From
Billboard Magazine to The Howard Stern Show, the past year
has
been one of massive exposure for Matthew Miller, a.k.a. Matisyahu.
Awkwardly billed as “Hasidic hip-hop” in many
publications – even though his music would most appeal
to fans of dub and reggae – Matisyahu received his big
break in the latter half of 2004 on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel
Live. Part of the show’s gimmick-oriented Future Talent
Showcase, the vocalist and band were featured in a brief slot
late in the show, only to return several months later as the
program’s musical guest. Several months later Epic Records
announced that Matisyahu as a new addition to their roster.
To hold fans over in the meantime, Matisyahu has a full-length
live release,
Live
At Stubb’s. Those who couldn’t
make it down to see Matis alongside Luciano, The Marley Brothers,
and Buju Banton at the 8th Annual Reggae Carifest or as a
headliner at Webster Hall in recent months can find information
on upcoming shows at www.hasidicreggae.com.
Cityzen: What
do you wish more people knew about you?
Matisyahu:
Good opening question. Mainly that I'm very serious about
my religious/spiritual life and my music, but that I also
have a sense of humor.
CZ: Have you
heard any rumors about yourself that are entirely ridiculous
and
off-base? Anything you wish would go away?
M:
Not really, but I try not to pay attention to what people
say unless they are fans.
CZ: What was
it that made you want to become a touring musician?
M:
When I was following Phish at age seventeen, I had this thought
that it would be so much cooler if I was on stage rather than
in the parking lot.
CZ:
Your "big break" seems to have been your first appearance
on the Future Talent Showcase of Jimmy Kimmel Live, a clip
of which circulated around the Internet. Did you have any
reluctance towards initially appearing as a novelty-style
act?
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M:
Well, it's not a novelty, and it's never been a novelty.
My manager told the producers at Kimmel that I wouldn't
go on the show unless I could perform. Jimmy is a really
funny guy, but he's also a fan, and he was cool with
that. He and his awesome staff were really respectful.
I went back on the show the day before Live At Stubb's
came out in April, and Jimmy actually echoed that on-air.
Hopefully that will make it to the Internet too.
CZ:
How would you describe Live At Stubb's to someone who
hasn't yet heard it?
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M:
It's a clear picture of our sound, our personalities, and
our unique influences: hip-hop, reggae, psych-rock, and traditional
Hasidic melodies. I also feel that it's American music with
roots, but that's for a whole different question.
CZ: You performed
at this year’s Reggae Carifest on Randall's Island.
What's to be expected from one of your performances?
M:
A slammin' show and a spiritual experience that sends you
soaring and keeps you grounded at the same time.
CZ: Few artists
are able to perform at a reggae festival yet also on network
television or at a rock club. To what do you attribute your
widespread appeal?
M:
Music that comes from the heart enters the heart, and
beyond our genre-crossing, we, as a band, are always
aiming for sincerity and an uplifting experience. I'm
appreciative that lots of different "types"
of fans feel that, ‘cause we're not about what
you wear or what else is in your CD collection.
CZ:
Word is that you'll be entering the studio with P.O.D.
Since inking a deal with Epic, have other collaborative
offers since come to the table?
M:
I can't speak about other collaborative offers at the
moment, but the P.O.D. thing and the Epic thing were
totally separate. I'm honored to say that P.O.D. actually
approached me. Their record is going to be so dope,
and I'm not just saying that because I'm on it -- they
rock and they're good people.
CZ:
When should we be looking for a studio album from you?
M:
If all goes well, this fall. We're recording right now
between Bonnaroo... and a few other shows and festivals.
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CZ: Finally,
any last words for the kids?
M:
Mosiach.
Now -- look it up. |
