After tackling children's music with 2009's acclaimed and Grammy-winning Family Time, thoroughly blunted reggae star Ziggy Marley (yup, the late Bob’s kid) returns to his regularly scheduled career by releasing Wild and Free. Just in time for summer, the disc - co-produced by Marley and Don Was and featuring Rolling Stones bassist Darryl Johnson, actor Woody Harrelson and rapper Heavy D - drops June 14.
But that ain’t all. Oh no. In addition to the new disc, Marley has also conceived of a new super-hero, the fabulously named Marijuanaman, who debuted in the musician’s recently released titular graphic novel.
"It's entertainment," Marley says, "but I don't want this to be a novelty. This is a very deep character with issues to solve in this world. The story's not about getting high and the munchies and all of that; the story's about utilizing the plant in all its properties. I don't think people understand how much good it can do."
Oh we understand, Ziggy, trust us on that one. As for the new album, a variety of themes are paramount, including "changes and revolution" both globally and personally. "Social revolutions and group revolutions are good and we need that," Marley says through his publicist, "but we also need personal revolution, revolution within ourselves that change who we are as people."
Expect the bulk of touring to happen in 2012. "I don't think I'm going to get enough time this year to really explore this album live," Marley notes, "so I'm looking for next year for it to be really about this album."
A performamce of Wild and Free's first single, "Forward to Love," appears below.
