Reggae singer and guitar-player, Robert Sutherland, had absolutely no idea that his lament in song about “hard times” would end up bringing him such great news.

Sutherland, who is based in Philadelphia, where he keeps the reggae flame burning brightly, is almost bursting with excitement at the success of the single, Times So Hard. The song has gained quite a lot of recognition, not only in the US, but also in Jamaica and as far away as Australia.

Times So Hard, on the Nijeri Records label, climbed to the pinnacle of the Jamdown Vershun Top 10 Reggae Chart in Australia for the week of June 4. Other artistes who complete the Top 10 include Tarrus Riley, Stephen & Damian Marley ft Buju, Queen Ifrica, Tony Rebel, Romain Virgo, Prophecy, Etana, Hezron and Danglin.

Incidentally, Jamdown Vershun is Australia’s longest running reggae radio show. It has been playing reggae and dancehall music since 1979, when it was started by General Justice.
In Jamaica, Times So Hard is currently # 6 on the Jamaica Music Countdown Top 25 Reggae Singles Chart, which it entered eight weeks ago.

Sutherland, who has played guitar in bands such as Ruption and Calvin Christie, and The Overdrive, is more than appreciative of this positive feedback, and declares that this is an important milestone in his career.

“I can’t find words to express how I feel,” the artiste who is never at a loss for words stated.

“When I was in the studio recording this song, I knew that it had the potential to do well, but as we know, there are a lot of songs that have potential but unfortunately fall by the wayside. Times So Hard is a song for these times and perhaps that why it has found such a responsive chord in listeners. Whatever it is, I give thanks and will continue to play my part in keeping this music of ours positive,” Sutherland added.

The video for Times So Hard was recently shot in Jamaica and the storyboard complements the song perfectly.