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Veteran reggae crooner Norman Espeut is serving up good vibes and even better life advice with his uplifting new single,\u00a0Stress Free<\/em>\u00a0\u2014 a breezy, feel-good anthem that\u2019s all about protecting your peace and living your best life.<\/p>\n \u201cThe concept came from me thinking about what meaningful contribution I could make through my music to the all-important issue of good health,\u201d Espeut shared.<\/p>\n And the reggae legend is practising exactly what he preaches.<\/p>\n These days, the former Kotch frontman says he\u2019s steering clear of habits that can wreak havoc on the body and mind, including excessive drinking and second-hand smoke, while embracing a more balanced lifestyle.<\/p>\n \u201cMy research has shown me that most ailments are often stress-related, hence the aim for a long, healthy life is to be\u00a0Stress Free<\/em>,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n The infectious new track was recorded at Sonic Sounds Studio, owned by former drummer Steve Lee, with Espeut handling writing and production duties alongside celebrated keyboard maestro Herbie Harris.<\/p>\n For reggae lovers, Espeut needs little introduction. The singer remains one of the most beloved voices in Jamaican music history thanks to his unforgettable run with Kotch, the reggae outfit that lit up charts in the early \u201980s with the smash hit\u00a0Jean.<\/p>\n More than four decades later, the song still has fans swooning.<\/p>\n \u201cTo date, everywhere I go, fans speak to that endearing love for Jean, which is a song that I wrote,\u201d Espeut said proudly.<\/p>\n Kotch also found international success with silky reggae renditions of the Force MDs\u2019\u00a0Tears<\/em>\u00a0and Smokey Robinson\u2019s\u00a0Cruising<\/em>, helping cement the group\u2019s status as one of reggae\u2019s smoothest acts.<\/p>\n \u201cAnother big song for Kotch was the cover of\u00a0Tears<\/em>, which in fact was the song chosen by the late great Sly Dunbar,\u201d Espeut recalled. \u201cTears\u00a0<\/em>is also a strong fan favourite, but nothing compares with the enduring love of Jean.\u201d<\/p>\n Now flying solo, Espeut says the response to\u00a0Stress Free<\/em>\u00a0has been overwhelmingly positive, with streaming numbers steadily climbing and a music video already in the works.<\/p>\n \u201cThe feedback on the single has been excellent! The song is streaming well and I will be shooting a music video as well to boost the promotion,\u201d he revealed.<\/p>\n And for longtime fans still dreaming of seeing Kotch reunite? Espeut says never say never.<\/p>\n \u201cA Kotch reunion is a definite possibility,\u201d he teased. \u201cI have been around long enough to know that you should never say never.\u201d<\/p>\n While the group may no longer function as a unit, Espeut says the members have remained close throughout the years, maintaining what he describes as a \u201cgood family relationship\u201d.<\/p>\n Family, in fact, sits at the centre of Espeut\u2019s world these days.<\/p>\n The reggae veteran beams when talking about his children, revealing that fatherhood remains one of his proudest accomplishments.<\/p>\n \u201cI pride myself on having a great relationship with my kids. We converse a lot, do family holidays \u2014 the full 100,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n With\u00a0Stress Free<\/em>, Espeut isn\u2019t just making music \u2014 he\u2019s delivering a soulful reminder that peace of mind may just be the ultimate luxury.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n