Matisyahu 'Light' album

Matisyahu has explored a number of musical styles over the course of a relatively short, whirlwind career, but his universal message of peace and unity has always remained the same. The reggae MC is continuing his pursuit of positivity on 'One Day,' (Impacts Alternative June 16th) the first single of his third studio album, 'Light,' (Epic) due out August 25th.

"'One Day' is the song I've been wanting to make since I started my career," Matisyahu tells Spinner. "It is an anthem of hope with a big beat -- the kind of song that makes you bob your head and open your heart at the same time."

Matisyahu also has a new backup band, the Dub Trio, for the tour. The Dub Trio played on Matiyahu's cover of John Lennon's "Watching the Wheels" for the 2007 compilation "Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur."

The past four years have been fraught with excitement and challenges for Matisyahu and his band mates. Since the release of his 2004 debut, shake off the dust... ARISE, Matisyahu has continued to bring his uncanny, electrifying fusion of orthodox Judaism and classic reggae music to millions of new listeners. His first release on Epic Records, Live at Stubbs, a highly successful live concert recording from the famous venue in Austin TX, has sold nearly 700,000 copies and is certified Gold. Matisyahu drew upon the myriad experiences that led him to such a career pinnacle on his sophomore studio album, Youth, which contains the hit single "King without a Crown." A compelling mix of ancient and modern sounds and ideas, Youth also reached Gold certification. Matisyahu's follow-up album, No Place to Be has sold 60,000 copies to date and is a collection of remixes and rarities featuring the single "Jerusalem (Out of Darkness Comes Light)."

Regardless of religious affiliation, most artists will tell you that the creative force is special type of divinity that moves through them. Matisyahu simply seeks to serve as a conduit for the messages of peace and unity that flow through him, to improve the world by sharing his music, and without letting ego or worldly desires interfere in that communication. "That's what I'm aiming for," he admits. "I don't think I've fully gotten there, but that's the goal."

Matisyahu tour dates
June 16+ Los Angeles, CA The Wiltern
June 18+ Ventura, CA Ventura Theatre
June 20+ Las Vegas, NV House of Blues
June 21+ San Luis Obispo, CA Pozo Saloon
June 23+ Portland, OR Crystal Ballroom
June 24+ Seattle, WA The Moore Theatre
June 25+ Boise, ID Knitting Factory
June 27 Salt Lake City, UT In The Venue
June 29 Aspen, CO Belly Up
July 1 Minneapolis, MN First Avenue
July 2 Milwaukee, WI Summerfest
July 3 Des Moines, IA 80-35 Festival
July 5 Rothbury, MI Rothbury Festival
July 7† Boston, MA Bank of America Pavilion
July 8† Philadelphia, PA Electric Factory
July 9† New York, NY Central Park SummerStage
July 11 Ottawa, ON Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest
July 12 Quebec City, QC Festival d'été de Québec
July 19 Denver, CO Mile High Music Festival
*-co-headline with Les Claypool
+ -with very special guest K'naan
†- co-headline with Umphrey's McGee

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Matisyahu - Light