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Since first emerging on the international stage in 2005, Matisyahu has established a reputation for following his muse—from the stripped-down roots reggae of the gold-certified Live at Stubb’s to the trippy ministrations of Youth to the polished pop eclecticism of Light. Then, in 2010, he returned to the venerable Austin venue that introduced him for Live at Stubb’s II, demonstrating that all those travels had somehow only strengthened his connection to his musical bedrock. It was a whirlwind half-decade journey, one that earned Matisyahu a place in pop culture at large.
And it was only the beginning.
Now based with his family in Los Angeles, Matisyahu blasts off yet again with Spark Seeker, a bold new studio album that finds the one-of-a-kind vocalist and songwriter exploring uncharted territory with help from an expansive cast of collaborators. “My musical tastes are all over the board,” he says in reference to a record that mixes ancient traditional sounds with futuristic electro beats, rapping with singing, songs of the spirit with songs of the body. “And, besides, my music has never been about the outer garment. It’s about searching out inspiration wherever it lies. This album is about seeking that spark within.”
Outer garments, of course, long defined Matisyahu in the eyes of many. “I was the Hasidic reggae superstar,” he says with a knowing laugh. So when Matisyahu took to Twitter in late 2011 to post a picture of himself with his new look, he did it with a certain amount of relief. “It just felt good to sort of restart everything,” he says, adding that the transformation actualized one of the central themes of Spark Seeker: the impermanence of the physical form. “The spark seeker digs for truth and meaning and is willing to let go of everything to find it. He’s honest and authentic with himself and lives life from the inside out. He creates music from the depths and doesn’t worry about what category it or he fits into.”
“We live in a world where people tend to think in extremes and categorize with ultimate statements,” Matisyahu says. “While it’s true that at one point it would’ve been pretty accurate to describe me as Hasidic reggae, for most of my career my music has been a blend, a mixture.”
For Spark Seeker—not just a collection of random tracks, but a complete piece of work made with one producer—Matisyahu spent a year recording with Koool Kojak (Nicki Minaj, Travis Barker, Ke$ha) at the latter’s home studio in L.A. Then the pair went to Israel with an open slate. “We booked a studio there and invited various friends and musicians—including Zohar Fresco, Daniel Zamir, Ravid Kahalani and rapper Shyne—to come and simply play music,” Matisyahu says. “We began to blend all of this live instrumentation to create a unique record, made by multi-faceted human beings who have many sides and many sources of inspiration.”
The result reflects that wide array of voices and experiences. In the hard-hitting “Live Like A Warrior” Matisyahu describes feelings of frustration and desperation, while lead single “Sunshine” rides what might be the most uplifting groove in his catalog; elsewhere, “Searchin’” pairs a gritty digital-dancehall beat with chanted lyrics and “I Believe in Love” exemplifies the album’s deep melodic streak. Throughout Spark Seeker you can hear Matisyahu embodying the album’s title—and embracing its humble promise. The album has a depth to it as well as a lightness, which alludes to the most essential theme of the record--that everything in life, especially music, exists in mixtures and blends. “Things are not as black and white as we would like to think. Not everything can be oversimplified," says Matisyahu.
“This is definitely pushing the boundaries of what I’ve done before,” he acknowledges. “It’s a new kind of record for me.” At this point we’d expect nothing less.
He sounded great! I love small venues because they make everything feel much more personal. The vibe was fun and chill at the same time. The concert was everything I was hoping for.
Have been to dozens, if not hundreds of shows in my life and hate to say this was the most disappointing. Music quality was fine, enjoyed the songs we heard Matisyahu perform but the issue was getting him on stage to actually play. There was over an hour wait in between opener and Matisyahu, strange considering there was no additional setup needed since the opening band was the same performing with him. Then after a few songs he brought his son on stage to play a couple of his own original songs. Not who we paid to see and everyone around us shared similar sentiments of preferring to see the show we bought tickets for and not his son's lackluster music. Immediately following that, Matisyahu walked off stage mid song and left the band to figure things out. By this time, it was past 10:30 and waiting over 15 minutes for him to come back, we just left. Not sure what was going on but certainly did not enjoy the show.
I brought one of my sons and daughter to see Matisyahu again here in Maine, the first time was in Waterville, at the Opera House and this time around it was in Portland, at the State Theatre, and he has such a great vibe and such potent lyrics and messages! We got in on the preshow soundchecks for both shows and it really is a treat to be able to be intimate with Matis and his crew. When he returns back to Maine again, I will be there to support him! Thanks Ticketmaster for making all these great shows available! Big up! Bless up! ❤️💛💚🙏
Best concert I have ever gone to. Matisyahu is amazing and beyond spiritual. He is a wonderful presence to be in!
Matisyahu sings beautiful music - I saw him last in 2006, and this show did not disappoint! My husband said he felt like he was watching Bob Marley. To the protestors and the haters...you obviously have not listened to his music which urges for peace in Israel. All my life, I've been waitin' for I've been prayin' for, for the people to say That we don't wanna fight no more There'll be no more wars, and our children will play
Audio was tinny, opening act was awful, left early.
Great Matisyahu concert at House of Blues CLE last Sunday. Every song was enjoyable - each one enhanced by Matisyahu's strong voice, an upbeat reggae beat, and a very tight band. HoB was the perfect venue. The crowd loved it. Great time!
Great show! Opening band was really solid, Cydeways. Matisyahu sounded great, awesome vibes. Great show, I'll catch him each time he's around the area
Really had a great time at MATISYAHU concert! Fabulous concert!
I have seen Matisyahu several times in the past. This was by far the worst performance. I'm not sure what was going on. He was barely able to stand up unassisted on stage.
Matisyahu was a great show. Definitely exceeded my expectations. Great job guys!
We went just for cydeways and they were amazing. Cydeways puts on a sick show.
A very uplifting incredible experience shared with friends. Matisyahu is an inspiring artist. In a world full of war and division, his message of peace and unity is a heart warming experience. I love this artist.
Maybe expectationd were too high was really excited about seeing Matisayhu live, but I unfortunately it was underwhelming and he just didn't seem like he was into it. The venue was great, crowd was great but lead performance was a fail. Felt like band practice not a show. Maybe he's just better in a studio? We left early.
The venue is great, Matisyahu and Cydeways were amazing and so much fun. But definitely NOT an all ages show. Lots of pot smoking and if you serve alcohol then only allow it to be consumed in the 21+ areas. Kids were getting beer spilled on them which is not fun.
Was phenomenal experience, great performance and he is better than ever. Was great to see his son perform too!!!!
Matisyahu’s was amazing! The sound and lights were incredible and we couldn’t help ourselves, but dance through all the show while singing, and cheering.
Matisyahu is a dreamer of peace and has hope in humankind while also being firmly rooted in reality. He came across as humble but confident in who he is and what he believes. An exceptional concert and a safe place to be.
The vibes were incredible, he gave his heart and soul to the performance. Loved every minute. Great opening act and his son is a real up and coming talent. Will def go to any future concerts in my area.
The show was absolutely amazing. However, I would not bother to pay extra for the VIP experience. The artist wasn’t really into it (he even made a sarcastic comment that he was “living the dream” by having to take a photo with people who paid for the experience.) He did not seem happy during the short sound check. His family was on stage and looked bored out of their minds. The group photo is not just with your group, but with everyone, and it is not a very good/thoughtful photo (poor lighting, another band name in the background.)
