Music For A Better Tomorrow 

From Kingston, Jamaica, and specifically the August Town area, comes Duane Stephenson an artist whose experience teaches wisdom and reflects the needs of the community.  And one whose work exhibits the versatility of many of music's greatest artists, mixing lyrics that address social ills, romance and global issues with unique phrasing, potent hooks and melodic changes – all delivered in an extremely nimble tenor that wakes the soul.

His debut album, FROM AUGUST TOWN featured the hit tune, "August Town" which is still a sound-system and fan favorite.   Produced by reggae maestro and saxophonist Dean Fraser, Billboard said the release was one of the albums "collectively galvanizing a roots reggae revival."   Pitchfork.com cited the album as "undoubtedly a highlight of not just 2008, but perhaps the past few years."

Duane's second album, BLACK GOLD was released in September, 2010 on VP Records and features the singles, "Sufferer's Heights" and "Rescue Me” (a duet) with Gramps Morgan. "Rescue Me" has been riding the charts globally for several months. BLACK GOLD was nominated for an EME (Excellence in Music & Entertainment) ALBUM OF THE YEAR award.

Available now (on iTunes or Amazon.com) is the up-tempo, inspiring ballad, “Better Tomorrow” which was written with Jamaican mega-producer Handel Tucker whose hits include those for Maxi Priest, and Diana King. A soothing melody, soaring chord changes and lush vocal arrangements that echo African song structure combine with a forceful hook that reminds us "Better Days will come one day" with the punch line: "for the show is never done, til' the final songs been sung."

The “Better Tomorrow“ video is directed by Ras Kassa the Guru whose credits include acclaimed work with Damian Marley, Sean Paul & Richie Spice. The illustrative lyrical storytelling of Duane Stephenson provides fertile ground for Kassa who crafted scenes that illustrate the trials individuals face in life. WATCH VIDEO As it relates to the current conditions that people face globally Duane explains, "To me, 'Better Tomorrow' is relevant especially coming out of the year that we had last year, and this year hasn't started much better. If you tend to reflect on what is happening in Japan, New Zealand, the Middle East, all of these places, the last thing we need is somebody reminding us how bad things are. It is just another step in the healing process."

Sierra Nevada World Music Festival - June 17-19

Duane Stephenson is gearing up to play at the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, taking place June 17-19th in Boonville, CA. Along with such artists as Toots & The Maytals, Steel Pulse, and Ozomatli, Duane will take the stage for the 18th year of this fantastic summer solstice and world peace celebration. For full festival info, visit www.snwmf.com.

New Website

Check out the new duanestephensonmusic.com for music, photos, videos and interviews. If you choose to download the free song "Deception" that is offered on the home page, you can sign up to receive the Duane Stephenson newsletter and updates on Duane's runnings!

Black Gold T-Shirt Design - YOU Decide!

Duane Stephenson needs your help in deciding which T-Shirt design to use for the shirts he brings with him on the road! You DECIDE - Vote for your favorite Black Gold T Design! By Liking a design HERE you automatically get entered to win a shirt featuring the winning design! Remember to visit DuaneStephensonMusic.com for more exclusive contests, content, and more!

Duane Stephenson and the World Food Program

Duane Stephenson wrote the song "Step For Mankind" with the Wailers to benefit for the United Nations World Food Programme.  The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. This year alone the WFP will aim to reach 90 million people with food assistance in 70 countries. Many of the people who need food the most are hungry children. That's why WFP runs school meals programs all around the world. It takes just 25 cents to feed a child a nutritious meal at school - $50 could feed that child for a whole year. Join us by sharing food and changing lives.

We Feed Back is a social media type of donation system. As shown above, enter your favorite food and its estimated cost and then see its impact on the lives of the world’s hungry children.

Duane's network has fed nearly 6,000 kids since the launch of We Feedback this year!

Duane Stephenson is providing a weekly blog on the We Feedback site, check out the Feedback Blog HERE.

 Duane Stephenson: UPCOMING SHOWS

In addition to the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, Duane can be seen on tour with The Wailers through June 4th, visit DuaneStephensonMusic.com for a show near you!

Summer Festivals:

June 5, 2011 - Queens, New York

Reggae 4 Japan, Benefit Concert

York College Performing Arts Center

Tickets & More Info

July 1st, 2011 - Cologne, Germany

Summerjam Festival

Tickets & More Info

July 3rd, 2011 - Roskilde, Denmark

Roskilde Festival

Tickets & More Info

July 17th, 2011 - Dour, Belgium

Dour Festival

Tickets & More Info

July 21st, 2011 - Nyon, Switzerland

Paleo Festival

Tickets & More Info

For Duane Stephenson’s entire tour schedule, visit duanstephensonmusic.com/tour.

Our thanks to Reggae Festival Guide and all of the media houses and radio DJ's who support Duane Stephenson's music. To request an interview, drop or music as a member of the media, please email: zionboundmedia@gmail.com.

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