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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Monday, June 15, 2009

Reggae artist has friends in cool places


By Madeleine Marr
McClatchy-Tribune News Service

MIAMI — Mishka is living proof that talent — and a little bit of luck — can definitely kick-start your career.

Talent — no denying that. His Marley-inspired tunes are soulful, melodic, lulling.
The luck part — Mishka happens to have a very famous fan: Matthew McConaughey.
The buff “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past” star got turned onto the 30-something Bermuda native’s music when he played the House of Blues in Hollywood, Fla., in 2000.
When McConaughey decided to start a record label — j.k. livin,’ named for his motto, “Just Keep Living,” which he uttered in the film “Dazed and Confused” — Mishka was the first artist he signed.
Funny thing is Mishka — who spent part of his childhood sailing around the world with his parents — had no idea who McConaughey was. “I’m not into the celebrity scene so I wasn’t really following his career,” said Mishka. “But now that we’re friends, I try to watch his movies.”
One MM film the Nova Scotia-based reggae artist is familiar with: Last year’s “Surfer, Dude,” which features two of his tracks, “Coastline Journey” and “3rd Eye Vision,” from his album, “Above the Bones.”
At his shows, fans can expect a mix of old and new songs with both political and love themes — and maybe a star sighting.
“Sometimes Matthew shows up,” said Mishka, adding, “usually unannounced.”