Tarrus Riley has revealed that one of reggae’s most celebrated love songs, ‘She’s Royal’, was written and recorded in remarkably quick fashion, offering fans a fresh perspective on the creative process behind his landmark album Parables. Speaking alongside veteran musician and producer Dean Fraser in an anniversary interview with Reggae Interviews, Riley revisited the early recording sessions, financial challenges and unexpected moments that shaped the 2006 project. Among the revelations was how quickly ‘She’s Royal’ came together, with the singer explaining that he wrote the song and recorded it during the same session as ‘Something Strong’. The conversation comes as Parables celebrates its 20th anniversary, with Riley preparing to take his celebrated catalogue to New Jersey, where he will share the stage with dancehall icon Capleton at the RoadBlock Radio Concert Series on Friday, November 27.
Reflecting on the song’s creation, Riley explained that he was developing the idea for a love song with a roots-reggae perspective when the inspiration struck. Fraser recalled Riley contacting him with considerable excitement about the concept, prompting them to arrange a studio session. What followed was a remarkably productive recording experience, with Riley also making his first attempt at recording his own harmony parts. The story offers another glimpse into the creative chemistry between the two musicians, whose partnership played a significant role in shaping Riley’s musical identity.
However, the journey towards Parables was far from straightforward. Riley and Fraser revealed that their earlier Challenges project provided the foundation for what would become the celebrated album. Financial limitations meant recording sessions were often interrupted, with the pair gradually building the collection as resources became available. Fraser also recalled recognising something distinctive in Riley’s voice during his early days, even devising a way to get the initially reluctant young artiste into the recording studio. Their collaboration eventually produced songs including ‘Stay With You’, ‘System Set’, ‘Beware’, ‘Lion Paw’ and ‘She’s Royal’. Riley also shared the personal inspiration behind some of the material, including a song influenced by his experiences as a new father. The interview, recorded at Wax and Cannon studio in Kingston, Jamaica, provides a fascinating account of the people, circumstances and creative decisions behind an album that helped establish his international reputation.
Two decades after its release on October 31, 2006, the legacy of Parables continues to feature prominently in Riley’s musical journey. He will next bring that catalogue to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark, where he is billed alongside Capleton for the RoadBlock Radio Concert Series. Presented by RoadBlockRadio.com, RoadBlock Radio 101.1FM•HD3 and CCB INT’L, the Thanksgiving-weekend concert begins at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. Tickets start at US$65 and are available through the NJPAC Box Office and Ticketmaster. For Riley, the upcoming appearance offers another opportunity to connect with audiences through the songs and musical experiences that have defined his career, while sharing the stage with one of dancehall’s most commanding performers.
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