Arts & Culture

Mishka “Talk About” on Matthew McConaughey’s j.k. livin records

Cash for your car

Written by Susie Salva

Reggae singer-songwriter Mishka originally from Bermuda has released his new album “Talk About,” on j.k. livin records and has already achieved the “Best New Artists 2009” accolades on iTunes.  Enlisting mega-producer Butch Walker (Pete Yorn, Pink, Fall Out Boy) infusing some of his mainstream melodies on several tracks for this much-anticipated sophomore album.  Backed by movie superstar and iconic figure, Matthew McConaughey who started his own record label exclusively for producing Mishka’s outstanding and melodic reggae music.

McConaughey is particularly interested in Mishka’s blend of reggae, country and rock music putting together a perfect blend of divergent sounds. He is definitely certain and has the confidence to believe that Mishka’s music will appeal to a mass audience. There is something compelling about Mishka for he seems true to his own voice, spirit and honest in revealing his inner most thoughts and feelings.

Mishka’s genius lies in the fact that he has produced some easy breezy island music. While the music sounds are not completely original the tunes are infectious and substantial.

Setting the tone for the self-described “album of movement” the lead single “Bittersweet,” began as a studio experiment before evolving into a musical space that surprised its creator. “This is an album of movement – stepping outside of the box of traditional folk reggae and adding a real mainstream rock influence,” says Mishka. “Butch (Walker) works fast—he works efficiently—and he knows how to cultivate those rock tones in the artists he works with.”

Two of the tracks on “Talk About,” “Stars Will Be Shining” and album opener, “Give Them Love,” are all the product of the collaboration with super producer Butch Walker. The albums 13 tracks span a distinct ebb-and-flow, from the fast paced and up-beat first half more mellow and introspective second half. “This would definitely be an A-side/B-side is it occurred on an album,” commented Mishka.

The title track, “Talk About,” explores the imbalance of words versus actions—a lyrical theme that runs through much of Mishka’s work.  Mishka even enlisted the country bent vocal pairings of icon Willie Nelson on track 9 “Homegrown.” Rock music has been infused on “Music of the Moment,” expressing the desire to stay in the now. His lyrics speak to his engaging perspective on life, distrust of authority, distaste of corruption, and faith in love and in our world’s people.

One of the more outstanding tracks would have to be, “Can’t Get Enough,” about overcoming obstacles and finding love. This is a simple but overall encompassing message.

Matthew McConaughey and Mishka

Mishka is an authentic musician in an underrepresented genre with an incredible story—from growing up on a boat in Bermuda to being sought out by Matthew McConaughey. Matthew first became familiar with Mishka on New Years Eve of 2000 and became hooked on Mishka’s comfort-inducing soulful melodies. He was determined to track Mishka down for almost five years before finally catching him at the House of Blues in Los Angeles. McConaughey made a quick call to his attorney upon meeting Mishka and officially creating j.k.livin records label to release Mishka’s music to the masses. The rest is history and Mishka is producing some of the most compelling and engaging reggae music available now to the masses. For more information on Mishka please go to: www.mishka.com and more on j.k.livin records go to www.matthewmcconaughey.com

About the author

Susie Salva