Musician and activist Matthew Paul Miller, known by his Hebrew name Matisyahu, took the Maui Arts & Cultural Center Stage with Steel Pulse on June 14th, 2014. We caught up with him to talk about his new album, Akeda.
MAUITIME: Welcome to Maui, Matisyahu! Reggae really resonates with Hawaii. Can you remind us how you first connected with reggae?
MATISYAHU: My cousins are Bajan. They used to come for summer camp and play it for me in the eighties. Early dancehall stuff.
MT: “Got it on the inside I don’t need to wear it out, Can’t say I’m not religious I just let go of the doubt” (Confidence -Akeda) Seems to perfectly describe the transformation Matisyahu has undergone from the early days of “Live at Stubbs” to now…Would you agree?
M: Well yes, things have shifted. I am changing and moving like the rest of the organic matter in this world. Nah mean? Inside out is a theme on this record. Each has its time, you know? A time for outward expression and a time to shed identity…to strip away the outer garments and live inside.
MT: There is beauty in vulnerability, you almost are peeling back another layer of Matisyahu in this new album, Akeda. Thoughts?
M: Yes. Exactly. We can be many things, many people. Part of being an artist is blending different voices. Also trying to find the unique voice that will say what you want to in that given moment. Requires an unraveling to get at the core. The essence voice. This place is vulnerable but honest and there is no denying the truth. It is powerful yet meek. Blend and balance of strength and kindness is beauty or compassion in Kabala. Hold the flame. It is made from water.
MT: You recently took the TEDxColumbiaSIPA stage to share some insight on the music making process and your newest album. How important is diversifying how you connect with your audience?
M: Connection is through the songs. All streams lead to the ocean.
MT: You successfully reinvent the Matisyahu wheel over and over. How can you preface your fans for Akeda?
M: I don’t know how successfully but this is definitely another spoke on the wheel. It is more guitars less synths. It is more space less ear candy. It is stripped and personal. Blending many styles. New frontiers and some old landscapes as well but up to date with what’s inspiring me. I’ve been listening.
MT: “Listening to music Always gave me vision So when you see me on the street I’ll be walkin’ to the rhythm….” Who are some of your musical inspirations
M: Lately active child, Raphael Anton Isirissi, Holy Child, Kid Cudi, Frank Ocean, Miguel.
MT: You have an extensive touring schedule that I’m sure comes with it’s twists and turns, what is a constant amidst all of it?
M: The pain in my left shoulder. Can’t seem to shake it, ha. Really it’s a good question. It all centers around music. Creating and performing music.
MT: You purposely are sticking to the bare bones when touring this new album, leaving out a lot of the spectacle. Why?
M: For the first time in my career I just want to play the songs how they are on the album. They speak to something holy and I don’t want to mess with that too much.
MT: Can we expect King Without A Crown or One Day to make the cut during the show?
M: Ill probably always play those songs. Especially in Hawaii cause those are the songs that got me the love.
MT: What’s on your ipod right now?
M: Spotify.
MT: Any pre-show rituals?
M: Not really. I don’t usually think about the show till minutes before I go on.
MT: What is your favorite post-show meal?
M: Just a ginger tea. Simple.
MT: How do you balance family and work?
M: When I am home I spend as much time as possible with my boys. I cherish the time we have together. When I am gone I focus on my work and try not to miss them too much. Back and forth. Not an easy one but a blessing in its own right to be able to move and shake. Haha.
MT: What message do you want fans walking away with?
M: All I can do is hope people listen. What they take away from it is there business.
Photo credit to Sean M. Hower
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