REGGAE singer Paul ‘October Reign’ Smith is set to launch his first solo album, Soapbox Empire: Generation, on Friday. According to the artiste, the 12-track album is the first in a trilogy and will take listeners on an eclectic musical journey.

The set features work with vocalist Nicki Burt and saxophonist Dean Fraser. “In the beginning, I looked at this album from a multi-spectrum viewpoint. I wanted to tell musical stories that had a focal point.

We view life as filled experiences, everyone and everything has their place and has their particular box. I created music from outside the box looking in.

I removed myself from this concept while creating an experience that listeners can readily tap into,” October Reign told Jamaica Observer.

The tracks are produced on the singer’s GPR3 label. The album showcases October Reign’s range and varied influences from the mento-inspired Jamaica Mi Come From to the jazzy ode to marijuana Weedom, and the smooth Legally.

October Reign said he has a global perspective on life and music. “Reggae is not just boxed into a genre. I see it as music for everyone, I see reggae outside of the box,” he said.

Not a newcomer to the industry, October Reign’s career spans more than two decades and he has performed alongside reggae heavyweights Buju Banton, Mystic Revealers, Tarrus Riley, Beres Hammond and Luciano.

Over the past 15 years, he has been playing keyboards, writing and backing vocals for reggae band Rootz Underground. In 2000, he recorded his first solo song, She’s Mine, which reached Top Ten popular festival song that year.

He was featured on Luciano’s album, Serious Times. It’s no wonder his peers believe that his debut album is long overdue. “October Reign is a very talented musician, he should have done this a long time ago,” said Dean Fraser.

—Richard Johnson