Rewrite and translate this title Skip Marley Unveils New Track, “Close” to Japanese between 50 and 60 characters. Do not include any introductory or extra text; return only the title in Japanese.

Fresh off his sold-out headlining tour across Europe, the Jamaica-born singer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist ushers in a new chapter in his artistry with his latest single, “Close.”

You can’t take the music out of the Marley. And that’s something Skip Marley, grandson of reggae legend Bob Marley, knows well. But now, the Grammy-nominated artist is stepping into a new era of his artistry, one marked by experimentation, genre-blending, and above all, “being true to himself.”

“Music has been the heart of my family for generations,” he starts. “It is in my blood, and it is our duty to continue the message of my Grandfather.” “Close,” his latest release, offers the first glimpse of what’s to come from the 28-year-old trailblazer as he introduces reggae to a new generation of fans. In 2020, his debut EP, Higher Place, secured two Grammy nominations, for Best R&B Song and Best Reggae Album — the 15th time the latter has been won by a Marley family member in over 40 years.

Moving forward, Skip Marley seems to be freeing himself from any boxes, looking more inward than outward as he builds his own legacy. “Close” is a dance-infused, chart-leaning track, with his own spin on the original hook from Maxi Priest’s dancefloor classic “Close to You.” “It’s modern, but it pays homage to Maxi Priest. I loved the idea of bringing this great song to the new generation.” The young Marley shares. “On one hand, I’m reminiscing about a girl. For me, there’s a bigger meaning too. The song hints that I’m back and about to begin another chapter.”

Sitting down with Wonderland, Skip Marley reflects on his musical calling, the power of heritage, and his mother’s influence on Close. Keep scrolling to read the full interview…

Listen to “Close”…

Skip Marley! Lovely to connect, thanks so much for chatting with us. How are you today? What have you been up to?

Thank you for taking the time. Feeling blessed as we get ready to release my new single “Close” into the world.

Going back to your early days, music—especially reggae—obviously runs in your blood. But talk us through your creative upbringing. When did you have your breakthrough and realize you wanted to pursue this career?

On stage with my uncle Steve when I was a young boy of 13, I had an epiphany, as clear as day, the music called to me and I have never looked back. Music has been the heart of my family for generations, it is in my blood, and it is our duty to continue the message of my Grandfather. Love and unity always.

Who are some of your biggest influences in the industry, and what’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned growing up surrounded by music and creativity?

My Mother, my Grandfather, my Family. My most valuable lesson is to lead with love and you will get it in return, you know? Be guided by the heart and with good intentions. Look after your people, Mother Earth, and the creativity and good energy will flow.

Massive congratulations on the release of your new single! We love the track. Could you tell us a bit about the song and the inspiration behind it?

Big up the legend Maxi Priest. My mother was the one who brought the idea of remaking the classic. We wanted to bring the essence of this classic song to a younger generation but with the Skip twist. I want it to make everyone feel good and connected. That’s what the world needs right now. We need to be closer.

If you were to describe this new chapter of your artistry, what would you call it? And why?

This is just a taste of what’s to come. I feel like in this time we need unity more than ever. So writing, producing, playing many instruments. Blending genres and being true to myself.

How do you reflect on your artistic evolution, and what has changed the most for you since you started? And since Higher Place?

I am blessed to have the career that I do and I will never take that for granted. And no matter what your job is in this world, we are all human, we all need to take care of our bodies and our soul, and we must be good to one another. The message of my grandfather still stands strong. It still stands true. I think the world is understanding this more as time goes on, we need to unite.

What are your expectations for the release, and what do you hope audiences will take from it?

I hope it reminds people to love, to dance, and feel connected. Spread a positive vibration.

This feels like a track poised for the big charts. How do you navigate the balance between creative freedom and industry expectations? What matters most to you today when putting a song out?

We don’t make it for the industry, we make it for the people and that’s what matters.

Any dream collaborations on the bucket list at the moment? 

Sade would be dope.

Moving forward, what’s next for you, and what excites you most about the future?

Working on a bigger project that I am very excited to share with you. More to come in 2025. More music, more live shows. For the people!

Fresh off his sold-out headlining tour across Europe, the Jamaica-born singer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist ushers in a new chapter in his artistry with his latest single, “Close.”

You can’t take the music out of the Marley. And that’s something Skip Marley, grandson of reggae legend Bob Marley, knows well. But now, the Grammy-nominated artist is stepping into a new era of his artistry, one marked by experimentation, genre-blending, and above all, “being true to himself.”

“Music has been the heart of my family for generations,” he starts. “It is in my blood, and it is our duty to continue the message of my Grandfather.” “Close,” his latest release, offers the first glimpse of what’s to come from the 28-year-old trailblazer as he introduces reggae to a new generation of fans. In 2020, his debut EP, Higher Place, secured two Grammy nominations, for Best R&B Song and Best Reggae Album — the 15th time the latter has been won by a Marley family member in over 40 years.

Moving forward, Skip Marley seems to be freeing himself from any boxes, looking more inward than outward as he builds his own legacy. “Close” is a dance-infused, chart-leaning track, with his own spin on the original hook from Maxi Priest’s dancefloor classic “Close to You.” “It’s modern, but it pays homage to Maxi Priest. I loved the idea of bringing this great song to the new generation.” The young Marley shares. “On one hand, I’m reminiscing about a girl. For me, there’s a bigger meaning too. The song hints that I’m back and about to begin another chapter.”

Sitting down with Wonderland, Skip Marley reflects on his musical calling, the power of heritage, and his mother’s influence on Close. Keep scrolling to read the full interview…

Listen to “Close”…

Skip Marley! Lovely to connect, thanks so much for chatting with us. How are you today? What have you been up to?

Thank you for taking the time. Feeling blessed as we get ready to release my new single “Close” into the world.

Going back to your early days, music—especially reggae—obviously runs in your blood. But talk us through your creative upbringing. When did you have your breakthrough and realize you wanted to pursue this career?

On stage with my uncle Steve when I was a young boy of 13, I had an epiphany, as clear as day, the music called to me and I have never looked back. Music has been the heart of my family for generations, it is in my blood, and it is our duty to continue the message of my Grandfather. Love and unity always.

Who are some of your biggest influences in the industry, and what’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned growing up surrounded by music and creativity?

My Mother, my Grandfather, my Family. My most valuable lesson is to lead with love and you will get it in return, you know? Be guided by the heart and with good intentions. Look after your people, Mother Earth, and the creativity and good energy will flow.

Massive congratulations on the release of your new single! We love the track. Could you tell us a bit about the song and the inspiration behind it?

Big up the legend Maxi Priest. My mother was the one who brought the idea of remaking the classic. We wanted to bring the essence of this classic song to a younger generation but with the Skip twist. I want it to make everyone feel good and connected. That’s what the world needs right now. We need to be closer.

If you were to describe this new chapter of your artistry, what would you call it? And why?

This is just a taste of what’s to come. I feel like in this time we need unity more than ever. So writing, producing, playing many instruments. Blending genres and being true to myself.

How do you reflect on your artistic evolution, and what has changed the most for you since you started? And since Higher Place?

I am blessed to have the career that I do and I will never take that for granted. And no matter what your job is in this world, we are all human, we all need to take care of our bodies and our soul, and we must be good to one another. The message of my grandfather still stands strong. It still stands true. I think the world is understanding this more as time goes on, we need to unite.

What are your expectations for the release, and what do you hope audiences will take from it?

I hope it reminds people to love, to dance, and feel connected. Spread a positive vibration.

This feels like a track poised for the big charts. How do you navigate the balance between creative freedom and industry expectations? What matters most to you today when putting a song out?

We don’t make it for the industry, we make it for the people and that’s what matters.

Any dream collaborations on the bucket list at the moment? 

Sade would be dope.

Moving forward, what’s next for you, and what excites you most about the future?

Working on a bigger project that I am very excited to share with you. More to come in 2025. More music, more live shows. For the people!