Matthew Paul Miller Analysis

Background

Growing up in White Plains, New York, Matthew Paul Miller was raised as a Reconstructionist Jew. Reconstructionist Judaism is an American-based Jewish movement that views Judaism as a progressively evolving civilization. Miller spent most of his childhood attending Hebrew school at a local synagogue getting to know his religion, however that quickly changed as he became a teenager. His teenage years consisted of rebelling against his upbringing as most adolescents do. However, Miller quickly took the path of drugs and dropped out of high school to follow his favorite band Phish on a national tour (Askmen). According to an article by Jordana Horn, Miller
Reviews describe his voice and stage presence as “Enlightening”, “Zen like” and “Powerful” (Middle Town Press). Through multiple reviews, the feeling from the crowd was almost unanimous. All the songs were crowd pleasers and no one left disappointed. The atmosphere is unbeatable with music lovers who believe in his lyrics and those who just enjoy the sounds. Fans go wild for his beat boxing showing one of his many unique skill sets as an artist. The crowd seems to be favored towards the ages of 18 to 40, all of different racial and ethnic backgrounds. He always seems to make such a close connection with the crowd that he even lets fans come on stage to sing and dance. Many times while the band takes a break, Matisyahu will remain on stage to answer questions and tell the audience stories about his life and beliefs. Specifically, at a recent concert in Birmingham, Alabama the crowd rushed the stage and aisles creating a festival like atmosphere. Matisyahu likes to join the fun with a little bit of “crowd surfing” during his performances (Falcon Voice). Throughout his shows the lighting changes depending on what song is being played which sets different tones as the night goes on. Coming from an article in a Jewish blog “Hebrew Songs”, they used these words to describe his music; “Combining the sounds of Bob Marley and Schlomo Carlebach, yet remaining
There have been significant events throughout his life that have shaped him as an artist and human being. Matisyahu writes about what inspires him. A lot of inspiration comes from his religious beliefs, and some does not. Specifically for him, its the Torah that gives him inspiration. Even though a lot of his music incorporates his beliefs he never tries to endorse or promote any ideas on to his audience. He believes that fans connect to his music on all different levels whether the beliefs are obvious to them or not (Aish). That is what is so great about Matisyahu, anyone can enjoy his music. “Spark Seeker”, his latest album, has a lot of meaning. It is about elevating sparks of G-dliness stuck in this world, an idea from Kabbalah. He says “I feel that I was given a unique opportunity and gift from G-d. I am a Spark Seeker, as are many of us” (Aish). His famous song “King Without a Crown” has significant meaning as well. Much of the song is encouragement to seek G-d and to try to live a better life, asking for G-d to help you do so. Matisyahu was a heavy drug user earlier in his life, and the video and song are a depiction of someone who overcame their demons. On a higher note, the uplifting song “Sunshine”, according to Matisyahu, is about connecting his past and reflecting on his youth through memory and music. According to Matisyahu, identity is a process of discerning