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Matisyahu, The by Dan Alleva By now, most “It showed me people know Matthew Paul Miller as a new Matisyahu, the z American-born perspective, z Hasidic Jewish reggae artist who a different u emerged on the version of scene in 2004 as b an interesting Judaism than character in the world of reggae and alternative I had been music. Matisyahu’s music, and his fan-base, is more similar exposed to. to that of bands like 311 and Sublime, than it is of a pure roots reggae origin, I saw something and—right or wrong—his devotion to beautiful there.” Hasidic Judaism is what has made him stand out in the mainstream, more so than has his music. I was starving for spiritual experience. It’s also not hard to find Matisyahu’s Also, I know that you are a fellow persona a little complex. Recently, during Brooklynite. What is special about the an exchange of emails, I gave Matisyahu Brooklyn community for you? an opportunity to open up to readers and Just moved to L.A., sorry. Brooklyn is share his thoughts on the world. But to still my fav [ sic ] though… love the my disappointment, I found him neighborhood aspect to it. suspiciously mum on topics of interest Recently, there was an incident that to people. In fact, prior to our exchange, involved a young Hasid and the son of a NYC police officer, which caused some controversy both in the news “First show was and the Crown Heights community. I wonder, in times such as these, how Worcester, MA, do you remain so positive? [I] didn’t know about it… don’t watch winter 1995 or [the] news much. Maybe that’s how. ‘94… not sure. I read that when you were younger, you were able to travel to Israel—a Changed my life, trip that ultimately deepened your connection to Judaism. What about and my concept that trip had the most profound effect of music on you? It showed me a new perspective, a completely. [It] different version of Judaism than I had been exposed to. I saw something was also my first beautiful there. LSD trip.” Now that you’ve become so successful, how is your music received I polled several die-hard Matisyahu fans in Israel? to see which questions they’d like to have I don’t like self-promotion; you’ll have answered most by him, many of which MATIS YAHU to ask some Israelis. he was reluctant to answer in much detail. When you first started out performing Once a member of the Brooklyn FAITH SPEAKS FOR and recording, did you ever feel at community, Matisyahu has made the any point that critics regarded you as cross-country leap to L.A., where he now a novelty act? resides. When asked about what his faith ITSELF… MAYBE [It’s] better to not pay attention to critics. means to him, and where he found his Speak your truth and don’t look back. calling, he presented vague answers You’ve released a couple of live which left a lingering curiosity as to records, and I know that you tour quite whether Matisyahu is just a very private regularly. Do you find it easy or hard man, devoted to his faith and his art to keep kosher while on tour? exclusively—or someone who’s created Nor [ sic ] easy nor hard, just is. Hard to an identity in order to gain success and be healthy wherever you are. notoriety. Here are some of the topics we Being typically associated with reggae touched upon in our exchange together. music, who were some of the reggae Unfortunately, he was not available for artists that influenced your music, and further comment or elaboration, but his what drew you to reggae music, initially? Festival of Lights tour comes through the Bob Marley and later Sizzla. The music NewYork City area starting on Dec. 19— itself attracted me, spoke to my soul. with the first of four performances at The Your Festival of Lights tour is set to Williamsburg Hall of Music, in addition to kick off on Dec. 15. I understand this one show at Webster Hall on Dec. 23. is something you do annually. Can you I’ve read that you were a big Phish fan. tell me how the idea was conceived? I am too! Do you remember your first From what I understand of it, it almost show? What was it that drew you to reminds me of Phish’s annual holiday that music? shows. First show was Worcester, MA, winter It’s Channukah. My name is Matisyahu. 1995 or ‘94… not sure. Changed my life, It seemed to make sense. and my concept of music completely. [It] Where do you hope your career takes was also my first LSD trip… came during you in the future? a time after I had come back from Israel. All the way! MATISYAHU WILL PERFORM AT MUSIC HALL OF WILLIAMSBURG FROM DEC. 19 THROUGH DEC. 21, AT WEBSTER HALL DEC. 22 AND AT PHILLY’S THEATRE OF THE LIVING ARTS ON DEC. 24. FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO MATISYAHUWORLD.COM. 8 ARTS WEEKLY DECEMBER 21, 2011 www.theaquarian.com.
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