[gtranslate]
Music

Tusi unpacks the 5 groundbreaking artists who inspired his new single

Artist and rapper Tusi delves into the musical mood board behind his new single Show the World.

Bursting with the positive vibrations that made reggae famous, Tusi’s new song is a sweltering melody of pure infectiousness. In his own words, he annotates his five biggest influences from Marley to 2Pac, and even teases some new tunes.

“All of these artists and songs gave me some great ideas in which Show the World would be created, but also future songs leading into the new year,” the artist writes.

Tusi

Bob Marley – Legend

When you think of reggae as a genre, you would no doubt mention Bob Marley. I would say for my writing style and topics, I would be strongly influenced by Uncle Bob himself. Growing up with Bob Marley in family households really gave me that love of reggae and freedom of speech in music. This album here would be a compilation of all the greatest hits and anthems of any Bob Marley lover or a Bob Marley first time listener. I cannot go without jamming to this album with family and friends.

Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons – The Very Best of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons 

Now, even though they don’t relate to reggae music as much, I would always say that Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons are the reason for my love of harmonies and four-part vocal stylings. The fact that a style like this can influence a young Tusi really helped me to craft my very own one-man quartet style. This album is, once again, a compilation of the greatest songs recorded by Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons: I have heard this album so many times that it never gets old as grow. Loving all the tracks on this album and I have no doubt that their style will help me go towards bigger and better things in the future.

UB40 – Greatest Hits 

Just an all-round vibe with this one. If you haven’t heard at least one song off this album, then you are missing out on some good music. I truly love the sounds that UB40 bring and they definitely have the awesome combo of reggae, pop, and R&B. UB40 have that groove that you can’t deny and Show the World was influenced by that groovy bass movement heard in a ton of UB40 songs. So, I can’t go without saying UB40 made their mark on my structuring and listening experiences.

,

2Pac – Me Against the World

When it comes to hip-hop, I enjoy everything. Every artist has a story to tell and every artist leaves a big impression. I felt that when listening to 2Pac. Now, growing up, I never had the chance to listen to rap but my older brother would introduce me to the world of R&B and hip-hop. This album told the story of the struggles of an individual but keeping your head up above the clouds when push comes to shove. 2Pac’s writing ability and storytelling definitely helped my writing process and hip-hop melodies, I try to incorporate hip-hop in all of my songs and Show the World is no exception.

Local Music

I also give a ton of credit to the independent artists out there doing reggae. I listen to a lot of New Zealand artists, Pacific Islander artists, and even purchase CDs at local markets. Music never had to be mainstream for me to enjoy it, so I was brought up listening to music that never saw fame and fortune but told the stories of the struggle or finding that irresistible love. Family gatherings would always jam out to the smooth sounds or get on the guitar and play the songs we grew up on, those type of vibes definitely made me the artist I am today. Make sure to check out Lukie D, Sons of Zion, Fiji, Common Kings, and Ardijah.

Check out Tusi’s flavourful track below: