On The Road With Dad | The Source Weekly - Bend, Oregon

On The Road With Dad

Mystic Marley is just getting started

I've never had someone sing for me on the phone before. That is, until I spoke with Mystic Marley. My mouth literally dropped when she started singing the words to the first song she ever wrote, at the young age of 11:

"Today is a new day, tomorrow is a lie. Freedom is a word that we'll be alright."

On The Road With Dad
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Mystic Marley, daughter of Stephen and granddaughter of Bob, is currently working on her debut album.

The daughter of Stephen and granddaughter of Bob Marley released her debut single, "Beatdown," last year. It's a powerful ballad showcasing the strength in Marley's voice, and letting so much emotion shine through her words. Marley may have just turned 21, but music is literally in her blood. She says can't really remember a time when music wasn't a part of her life. She recalled a pivotal moment in which she sang "No Woman No Cry" at her grandmother's funeral. Music is just something Marley always knew she wanted to do.

We talked about her beginnings and what it's like getting to tour with her dad for a second time.

Source Weekly: You released your debut single, "Beatdown," last year. What did that feel like for you?

Mystic Marley: It was very special. I mean, I've been singing for a long time and just getting on track with my career. Releasing a song was very exciting and inspiring to keep pushing out music, so that's what I'm working on now.

SW: You obviously come from a very talented family. Do you ever feel pressures from that or is it all positivity?

MM: I don't feel pressure. I feel like it's a responsibility. It keeps you working hard and it's definitely positive. It's kind of an inspiration. It's like a wheel—it just keeps going. You always find something to do to live up to what has been there before.

SW: What's some of the best advice your dad has given you?

MM: Definitely listen to yourself. Do things that reflect you well and don't be greedy. Be inspired, you know? Those kind of things – dad things!"

SW: What are some things you try to say in your songwriting?

MM: To be who you are. It's OK to f*ck up. It's OK to do your thing regardless of who doesn't agree with you or not. I definitely speak a lot about who you feel connected to on a higher level. To be positive and realistic.

SW: You mentioned connectivity. What's your connection to music and what's it like performing for you?

MM: Oh my gosh. Performing is literally the icing on the cake. I love it so much. I love so many things about music. I love creating it, I love where it takes you – it literally takes you around the world. I've met so many amazing people and musicians through music.

SW: What's something that you learned from being on the road with your dad last time that you can use this time around?

MM: So, I would go on the road a lot with my dad as a kid, and all of our siblings, and it was fun! And then I went last time and I was like 'Yo, I am so bored and lonely! All I f*cking do is sleep!' I was like 'I need a tour pal!' But nah, it was super easy going and nice. A lot easier than I thought it was going to be. I love being on the bus.

SW: What's your favorite song of your dad's?

MM: Ooh I'm going to get in trouble. "Someone To Love" is a really good song. Honestly – dad or not dad, he's so gooood. It's too hard for me to choose. I love the "Mind Control" album and acoustic album. They're beautiful.

Stephen and Mystic Marley
Fri., March 22. 7:30pm
Midtown Ballroom
51 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend
$25/advance at Ranch Records or online

Isaac Biehl

Isaac is living proof that "Iowa Nice" is actually a thing. A journalism graduate from Iowa State University, he regularly writes about music, the outdoors and the arts/culture scene. Isaac loves the Trail Blazers, backpacking and a good IPA. He plans to one day win Survivor. Your move, Jeff Probst...
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