Reggae takes on rock with Paul Kastick’s ‘My Reggae Rocking Journey Vol 2’

Paul Kastick grew up in Montego Bay watching Whitesnake and Foreigner videos on early MTV while many Jamaican teenagers were focused on Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’.

That fascination with rock now shapes ‘My Reggae Rocking Journey Vol 2’, released on August 28. The album follows its predecessor, issued two years ago, with reggae versions of rock and pop songs. Kastick produced 16 of its 19 tracks and again handles lead vocals.

Three songs were co-produced with longtime collaborator Rudy Valentino: a Nyahbinghi version of U2’s ‘One’, Michael Kiwanuka’s ‘Love And Hate’ and the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ ‘I Could Have Lied’. The album also includes reggae interpretations of Foreigner’s ‘I Don’t Want to Live Without You’, Neil Diamond’s ‘Play That Song Again’, Lionel Richie’s ‘Wandering Stranger’ and Go West’s ‘Wishful Thinking’.

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The demographic is serious music lovers of all ages who appreciate reimagined interpretations of classic songs. It’s for listeners who take the time to listen to a whole song, not just the first minute or two, and can truly appreciate the creativity, musicianship, quality and production that goes into each track.

Kastick, known for work with Big Mountain, Maxi Priest, Diana King and Shaggy, said the project targets listeners who value carefully made music. “The demographic is serious music lovers of all ages who appreciate reimagined interpretations of classic songs. It’s for listeners who take the time to listen to a whole song, not just the first minute or two, and can truly appreciate the creativity, musicianship, quality and production that goes into each track,” he said.

Kastick made his vocal debut three years ago with a cover of Steely Dan’s ‘Night By Night’. His first volume included versions of Whitesnake’s ‘Here I Go Again’ and Poison’s ‘Every Rose Has Its Thorn’. He said producing his own vocals has helped him improve, particularly since moving his studio to Jamaica. Kastick began his career in Montego Bay hotels and moved to Kingston in the late 1980s to play with the 809 Band.

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I’ve improved vocally, because I’ve been able to really listen and critique myself when producing my vocals. Since moving my studio to Jamaica, I’ve had more time to work on vocals without thinking of time and studio costs.