Features
From The Islands To You
Roots Reggae artist Mishka hits the mainland this month, venturing out on a co-bill journey with another Hawaiian resident with a single name – Anuhea.
Photo: Julia Charity
Performing at the CD release party for Talk About.
Mishka, who grew up on his parents’ sailboat and represented Bermuda in world championship windsurfing competitions, will perform with a full band as will Anuhea. In fact, it will be the same band, thus cutting touring overhead as well as shortening those between act moments that leave you staring at the stage while counting down the minutes to more live music.
Mishka’s last album, 2010’s Talk About, was the artist’s second disc for actor Matthew McConaughey’s j.k. livin record label. Shortly after the album’s release, Mishka talked with Pollstar about the album’s first single – “Bittersweet” – saying it was more of a collaboration than a solo effort.
“I did the melody and the basic chord structure of the song. My wife actually wrote the lyrics to ‘Bittersweet’ and asked me to put it to music,” Mishka told Pollstar. “It kind of came off the top of my head, melody wise. I played with the chords back and forth until it started to feel like a song.”
For Anuhea, the upcoming trek means more chances to reconnect with fans who saw her on tour with SOJA or the more than 100 headlining dates she performed in the U.S. in 2011.
Beginning in Boise, Idaho, at the Neurolux May 13; the tour winds through the western states, playing Salt Lake City at Bar Deluxe May 14; Denver’s Bluebird Theatre May 15; Phoenix at the Crescent Ballroom May 18 and West Hollywood’s Viper Room May 22.
Heading eastward in June, look for Mishka and Anuhea at Chicago’s Martyrs June 16; Cleveland’s Beachland Ballroom June 18 and Boston at the Brighton Music Hall June 27. Last stop on the schedule is New York City’s Bowery Ballroom June 29.
