Reggae artist Mishka heading to Taunton
By Jeffrey D. Wagner Taunton Daily Gazette
Taunton — On first appearance, the Caribbean-based Mishka appears to be the stereotypical laid-back reggae artist.
But one conversation with this 1960s-influenced artist will prove that an introspective, socially conscious young man brews beneath the surface of his beard, acoustic guitar and trademark cap. His music packs a punch, with strong messages that will make an audience think deeply and groove simultaneously.
This musical force will grace the BaHa Brothers’ Sandbar Grill stage in Taunton at 6 p.m. on June 21.
Growing up on a boat, Mishka was born in Bermuda but spent most of his life in the Caribbean area. He said his music is blend of soulful Caribbean reggae with acoustic elements blended in. True to that area’s tradition, Mishka identifies Bob Marley as a major influence. But some of his other influences are surprising, ranging from U2, Mozart, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Jimmy Buffet, Somalian Hip Hop and Jimi Hendrix.“I love music with a message and not just bubble gum,” he said. “I like music that has soul.”
He said many of his originals now feature his musical observations of the world. He said many people live in a state of “false freedom.” He cites federal wire tapping cases and other invasions of privacy as reasons to believe that America is not always a free country. Despite these sentiments, he preaches “revolution but not violence” in his music. He said he also tries to make people aware of the nature world and higher forms of reality, and not to get swept up in the technology that surrounds them.
“I herald the people that speak out,” Mishka said. “A lot of people know what is going on but will not say anything out of fear.”
“All this technology — it is not a bad thing but there are more important things. Technology is taking over the minds. People are not thinking for themselves. … There are forces of greed and, for lack of a better word, evil eating up people and destroying the earth,” he said.
Despite these political musings in both his conversations and in his lyrics, Mishka’s objective for the Taunton show and other shows is quite simple. “What I love most of all in life is to see people get together and have fun,” he said. “The message can be whatever it can be: it can be love, politics and freedom, but the vibration must be love — to get together and feel all right.”
Many artists have taken to his message, namely Jimmy Buffet, with whom Mishka has worked and performed.
Jimmy Buffet, like Mishka, can be considered a paradox, according to Mishka; he might be fun-loving and light-hearted on the surface but there is depth to his songwriting and artistry.
“You can’t find a more laid back and peaceful man — awake, witty and funny, he is just a cool guy and great songwriter,” Mishka said.
Mishka’s accolades stem beyond working with Jimmy Buffet. He has also worked with Hollywood actor Matthew McConaughey and his “jk livin label.” Mishka has also been signed to big record labels Sony and Creation, and has performed with the Roots, Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown and other big-name performers. He has released four albums to date, including the eponymous “Mishka” in 1999, “One Tree” in 2005, “Above the Bones” in 2009 and “Talk About” in 2010.
“All of (the albums) have received critical acclaim around the world,” according to his website. In 2009 Mishka released a special digital-only collection of acoustic songs entitled “Guy With a Guitar.” His releases have “charted around the globe including his last three releases reaching the #1 spot on Billboard Magazine’s reggae chart,” according to his website.
Mishka said his Taunton show will feature 95 percent originals with covers mixed in. The covers will feature reggae-flavored renditions of songs from some of his favorite ‘60s artists, including Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and Neil Young.
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