Fit for a King
Words: Michelle Wallace IG @my.michelle.w
Photography: Sergey Yusin @sergey_yusin
Wardrobe: Jaxson Maximus @jaxsonmaximus
Make-up: Julia Brig @juliabrigmia
style | June 01, 2021
Creative
THE WAILERS & Emilio Estefan Tag Team: THE WAILERS release new track “One World, One Prayer”
The iconic and legendary band The Wailers released their new song “One World, One Prayer” today, a powerful piece focused on unity, love and inclusion beyond cultural differences. The track, which puts every music lover on the lookout, demands the union of "one world" through "a prayer" in the current global situation, in collaboration with the international titan Farruko, the Jamaican superstar Shaggy and continuing the legacy of Bob Marley alongside Cedella Marley and her son Skip Marley, who recently had chart topping hits with Katy Perry & H.E.R. Produced & written by 19x Grammy winner Emilio Estefan and recorded at Crescent Moon Studios in Miami, FL, "One World, One Prayer" mixes Jamaican reggae with the sounds of the urban Latin genre. We had the pleasure of spend the day with The Wailers’ drummer, Aston Barrett to get a to know him a little to get a feel for what it's been like for him to be a part of
The Wailers and this new release.
Do you remember the very first song you play on the base?
Rastaman Vibration
Practically born into music (i.e., being the son of Aston “Familyman” Barrett, who was the bassist for Bob Marley & The Wailers) was music something you always loved or you got into it because it was practically in your blood?
It was absolutely in my blood, but I loved it too! My interest in music peaked at the age of four. My favorite Bob Marley and The Wailers song was “Misty Morning”.
You were only seven when you joined your first band in Kingston, Jamaica. Did that automatically make you the most popular kid in the school?
Lol, Not sure! I loved music so much that it overpowered any outside emotions.
Not too long after that you moved to the United States. What was the transition like for you from Kingston to the United States at such a young age? Was it easy?
It was different! The mentality of Jamaica is totally different, and I had to adapt. I give thanks to my parents for creating an environment that was full of love and unity.
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Aside from your father, who’s been quite the mentor to you, is there anyone else who’s inspired you
during your music career?
Yes! Christoper Dorsey my Jazz band Teacher- he pushed me and showed me another way of thinking musically.
Christoper Danford my friend and brother- he pushed me to other great reggae bands and artist music to come out of my box.
Julian Marley- let me stay with him when my parents separated at a time, I had nowhere to go, and he took me in his home for 4 months living with him, and I had the best time of my life. He bought me guitar books, gave me cds and trained me to learn more things about my family history.
Joe Higgs, my Grandfather- I only saw him a few times, but those time was special and made me who I am today.
My Mother, Angela Barrett- Never gave up on me, always told me to respect my father regardless of anything, pushed me into Martial Arts to learn discipline, she played a huge part in my life, and must give her the most respect of all.
Pavel, my big sister, otherwise none as Novellette- She pushes me through my whole life. I lived with her through my whole childhood. She is basically my second mother. She Introduced me to many American and UK artists such as Gloria Estefan, Celine Dion, Aero Smith and many more.
Emilio ESTEFAN - What can I say, he’s a blessing. He taught me how to be the best producer I can be, toke me out of my comfort zone, and challenged me to be a singer as well.
Lennie Chen and Rich Allis- My Team, they’re always with me and pushing me to be the best leader I can be, no matter what I go through, if I’m down, they always pick me back up.
My Brothers- Kevin Barrett and John (GQ) Barrett- Couldn’t ask for the better brothers than I already have. They are my angels, and the bond we have is like no other!!! They introduced dancehall music to me, Beenie man, Bounty Killer, and many more old and new school music.
Can you describe your experience accompanying your father on tours with The Wailers?
It was training for sure. I always stayed out of my father's personal business.
I was there to work and learn. I had no idea he was training me at first until one day my pay was low. I went to him and said what happened and he replied, “you get paid according to your work.” From that day forward, I worked hard. He challenged me to push myself and that’s how I got to where I am today.
Tell us more about the new track the Wailers released: One World, One Prayer” which featured Farruko, Shaggy, Skip Marley and Cedella Marley, produced and written by Emilio Estefan?
This track is bringing everyone together. It’s part two to “One Love”. We as a human race should help one another, and with this song, we wanted to include our guest appearances.
What was it like working with Emilio?
It was amazing and fun. It was a lot of laughter and love. He’s a very busy guy, but always makes time for things he loves!
Have you had a performance that’s been most memorable to you thus far?
Yes, Brazil 2016 Sao Paulo - The Wailers Featuring Julian Marley! It was a show that I will never forget.
If you had to do it all over again, is there anything you would do differently?
It depends really! Life is one big road with lots of signs, but when you’re going through the rocks, don’t complicate your mind. Everything in this life is an experience. With that experience you can be a guide for others.
What is something most people wouldn’t know about you?
There are quite a few things that people do not know. I love Animation and my brain tends to work differently from others. I am into some rock music and love bands and artists including Metallica, Jimmy Hendrix, Pink Floyd, a Fleetwood Mac song called “Dreams” and much more..
Do you have any upcoming projects in the works?
Yes, I’m producing a few tracks on Albarosie’s New album, Wayne Stoddart’s New album, Reggae Force band’s Album, a Brazilian Artist I’ve been working with, Rafael Cardoso, Binho Ribeiro, and a few Tribute albums with different producers such as Abidan Tafari.
Any quotes you live by?
I would say Truth and Rights, but not everyone can handle the truth at all times. So we sum it up with Peace, Love and Unity.