Reggae act Chronixx is the first to tell you how much of a learning experience this past year has been.

Over the past year the dreadlocked singer, who turned 25 three days ago, released his debut album Chronology, was the face of an Adidas sneaker line, and toured extensively promoting his music.

When Splash caught up with the artiste two days ago in Vancouver, Canada, he was preparing for the 17th stop in a fall tour with hip hop notables Lauryn Hill and Nas.

“It is just amazing to watch these guys on stage every night. Lauryn Hill is a musical genius and Nas is the maestro. Lauryn is so unique, I have never heard another voice like hers. She is so in tune with her creativity that she knows exactly which note to take, how loud, and if she needs to she can flip a song at any time and what you hear is amazing. And the same goes for Nas,” he explained.

“I am having such a beautiful time watching these artistes who are much more experienced that I am and see how they put in the work and reap the benefits. It helps me realise that at all times you have to put in the work…. and that’s so important because you sometimes think you are at a certain place so there’s no need to work, but when you see these performances you realise its all about the work,” he continued.

Chronixx added that the work ethic, professionalism and creativity of the musicians accompanying Hill and Nas has also had a positive influence on his own band Zinc Fence Redemption, and he noted that it results in a “good situation”.

He is using this tour to promote Chronology which he dropped in July.

Again, he described the process of writing, recording, releasing and promoting the project as a “life-changing, career-turning” experience.

“Chronology has been such a great experience. The whole process has made me into a better artiste. Being able to observe the process from the inside, building a network and understanding all sides of the industry, has really allowed me to grow. This project has opened so many doors and has truly made me a more solid artiste.”

For many, Chronology was not the runaway album they expected it to be. It topped the Billboard Reggae charts but failed to rack up the sales many had expected from Chronixx, who is seen as the front-runner of the reggae revival movement which encompasses other acts such as Kabaka Pyramid, Jesse Royal, Jah9, Protoje, Kelissa, Keznamdi, and Dre Island.

But Chronixx is not deterred.

“Sales is always a good way of gauging the strength of your work, but especially in these times, you have to realise that people consume music in different ways. It’s therefore up to the artiste to ensure that he is impactful and knows how to strengthen his brand so he can reach the people and not just rely on the stats and figures,” he explained.

Chronixx and his team are set to bring his musical experience to the wider Caribbean — Smile Guyana on Saturday, November 18; Trinidad on Friday, November 24; and Grenada on Saturday, November 25. He comes home in December for the continuation of the Capture Land Tour, with shows at the Mas Camp in St Andrew and Pier 1 in Montego Bay on December 1 and 2 respectively.

“I look forward to being with my people. It’s like muscle memory. I will deliver the Chronology experience and allow the people to feel where the music has gone by delivering some of my favourites, including older tracks in a more spiritual vibe, and just give my best possible performance.