Reggae enthusiasts are in for a treat with October Reign’s debut solo album, Soapbox Empire: Generation. The 12 track album, the first in a trilogy, was released on CD Baby on October 21, 2016, and is also streaming on iTunes and Spotify. An official launch party will be held at Redbones Blues Café on November 10, starting at 6:00 p.m.
October Reign has been performing and perfecting his craft on the international reggae scene from the early 90’s with other acclaimed reggae talents, such as, Mystic Revealers, Luciano and Taurrus Riley. "My sound is all the things I have learnt since starting my musical journey and is the culmination of all my experiences," stated Reign.
"Some of my most memorable performances are Ostroda in Poland with Rootz Underground; Summerfest in Germany with Luciano and Madison Square Garden with Buju Banton and Beres Hammond,” shared Reign. Having spent the last 15 years playing the keyboards, writing and backing vocals for Rootz Underground, October Reign is ready to take the next step in his musical career by going solo.
"When my trilogy album is completed, I would have come full circle in this musical moment and will move on to something else," expressed Reign. On the album, he is supported by the talented vocalist Nicole Burt and saxophonist Dean Fraser is featured on the jazzy track, "Weedom." October Reign has produced music for other artistes like Joanna Marie, Chatchi and Mystic Revealers, and also produces his own music on the GPR3 label. The Soapbox Empire album is self-produced, with the exception of the track "Wordsmith," which was produced by Rory Gilligan from StoneLove Disco.
To accompany the album, Reign released a music video for the song "Jamaica Mi Come From," and is preparing to release another music video for his second single, "Legally." Directed by Diana O'Gilvie/Lady Di, "Jamaica Mi Come From," features scenes from France, California, Canada, Portland, Half-Way-Tree and Coronation market in downtown Kingston. The video depicts authentic Jamaican life and is a direct deviation from the tourism – based imagery of sun, sea and sand.
He released the single “Legally” on September 23, 2016, which addresses the decriminalization of small portions of marijuana in Jamaica since 2015. With a clever wink to the literal letter of the law, Reign puts into perspective how the changes will affect small marijuana farmers.
October Reign believes his conscious reggae music is limitless, transcending geographical and social borders. His first solo album is only an introduction to his musical prowess as he steps into the spotlight to take control of his musical destiny.
He recorded his first solo song in 2000, “She’s Mine,” which reached Top Ten popular festival song in Jamaica that year. He also wrote, “A Ras She Want,” featured on Luciano’s album, Serious Times.
A product of rural Jamaica, Reign hails from the parishes of St. Mary and Portland, and has a global perspective on life and music. He believes that reggae “is not just boxed into a genre, I see it as music for everyone, I see reggae outside of the box.”
For more on October Reign, fans can check out his free Soapbox Empire Mixtape available on SoundCloud and his website www.octoberreignmusic.com.
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