Kemar Williams at Slo Brew Rock Singing with Alborosie
Kemar Williams is a Jamaican born reggae singer he is best known for being the backup singer for legendary reggae artist Alborosie. He's also been working on his current solo career project Publik Report. It was with pleasure that I got to sit down with Kemar to talk about Jamaican reggae Vs Non-roots American reggae, new music, what it's like performing with Alborosie, and much more!
Q: What are the plans for the future?
A: Well presently I am promoting my EP that was
released earlier this year THE JOURNEY...And for sure you can look forward to a lot more music from Publik Report.
Q: In your opinion what do you think reggae music would be like if Bob Marley was still alive
A: Bob Marley is like the Neil Armstrong of Reggae Music. Without a doubt the Leader and Also the face of Reggae. But personally, I am just curious of how he would recreate himself as a means of evolving his music from where he started Because let’s face the facts, he left us with some serious hits, raising the quality sound of reggae to a high level, And a lot of Artist if not everyone follows that sound. But the big question for me is, would he try to change his sound as time goes by or would he remain Vintage as a Bunny Wailer...
Q: What’s it like singing for alborosie and how long have you been with him
A: Amazing just amazing, one of the greatest singer, songwriter, performer, producer musician, father, and the list goes on... the person I have ever met but like I said amazing...I have learned so much singing with him over the past 7years Big respect to the Original Shengen Don Alborosie
Q: When can we expect new music from your solo career Publik Report?
A: Well yes I surely have a few singles to be released for this summer and a few surprises also...hehe
Q: What was your first experience playing in the USA like?
A: Always touring in Europe for a few years It was so refreshing to actually speak English to the crowd and they could understand...so yes it was really fun
Q: Do you play/tour with any other bands/artists aside from alborosie
A: Yes I did a few tours with Freddie McGregor and before Alborosie I used to do some shows with Etana
Q: What got you involved in music in the first place?
A: My mother was a Music teacher & Choir Director
So I had no choice...Music was a must. Hehe but I really enjoyed music...then one day walking from Church I heard some Reggae music playing so I investigated and found out it was Garnet Silk playing. I was hooked from ever since
Q: How do you feel about the internet in the music business?
A: There is a lot of advantages and disadvantages I will tell you one advantage and a disadvantage. The advantage is Social media, making it easier to spread music on different platforms by the click of a button. Disadvantage illegal downloads that can lead up to record shops being closed
Q: What new music do you like?
A: Reggae now has a new sound which attracts the younger ones...I like music from Protoje, Chronixx and of course that new album from Alborosie with him Singing, John Legend, Post Malone Music just to name a few.
Q: Who are some musical icons that influence you?
Bob Marley of Course
Garnett Silk
Alborosie
Buju Banton
Gentleman
John Legend just to name a few
Q: Favorite venue to play and why?
A: Europe
Summerjam In Germany
The location is amazing the vibes there for me is always great
USA
California Roots wonderful vibes amazing Team of workers well I should say for me it’s always professional
Q: How has this quarantine affected you/and the rest of the Alborosie team?
A: Well we had a few tours for 2020 and everything as we all know had to be cancelled or postponed. So it is definitely not a good feeling. Touring is our way of working so we also got a financial downfall....
Q: What projects have you been working on (if any) during this off time
A: I have been creating a new flow and flavour for Publik Report. I have got introduced to a few different producers from Canada, Germany Italy, USA and Jamaica so just stay tuned to my social media platforms and you will surely get a taste of the new sound hope everyone likes it as much as I do
Q: In your opinion how is reggae different in Jamaica vs USA
A: Simple way of explaining this is
Reggae is like a Tree and Jamaica is the root of the tree, so no matter how tall or wide the tree grows the root spreads the nutrients to the tree.
Check out his latest music video "Babylon Have The Nerve" featuring Freddie McGregor and Gentleman
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