A s someone got into music seriously during dancehall’s digital age of the 1980s, keyboardist Steven “Lenky” Marsden has always looked to expand the genre’s boundaries. He continues that trend with Self Taught , his second album which was released in August by his Diwali Records.

Diwali is the name of Marsden’s exotic rhythm which spawned a handful of hit songs in 2002, including Sean Paul’s Get Busy, No Letting Go (Wayne Wonder) and Sufferer (Bounty Killer).

Get Busy went to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart in 2003.

The Jamaica Observer‘s Howard Campbell spoke to Steven “Lenky” Marsden recently about his career, the state of dancehall and his vision for Jamaican pop music.

Howard Campbell: What drives you to keep making edgy music?

Steven Marsden: I play what I feel. I don’t try to go out of my way to be edgy. I love dancehall and reggae music but my success has come being true to my interpretation of the music. I’m proud that the music I put out is embraced by others and it will continue to change and evolve just as I do.

HC: In the 1990s and early 2000s, a lot of producers in Jamaica like yourself were riding the US pop charts. What changed?

SM: In that era, you had artistes like Shabba Ranks, Sly and Robbie, Shaggy and Maxi Priest. They kicked open the doors and kept dancehall alive in the charts. The greats before them like Bob Marley broke down the walls for all of us. Charting is a tricky thing; in my opinion it is a matter of timing, it’s also a measure of popularity not only talent. Many talented musicians and artistes have never charted in the US but their music is of a really high standard. Dancehall and reggae music being showcased in movies and ‘collabs’ with mainstream US artistes gave us a leg-up at that time and an opportunity to shine. We need to work our way back to that. It’s difficult right now because violence and sexually explicit lyrics will not get showcased and that dominates dancehall right now, so the music will not get the same opportunity as before because the US market is really sensitive to that kind of content in all genres. Also, reggae and dancehall like Latin music gets a ‘run’ then dies down as US-based music and artistes will always get pushed ahead in their own country, but we always return and we will again.

HC: What is the focus of this album and have you matured since the Diwali?

SM: Maturity is evident in my producing. I can go into the studio and produce a variety of music styles comfortably. My music style though, has evolved. I continue touring, I’m exposed to new environments and sounds and it is reflected in the music I make. My level of discipline in practising my craft has only got stronger so I’m sure my technique has improved. I love the Diwali rhythm like I love all my music and it is the love of music that has produced Self Taught. My main focus on this album is to give people something they haven’t had before and to expand their mind in what they can expect from me. There is so much more to come.

HC: How do you keep in touch with changing music trends?

SM: Trends have never been my concern. I listen to what is trending but I put out music I love. If it isn’t aligned with the current trend then I guess I have to try to make my own trend.

HC: What artistes excite you these days?

SM: Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Rihanna and Chronixx are just a few of the artistes on my playlist, but I don’t limit myself. I listen to old and new popular songs and even decades-old instrumentals and classics. Music excites me, full stop.