With the single currently in heavy rotation across local and international airwaves, Jamaican Singer and Songwriter Tarrus Riley launched the music video for the second official track off his new album Contagious titled Living The Life Of A Gun this month.

Teaming up with director Gareth ‘The Truth’ Cobran, the video creatively explores Riley’s crucial anti-arms message and addresses prevalent social issues.

“This video just like the song has a completely different feel and theme from anything else I have ever done…” says Riley. “The track address the negative role of guns in our society today and in the video we were able to present that message metaphorically so to speak. There are no physical guns represented in the video, no shootout, nothing like that but still the message is profound and impactful.”

And since the premier the video has already earned the artiste and similarly the director lot of buzz and praise.

“People like the song because of the message and will further appreciate the video because of the look and treatment” says Riley.

Shot at Rebel T headquarters, the video follows on the song’s juxtaposition of Tarrus’ name to that of the similarly titled automatic weapon — ‘the Taurus’ — and sees the artiste playing dual, but contrasting roles in the on-screen adaptation, that is, Tarrus, the peacemaker versus Tarrus, the aggressor.

“I enjoyed playing opposite characters in the video. It gave me a chance to show my audience a different side… a different and more serious Tarrus and show off some of my acting skills…” Riley chuckles. “My favourite scene is actually where both characters meet up at the Peace dance and ‘stare off’, as well as when they both perform on the stage. It was kinda funny to see me looking at and performing with myself.”

In addition to Tarrus’ impressive ‘double take’, the video features cameos from dancehall pioneers including Joe Lickshot ,who does the introduction for the track, Josey Wales, U Roy, reggae legends Dean Fraser, Sly Dumbar and Father Jimmy Riley among other stars.

With a new video in rotation locally and making rounds on international playlists, Riley now prepares to burn the beacon even brighter for Jamaican music as he takes off yet again on tour with scheduled stops in prime reggae markets such as Europe, UK and the US.

His second major tour since launching his album Contagious in late 2009, the Contagious tour will run from the end of January until the end of February and Riley, a consummate performer is prepared to deliver great music.

“I’m looking forward to the upcoming tour. It’s a chance to meet and greet the fans as well as give them an opportunity to absorb some good and positive music…”says Riley, “Each performance brings something new to the table and we aim to entertain as well as deliver positivity through our sound and lyrics. Our music is truly ‘healing music’ and the material is great, both the older tunes as well as the brand new tracks from the ‘Contagious’ album.”

Truly a prolific artiste, Riley is currently being heralded for his talent, passion and originality earning nominations for seven categories including Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year, Cultural Artiste of the Year among others in the upcoming Excellence in Music and Entertainment (EME) awards scheduled for this Saturday.