About to Pop: Mishka

By Ashley Iasimone Posted Oct 12th 2009 02:45PM

Who: Mishka
Album: 'Above the Bones'
Video: 'Above the Bones'
Hails From: The Caribbean
For Fans Of: Bob Marley

Why He's About to Pop: Matthew McConaughey may be best known for his roles in romantic comedies, but lately he's been lending a hand to reggae artist Mishka. The actor added the up-and-coming artist to his record label's roster soon after becoming a fan of Mishka's music while on holiday in Jamaica, and he ended up assisting with the creative process for Mishka's latest album, 'Above the Bones.' "It was great working with him," Mishka tells PopEater. "He has great enthusiasm for life and music. Even though it was a big learning experience for him, he kept pushing everybody to do their best, coach style."

Mishka had a unique upbringing out at sea on his parents' yacht, sailing all over the Atlantic and the Caribbean and picking up bits and pieces of different cultures along the way. As a result, his music is influenced by reggae, rock, folk, soul and more. But above all, Mishka says he hopes to communicate just a few simple things with his sound: "Music, positive vibrations, consciousness."

Watch the 'Above the Bones' Video

Six Questions With Mishka:

How was Matthew McConaughey introduced to your music?

He first heard my tunes while on holiday in Jamaica. One of his friends who was with him had bought my first album, and they were listening to it in their villa.

Most people might be surprised to hear how involved he was in the making of your record. What was it like working with him?

As far as I can tell, Matthew likes to be all or nothing with most things he does. It was great working with him; he has great enthusiasm for life and music. Even though it was a big learning experience for him, he kept pushing everybody to do their best, coach style.

Given your upbringing, is it weird living on land or in the same place for long periods of time?

Land is not my element as much as for some, but it's not really weird anymore -- it's been so many years now, and I don't seem to stay in one place to long.

What do you hope to communicate to people through your music?

Music, positive vibrations, consciousness.

Your music has such a diverse sound. Who were your biggest influences growing up?

From Mozart to [Bob] Marley, Paganini to Pearl Jam. No limits, really, though I was not exposed to much jazz or heavy metal until I was older. But I love it all.

What world events have been inspiring you to write lately?

World events -- or those that make the news -- are like anti-inspiration to me, you know. Man's inhumanity to man, and the blatant exploitation of the land and people by imperialist corporate vampires, the ones who start wars in the name of freedom or democracy, who create economic systems that run people into the ground and try to distract us with celebrity bulls---, or political or religious dogma so that we don't notice that we're eating genetically modified, pesticide ridden food or don't have adequate health care or education. World events seem to be the same as they have been for centuries ... depressing. But I'll write about them sometimes 'cause it's inspiring when people wake up! What inspires me most are some basic spiritual concepts: love, compassion, justice, peace.

Download Mishka Songs