and the inception of Reggae
Bob Marley is widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians in the history of reggae music. He played a crucial role in the evolution of reggae, both in Jamaica and around the world. Marley's unique sound and message were instrumental in bringing reggae to the mainstream and establishing it as a global phenomenon.
Marley's early career began in the late 1960s when he formed the Wailers, a group that consisted of himself, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailer. Together, they developed a new sound that blended elements of traditional Jamaican music with rock and R&B. Marley's distinctive voice and lyrics, which often focused on themes of social justice and African identity, helped to set the Wailers apart from other reggae groups of the time.
In the 1970s, Marley's popularity exploded with the release of albums like "Catch a Fire" and "Exodus." These albums helped to introduce reggae to a wider audience and cemented Marley's status as a global superstar. Marley's music had a universal appeal that transcended cultural and linguistic barriers, and he became a symbol of hope and unity for people around the world.
In addition to his music, Marley was also an important political figure. He was a vocal advocate for Rastafarianism, a spiritual and cultural movement that emerged in Jamaica in the 1930s. Marley's music and message were deeply intertwined with Rastafarian beliefs, and he used his platform to raise awareness about issues like poverty, oppression, and inequality.
Today, Marley's legacy lives on through his music and the countless artists he influenced. He remains a symbol of the power of music to bring people together and inspire social change. Marley's role in the evolution of reggae cannot be overstated, and his impact on music and culture continues to be felt around the world.
Sinusoidal Spotlight > Our pick of the latest indie releases
Alec Berlin - Space Punk and Other Junk
Alec Berlin has the voicing of a guitar great. This is an artist who brings the melody to their instrument, not the other way. From the phrasings to the memorable leads, the music will leave you speechless, for a moment at least. A prolific writer and musician, he releases his 3rd full album for the year, Space Punk and Other Junk. Though this album has a good mix of songs from the other albums, there is some fresh content in here too. A good example is the opening track, Space Punk. The subsequent numbers only get better from there on out.
Musician’s Toolkit > Secret production tips for pros
The fundamentals of a proper bass tone for reggae music
Reggae, like vintage R&B and some vintage rock 'n' roll, relies heavily on repeating short, simple patterns throughout a song. This approach allows for a trance-like state where note selection and rhythmical placement become second nature, improving one's feel on bass playing across genres.
Reggae is unique in its emphasis on being felt rather than heard. The bass appeals to the human parts below the waist, making people want to dance or make love without having to rationalize the feeling. Achieving this sensation requires a specific approach to touching the instrument and getting the notes out.
Plucking the strings close to the neck with the neck pickup soloed is a good starting point to get the feeling of the note and the slowness of the attack across to the audience. Legendary reggae bassist Devon Bradshaw calls this hand positioning "the sweet spot." Using old or flatwound strings, rolling off the tone knob, and using a foam mute can further enhance the dead sound of the strings. These measures are similar to achieving vintage R&B tones, but the bass sounds are profoundly different. The low-mid thump of the James Jamerson approach is not present in reggae. However, setting up a bass with slightly higher action, a foam mute, and flatwound strings can achieve both Motown-like and reggae sounds.
Robbie Shakespeare, who played with Peter Tosh, Black Uhuru, and as a member of Sly & Robbie, is a legendary reggae bassist to check out. Aston "Family Man" Barrett from Bob Marley and the Wailers is another renowned figure in the genre, whose lines are a master class in "kotch," a reggae term for a hook. "Stir It Up" is a prime example of how Barrett's bass lines are tremendously singable.
Playlist of the week > Sinusoidal’s assortment of trending playlists for every mood
Reggae Mix / Music to Smoke and Chill
A playlist especially made for those who want to slow things down a little. Reggae Mix has a collection of over 46 minutes of soothing music that pays homage to the best of the genre. Artists include Clinton Fearon, Youthman and King Tubby, Chosen Brothers, Billy Boyo, Sharon Forrester and Johnny Osbourne.
Access the Playlist > Reggae Mix / Music to Smoke and Chill - YouTube