Reggae Rock News

For Immediate Release:
May 25, 2023

JESSE ROYAL RETURNS TO BRING “HOPE” WITH ROMAIN VIRGO 

New Single Out May 25 via Easy Star Records  

U.S. Tour Kicks off This Weekend 

Following his nomination for a GRAMMY with his last full album (2021’s ROYAL), Jesse Royal returns with this powerful, rousing track speaking about ways to fight for justice, uplift his community, and move forward. This is the first new song from Jesse (besides features on other artists’ tunes) since ROYAL and begins his next cycle of releases, which will culminate in a new EP later this year. He is joined on “Hope” by superstar Romain Virgo, whose 2015 reggae version of Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me” topped the charts in numerous Caribbean countries, and whose 2018 album, Lovesick, hit number one on the Billboard reggae chart. The combination of both singers over a propulsive track produced by Sean Alaric provides one of the most powerful singles you will hear this year.

Stream Jesse Royal “Hope” feat. Romain Virgo: 
moremusic.at/Hope

“My thing is that we are blessed in excess as a little nation [Jamaica] that has caused a huge impact on the world, from music to culture to respecting the herb,” explains Jesse about his thinking behind the track. “This song is just a reminder that we don’t need too much government interference – we just need ‘hope.’ The opportunity to think big and dream big, because it’s necessary on a broader scale for the world. A confident Jamaica to me means a happier world.”

Since his GRAMMY-nomination, Royal has stayed busy on many fronts while working on new music all along: he is an ambassador for Digicel in Jamaica, regularly doing community outreach for the company; he appeared on Protoje’s single “Family,” as well as on songs with Zac Jone$, Konshens, and Kabaka Pyramid’s GRAMMY-winning album The Kalling. Meanwhile, Jesse has continued building up his touring, especially within the US, where he did very successful shows in 2022 with Protoje and Lila Ike, as well as appearances at major festivals like California Roots, Cali Vibes, and Reggae Rise Up.

In fact, this single arrives just as Jesse is embarking some early summer touring, including his own headlining shows in New York City, Chicago, Burlington (VT), and others; festival appearances at Cali Roots and Dry Diggings, and supporting Stephen Marley on four shows. He is also playing Wolf Trap outside of Washington DC with Protoje, SOJA, and special guest J Boog.

So, get ready for Jesse Royal coming at you in 2023, bringing plenty of “Hope” with him.

Tour Dates:

MAY 27 @ California Roots Festival 2023 in Monterey, CA
JUN 02 @ Do Division 2023 in Chicago, IL
JUN 05 @ Ocean Mist in South Kingstown, RI
JUN 07 @ Higher Ground in South Burlington, VT
JUN 08 @ Bernie’s Beach Bar in Hampton Beach, NH
JUN 10 @ Wolf Trap in Vienna, VA w/ Soja and Protoje 
JUN 11 @ SOB’s in New York City, NY
JUL 08 @ The Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa, CA
JUL 26 @ Cape Cod Melody Tent in Hyannis, MA
JUL 26 @ Cape Cod Melody Tent in Hyannis, MA *
JUL 27 @ Indian Ranch in Webster, MA *
JUL 28 @ South Shore Music Circus in Cohasset, MA *
JUL 29 @ The Clubhouse in East Hampton, NY *
JUL 30 @ Brooklyn Steel in Brooklyn, NY *
AUG 25 @ Dry Diggings Festival in Auburn, CA

* w/ Stephen Marley 

Jesse Royal’s Critical Praise on Royal Album

Whether he “dismantles Rastafarian stereotypes” (Billboard) on “Natty Pablo,” reaffirms African excellence with rapid-fire rhymes on “Black” or “contemplates the true meaning of wealth outside of material goods” (The Fader) on “Rich Forever” feat. Vybz Kartel,  the lyrics on Royal run deep. New York Times proclaims to “play loud” and chose the latter song as “music to cook to.” 

“Most people think of reggae as a vehicle to address social ills, but the genre has internal power, too. Case in point: Jesse Royal’s new album ‘Royal,’ which is as much a long talk to himself as a message to the world.” 
– Grammy

“Undeniably, he is one of the most potent voices in reggae that this generation has to offer…no conversation can be had with the mention of him and all that he does for his community” 
–  Notion

“Royal offers up razor-sharp grooves, glistening atmosphere, triumphant horns, and an arsenal of catchy hooks…Jesse pulls obvious influence from the roots era, but he also incorporates hip hop, electronic music, and other modern sounds. It blurs the line between retro and futuristic, and it’s an instantly-satisfying album that just hits harder with each listen.”  
–  Brooklyn Vegan

“One of reggae’s most crucial contemporary voices honors the genre’s traditions while modernizing its sound, pulling in elements of dancehall, hip-hop, Afrobeats, and soul…an album built on honesty, as Jesse Royal opens up about family and friends, black excellence, political corruption, and more.” 
–  DJ Booth/Audiomack