Fans worldwide identify Bob Marley with roots, rock, reggae. Hymn Marley, his grandson and son of Stephen Marley, has a different approach to music.

“I prefer my music based on my mood. At the time of writing the song I was in a melancholy vibe, so I wanted the sound to match what I was feeling. I didn’t want the message to get lost in the noise so I kept it really simple,” he said.

“The song” is Since You’ve Been Gone, an acoustic ballad he co-produced for his HYMNtertainment label. It is distributed by the Marley-owned Tuff Gong International.

Since You’ve Been Gone is the lead song from an EP Hymn plans to release late this year. In a recent interview with the Jamaica Observer, Marley did not disclose its direction but hinted the content will be “definitely unexpected”.

The 26-year-old singer was born Stephan Robert Nesta Marley. He made his recording debut two years ago with Bad Without You, a pop ballad produced by Ghetto Youths International, another Marley company.

As for Bob Marley, who died 38 years ago today, he said:

“I’m very aware of my grandfather’s legacy. He kept it to the point and easy enough for a child to understand. One Love.”

Hymn added that he has no favourite Marley song or album. Again, it all depends on his mood.

“I do listen to his music a lot. Right now I have War on repeat,” he said.