by Mell P
On February 17, reggae icon Tarrus Riley traded the concert stage for a living room-style conversation at Coffee Uplifts People in Brooklyn, as part of the Pass The Aux Living Room Experience series hosted by Ronnie Tomlinson of Destine Media.
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Moderated by Chris Williams of WhereItzAt, the evening offered fans and music lovers a rare glimpse into the mind of the artist behind timeless hits like “She’s Royal” and “Parables.” Riley spoke candidly about his creative process, his belief in Ubuntu, the African philosophy of “I am because we are”, and why humility remains central to his artistry despite his larger-than-life presence on stage.
“Every song starts with emotion,” Riley shared. “Energy that moves you.” He described his approach as deeply collaborative, often testing new music with trusted friends and making corrections before releasing it to the world. As a self-described overthinker, Riley emphasized that the true heart of his music is passion and message, he means every word he sings.
When asked about “She’s Royal,” the 2006 cultural love song that remains a staple in Caribbean households worldwide, Riley called it “a meditation, a cultural love song” built on values that transcend time. “Same values…that’s why the song lasts 20 years later. It still feels relevant.”
Riley also spotlighted “Pick Up the Pieces” (2006) as a hidden gem in his catalog, a deeply personal track about rebuilding and healing that showcases his vulnerability as an artist.
The evening, attended by a packed room of fans, artists, and community members, felt less like an interview and more like passing the aux among friends, a testament to the intimate, culturally rich spaces Destine Media has designed in Brooklyn.
