Cosmic Roots with Hector Roots Lewis

From the background to the foreground, Hector Roots Lewis’ evolution from drummer/background singer to lead singer for an established reggae band to solo artist is an ode to patience, dedication, and authentic artistic growth within the reggae music landscape. Born into a musical household with a mother who was herself a recording artist, Hector’s earliest memories involve being surrounded by music and performance. This formative environment shaped his understanding of music as both art and profession from a remarkably young age.

Hector’s formal musical education led him to the Edna Manley College of Visual and Performing Arts, provided a solid foundation with technical proficiency across multiple instruments, including drums, percussion, and vocal techniques. However, it was his entry into the world of touring that truly transformed his career trajectory. Beginning with Cherine Anderson in 2012 as a drummer, Hector soon found himself embarking on an extensive touring relationship with Chronixx’s Zinc Fence Band that would span over a decade and define much of his professional development.

What stands out in Hector’s narrative is how he managed to balance numerous musical responsibilities simultaneously. While maintaining his position with Chronixx, he played for numerous other prominent reggae artists including Christopher Martin, Romain Virgo, and “everybody you can think about,” as he put it. This versatility enabled him to build an extensive network within the reggae community while refining his skills as a professional musician. It wasn’t until around 2016 that Hector began to seriously consider songwriting, encouraged by Chronixx who pushed band members to expand their creative horizons beyond their instrumental roles.

The global pandemic of 2020 represented a pivotal moment in Hector’s artistic development. As the world paused, he found himself with time to reflect and create in a way that hadn’t been possible during his demanding touring schedule. Working with producer JLL, what began as casual songwriting sessions eventually evolved into his first EP D’Rootsman. This initial body of work laid the groundwork for what would later become his album “Cosmic Roots,” a collaboration with Johnny Cosmic that represents the next evolution of his sound.

Hector’s role as Carlton Barrett in the “Bob Marley: One Love” film new creative medium but also with deeper insights into Bob Marley’s revolutionary approach to music and business. Hector speaks reverently about how this experience inspired him to be more brave with his music and more open-minded about creative possibilities. Marley’s example of remaining purposeful despite personal challenges and external obstacles resonated deeply with Hector, influencing both his creative process and business approach.

The “Cosmic Roots” album itself represents a meaningful progression in Hector’s artistic expression. Unlike his previous EP, this album features his extensive instrumental contributions alongside his vocals. He played bass lines, drum tracks, and various other instrumental parts, showcasing his multi-faceted musical abilities. The collaboration with Johnny Cosmic brought a new sonic dimension to his work, helping to shape and arrange the songs in ways that enhance their storytelling capacity.

What makes “Cosmic Roots” particularly compelling is its intentional sequencing. The album moves from reflective, introspective tracks like “Peace of Mind” and “Strength” to more celebratory songs like “Fire” and “Sauna Beat,” mirroring Hector’s personal journey through challenging times toward moments of joy and celebration. The album’s structure purposefully echoes the flow of a traditional Jamaican dance party, starting with “early warm” selections before building to more energetic peaks.

Hector’s evolution from Roots Percussionist to Hector Roots Lewis illustrates a thoughtful approach to artistic identity. By maintaining “Roots” in his professional name, he acknowledges his foundational musical interests while allowing space for growth beyond percussion alone. This careful balance between honoring tradition and embracing evolution characterizes both his personal journey and his artistic output.