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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.
Etherel experience. I didn't opt to stay for Les Claypool but Matisyahu played a good set. He probably didn't play more than 9 songs or so but there was such a jam element to each one that he stayed on for awhile.
les claypool was amazing the only thing that sucked was the opening band was matis yahu's band without him doing strickly instrumentals no vocals the when the finished matis yahu came out and proceeded to play one slow reggae song after another i thought it would never end until finally les came out and saved the day and play an amazing show he is a must see les is more -justin
I was at the first row the whole time. It was SO amazing, great show with a lot of energy. Matisyahu and Les are truely great performers.
I went solely to see Les Claypool and I was not disappointed at all. He's original, funny, interactive, amazing, spectacular and you will never see anyone else like him in your life. On the other hand it is an absolute CRIME that Matisyahu was the main act. EVERY SONG SOUNDS THE EXACT SAME! I don't want to hear preachy uncomprehending-Jamaican wanna be music over an over again, but other people obviously liked him cause it was obvious only a handful were there for Claypool. You could tell who we were cause WE WERE ACTUALLY HAVING A GOOD TIME. What is the point of going to a concert to just stand there? None. Move, jump, sway, head bang, react, sing along, act like you know the bands discography better than they do. Just for the love of god don't just stand there motionless. I guess that comes with the blandness of matisyahu though
Went to see Matisyahu at House of Blues Houston: Les Claypool opened: never heard of him before. Worst performance I have ever seen. Totally self-indulgent garbage. Seemed like a talented musician but was overly caught up in his own songs that went on FOREVER. I heard the marimba solo already - - - it was the same in the last five songs. And the electric cello: wow: BORING. Really pure rubbish. Could not take it after an hour and a half (way TOO LONG for an opening act) and we walked out before the main show. I have never walked out before, but I could not take it anymore. Horrible. Rated one star because I could not give it negative stars.
I loved the show. Les Claypool put on a great show. Matisyahu was awesome as usual.
Dub Trio and Matisyahu were bands that I was unfamiliar with before the concert, but both were very good. The crowd was extremely into Matisyahu. There were probably as many people there to see him as there were to see Les Claypool. Les Claypool was awesome as always. It was an absolutely great concert.
Saw the Matisyahu concert at Jannus in St.Pete. Will definitely be going again. We didn't stay for Les Claypool but seemed good if you were into it. Matisyahu did not disappoint.
The opening act, Dub Trio, was a pleasant surprise. Having never heard their music before, I didn't know what to expect. When you have an act that is completely instrumental, they better be really good musicians. And they were some of the best I've seen live. Les Claypool was very entertaining. Even though their style is not my favorite, they were amazing musicians and extremely creative. Weird as hell, but creative. And now for the one I came for, Matisyahu. His show was the biggest let down of any that I've ever been to. Not that it wasn't good. It was just that: good. I was expecting awesome, amazing, great, (you get the idea). I was expecting a "Live at Stubbs" experience. His set was much shorter then Les Claypool's, and he just seemed to be a bit "off" on his ability to freestyle. Unfortunately, it was a big disappointment.
I had never really listened to Matisyahu before but I was pretty impressed. The beat was pretty infectuous and it got even me dancing! I love how you can get to the front pretty easily at Jannus Landing, and that made it pretty fun. I really came there for Les Claypool, and that was just nuts when he played! The music was great but I was a little dissapointed that I couldn't hear his lyrics very clearly, that seems to happen a lot at concerts though. The crowd was real crazy for that one, I was squished in like a sardine! A claustrophobic would have gone insane but I was ok with even though it was a little annoying. It was worth it to be able to be up front!
Les Claypool is the most amazing artist I've ever had the honor of hearing--recorded and live--and, seeing in concert! I am inspired to learn the bass because of him. His current show on the road is eclectically masterful! I highly recommend seeing the show. I will always make a valient effort to see him anytime he comes anywhere close to Orlando--Florida, for that matter. :o) Can't wait to see him and his accompaniment--whomever that may be...hopefully, Primus, again, someday... Matasyahu was a new experience. I only came to see Les--but, Matasyahu was a nice bonus. We didn't see the whole show...it seemed quite repetative...but, with a contagious beat--rapping reggae.
I can not say enough good stuff about both the show and the venue! Looking forward to going again.
Awesome show, although wasn't sure why Matisyahu was playing w/a different band...Saw him once before. First time seeing Les Claypool. He was awesome! Jannus Landing is a fun place to go see concerts, but it can get a little crowded sometimes. Wish I had one of those apartments.
The show was amazing. Les and Matisyahu put on a great show. It was entertaining and exciting.
I have never seen Matisyahu in concert before and they were great. I would see them over and over again. I really like the variety of people that there show. I have seen les claypool 2 years ago and this show blow the last one away. Everyone that i went with loved it.
Matisyahu was great, but Les Claypool tore it up. I could easily have gone home after Claypool's set and been a happy man.
Matisyahu did a great show, he put his heart and soul into it.
Umphrey's played an amazing set, including my absolute favorite umphrey's song(Intentions Clear) and my favorite song off of Mantis(1348). Their set was varied with materiel from Mantis and Anchor Drops and from earlier albums as well. They were spot on the entire night. That's the problem though, they were on the entire night. Matisyahu's band was so terrible that I actually left about four songs in. I have Live at Stubbs on my ipod and I think it's a great album, but he must have switched bands in the past few years because these guys sucked! Worse than that, his fans were jerks, calling for him to come out throughout Umphrey's set. Over all, it was a good show, but I wish they'd played it alone.
Disappointingly trippy, gimicky, not inspired, bad, too loud and to much reverb, no old songs, not songs to speak of, no communiciation with audience, who the heck were those rappers he brought on stage and why? Total sell out and waste of time and I used to love his music that he barely even played. This was my 4th and last concert.
The show was an incredible time. The energy umphreys brought was spectacular. I didn't think Matisyahu could follow an act like that. But Matisyahu's stage presence is unmatched. He was having just as much fun as everyone else in there. Next show, both bands should do two sets.
