Making music outside the mainstream

By Bayan Misaghi
George Washington High School

Jaded with the lack of variety on the radio and fed-up with people humming the same tunes repeatedly, I went into the record store with a mission: to find something so wildly different and eccentric that I was sure to be grateful as for Rick Dees’s Weekly Top 40 as I once was many moons ago. I came out of the shop with what I thought to be a foreign CD from the Middle East and with the thought of “Mati-what?!” running through my mind.

Matisyahu, the Orthodox Jew with a penchant for reggae, rap and alternative rock has taken the term “religious music” to a whole different level by fusing hip-hop beats and guitar solos with song titles like “Out of Darkness Comes Light” and “Late Night in Zion.” Residing in Brooklyn, Matisyahu mentions localities from both East and West — from historic Jerusalem to the streets of New York City.

Born Mathew Paul Miller, Matisyahu grew up as a Reconstructionist Jew and eventually adopted Orthodox Judaism. When he performs in concert, he wears the traditional clothing of Hasidic Jews. In his singing, he mentions verses from the Torah, and Biblical references to Egypt, lands of milk and honey and the parting of the Red Sea are incorporated into his lyrics.

The music of Matisyahu is not what would be found on Top 10 hit lists in the U.S. In fact, it is probably not to be found on many radio stations worldwide simply because of the diversity of instruments, vocal techniques and the unique blend of lyrics from Old World events sprinkled with Yiddish and Hebrew words.

On his album “No Place To Be,” Matisyahu states his loyalty to his nation and religion in the song “Jerusalem.” He sings, “Jerusalem, if I forget you, let my hand forget what its supposed to do.” His steadfastness in his faith is the central theme in most of the songs on the album, but he also urges others to join him in his journey, comparing it to a mission in following God’s word in his song “Dispatch The Troops.”

Matisyahu also shows his pride by mentioning all the hardships — like the Holocaust and the persecution by Egypt’s pharaoh — that Jews had to overcome in verses such as “... the gas tried to choke, but it couldn’t choke me” and “First born was sent down to their graves...make them pay when bound in chains.”

Matisyahu not only acknowledges hardships, but he also sings of the triumphs of the Jewish people. Through his metaphorical and melodic oratories, he compares the journey of life to a walk through a desert, stomping on snakes and having faith that the oasis ahead is not a mirage.

As far as the instrumental aspect of Matisyahu’s music, it includes beatboxing, long guitar solos and even extended pounding on the drums. The reggae style also allows for some steel drumming and a host of other uniquely chosen instruments to be scattered throughout the album.

At the same time, remixes are sometimes created from older songs by switching up beat lines, increasing the tempo and even inviting guest singers to perform in these spin-offs of the original.

“No Place to Be” is accompanied by a “Live in Israel” DVD. Though Matisyahu may not bust out the moves of Justin Timberlake or pump an audience up like Jay-Z, he does utilize many contemporary hand and body movements when laying down rhymes or getting the audience to sing along for the chorus. Though his music may have a religious theme and background, Matisyahu connects with youth and recognizes today’s culture.

Though some may find Matisyahu’s music exclusive to Jews or patriotic Israelis, it can be enjoyed by a variety of people. Even if several of his songs are based on predominantly Jewish events, people can still connect to his music and understand the very core message he tries to send.

This album may never reach platinum status, but it is one for those with an open mind and a craving for something fresh and wildly different than the overplayed Top 40 hits.