SHREDnews

Bermudan born artist Mishka grew up on a 40-foot sailing vessel built by his parents, around the Caribbean islands. The beauty of his natural surroundings and his proximity to the home of reggae music has often been credited as influences to his popular zealous roots-reggae sounds and impassioned, honest lyrics. Having been introduced to a rich variety of music as a child it wasn’t long before he gained an aptitude for singing and writing, soon forming his own uniquely captivating sound, and by the end of the 1990’s he already had a strong cult following.

Over the last decade Mishka has released 3 albums, his fourth effort entitled Talk About is released on March 30th and offers a frank view of life, peace, love and the imbalance of words versus action. It’s true Mishka style but with the added excellent flavor of rock and roots music; an outcome of Mishka’s exposure to a wide range of music styles and collaborations with the likes of super-producer Butch Walker.

In our interview we gain an insight into the pressures of being named iTunes ‘Best New Artist’ 2009 with a 1# album, the staggering act of having a label created for you by a Hollywood star, and the influences behind the music. Read on to delve into the world of Mishka.

Shred: So your new album ‘Talk About‘ is available on March 30th (23rd iTunes exclusive) Are you excited for the release?

Mishka: Yeah i’m looking forward to it for sure.

Shred: Can you tell us a little about the theme of the new album? What can audiences expect from it?

Mishka: Roots, rock, reggae, grooves and ballads.

Shred: What inspired the writing/lyrics of the new album? Do you often draw from personal experiences or your environment?

Mishka: All that. Family life, road life. Philosophy. Prophecy.

Shred: The album seems to split between more upbeat, up tempo, often rock influenced tracks and with mellower, slower tempo tracks. Was this intentional?

Mishka: Yes it’s how i write, and still it’s bigger than I.

Shred: Do you have a favorite track from the album or one that is particularly close to your heart?

Mishka: No, that changes daily.

Shred: Talk About is your fourth release. What do you think you have learned from the creative and recording process of your previous three albums that helped with the writing and recording process this time around? Did you find that it was an easier/more efficient time in the studio?

Mishka: I’ve learned to navigate better with time.

Shred: On two tracks you worked with acclaimed producer Butch Walker who’s usually known for his work within the mainstream music world. What was it like working with him? Did he inspire you to consider at ideas you hadn’t looked at before?

Mishka: Butch really helped bring the best out in the musicians and myself without imposing his will on the music too much. He had a ‘less is more’ approach. He could see that we were very focused and knew where we were taking it. I have a lot of respect for that.

Shred: You also collaborate with the legendary Willie Nelson on the track Homegrown. That must have been an experience working with such an icon, how was that for you?

Mishka: Unfortunately I didn’t get to meet him in person. We sent him the track and he sang and played on it. I’m looking forward to meeting him one day.

Shred: Is there anyone else you’d like to collaborate with in the future?

Mishka: Lots. Too many to mention.

Shred: Lets talk a little bit about your relationship with label owner (and Hollywood Icon) Matthew McConaughey. First of all how did it feel to have someone who backed your music so much that they created a whole record label especially for you? That must have given you some extra special pride and confidence in your work?

Mishka: Yes it’s a real affirmation and a blessing when something like this happens.

Shred: Has McConaughey been very involved in the new album?

Mishka: Yes he was working with me and the musicians everyday in the studio as the producer.

Shred: Last year you managed some fantastic achievements including being named iTunes ‘Best new artist’ in the singer/songwriter category. Your third album (and first release with J.K Living Records) Above The Bones also debuted at #1 on the Billboard  chart. After such success over the last decade did you feel much pressure when recording? Are you feeling pressure about the new release?

Mishka: No pressure, just a lot strength and inspiration.

Shred: You’re at SXSW festival right now. Will you be performing? Are you hoping to catch any other musicians sets while you’re out in Texas?

Mishka: I just performed today and also had the privilege of seeing Citizen Cope.

Shred: Speaking of other artists, who have you been listening to lately? Any you might recommend to our readers?

Mishka: K’naan, Stephen marley Queen Ifrica, Citizen Cope, Chris Velan, Asa, Duane Stephenson and Nasio.

Shred: Do you have any other set tour plans for 2010?

Mishka: Wakarusa festival, Salmon arm roots and blues and Winnipeg folk festival.

Shred: And finally, can you sum up your new album, Talk About, in 3 words?

Mishka: Love and life

To find out more about Mishka please visit his website www.mishka.com