Article Courtesy: Overtime Media
Since the release and subsequent success of the “Bob Marley: One Love” movie in the United States by Paramount Pictures on February 14, 2024, reggae and dancehall music have enjoyed renewed and revolutionary interest from the mainstream media and music markets of the world. The One Love movie received mixed reviews from critics and grossed $180 million worldwide, thus showcasing the power of the genre and the spending power of its now global following, inclusive of, but not limited to the Caribbean Diaspora.
Now as we approach the end of 2024, the world is about to witness the rise of a phenomenal new voice as Kingston, Jamaica native Mortimer released his debut album From Within last week on September 20, 2024. This highly anticipated album, distributed by Overstand Entertainment and Easy Star Records, is a genuinely poignant collection that stands at the intersection of tradition and innovation, blending classic reggae with R&B, ’80s pop, and more.
Mortimer’s voice—a rich tapestry of raspy alto and silky falsetto—is complemented by the fresh contemporary reggae rhythms crafted by the acclaimed Winta James, a GRAMMY-nominated stalwart in the reggae scene. Mortimer also expanded his growth as an artist, co-producing nearly half of the album with James and the pair’s previous collaborations, including the celebrated EP Fight The Fight and the hit single “Lightning” (raking in 25M+ YouTube views and counting), have laid the groundwork for this compelling body of work.
With a background that once leaned towards becoming a soldier or an auto engineer, Mortimer has quickly transformed into a musical force, captivating audiences with his lyrical depth and soulful melodies. From Within is a heartfelt exploration of love, self-discovery, and the duality of human experience, echoing the struggles and triumphs we all face.
The From Within album is packed with powerhouse collaborations, including the newly released track “Bruises,” featuring 2023 GRAMMY-winner, Kabaka Pyramid and rising star Lila Iké. This track beautifully conveys a shared message of resilience and equality, embodying the spirit of modern reggae. Moreover, the album kicks off with a stirring opening track featuring GRAMMY-winning legend, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, further solidifying Mortimer’s impact and respect in the music sphere and connecting with the aforementioned Marley legacy at a time when it’s prominence is at a noteworthy peak in the mainstream.
Lyrically, From Within delves into deep themes of love and personal struggle. Mortimer’s track with Marley entitled “In My Time” tackles societal disillusionment, while “Changes” embraces the inevitable growth that comes with life’s challenges. Songs such as “Not A Day Goes By” and “Whole Heap” spotlight the hidden battles many face, highlighting Mortimer’s talent for turning personal experiences into universal truths.
“I wanted to just get everything off my chest. Emotions I’ve been trying my best to process over the years. Still with a sense of gratitude for being alive, thus being able to give myself opportunity,” Mortimer says about the LP.
Having recently earned the Impact Award (Reggae) and a nomination for Best New Artist (Reggae) at the 2024 Caribbean Music Awards, Mortimer is also being hailed by Billboard, GRAMMY.com and Okayplayer as a pivotal figure in contemporary reggae and graced the covers of Echoes magazine in the UK, Germany’s Reggaeville Festiville 2024 guide and Jamaica Observer’s Entertainment section.
“From Within is not just an album; it’s an invitation to experience the depths of the human spirit.” Said a release from his Publicist. “As Mortimer takes the world stage, this debut promises to resonate with listeners far and wide.”
In addition to the digital album, collectors and reggae aficionados alike can also secure a limited-edition colored vinyl, featuring exclusive dubs and a bespoke shirt design available at orcd.co/mortimerfromwithin .
Here are some mainstream reviews of the project: “…poignant vulnerability… an honesty that lingers with listeners…it’s this type of sincerity that grounds the Jamaican reggae artist’s debut album, From Within.”
– OkayPlayer, Geo Hagan“ one of contemporary reggae’s guiding lights…keeping the tradition of speaking truth to power while injecting a distinctly modern, almost hip-hop-inflected groove to its reggae foundation…a wholly dynamic listen that balances the hurt and hope”
– Billboard, Kyle Denis “Artists Shaping Contemporary Reggae…Mortimer’s raw, confessional lyrics demonstrate his courageousness as an artist”
– GRAMMY.com, Pat Meschino“Mortimer’s talent is undeniable, and the way he calmly counters the dominant image of aggressive masculinity is awe-inspiring indeed.”
– Reggaeville Festival 2024, Gardy Stein “To describe Mortimer’s current album From Within as having been eagerly awaited is an understatement, and it more than lives up to expectation..a uniquely personal testimony, delivered in that now familiar, near whisper of a voice over rhythms that embody all that’s best and most intriguing about reggae music of today.”
– Echoes UK, John Masouri
