10 Questions with ... Mishka

1) In 2009, you were named "Best New Artist" by iTunes and your past two albums have reached #1 on the Reggae Music Charts. What was it like to see your record taking off, and what was the secret of your success?

The secret of my success wouldn't be a secret if I revealed it! But I will say that I love what I do. And to me that is success. It was nice to see all the hard work being recognized.

2) On your new release "Talk About" you collaborated with Willie Nelson on the song "Home Grown." You will also be performing at the official Hard Rock pre parties for the Corona Presents "Kenny Chesney Going Coastal 2011 Tour" What was is like working with Willie Nelson and Producer Butch Walker?

I was honored to have Willie Nelson on my song. I didn't actually meet him though. We sent the track to him and he put on his vocal and guitar.

Working with Butch was cool. He's easy going and a good musician.

3) Who are some of your biggest musical influences?

Big inspiration and influence come from the big artists, those who have influenced life everywhere. It's unavoidable. Going back to composers like Bach and Mozart, up to more present day artists like Hendrix and Marley... The inspiration is endless.

4) You recently signed with Actor Matthew McConaughey's label JK/Livin distributed through Fontana. Can you tell us the story about how you were discovered?

I first released my music on the Creation/Sony label in 1999. My music was getting quite a lot of attention in Europe and Asia. Matthew McConaughey heard that first album back then and started J K Livin' records in 2006 focused primarily on exposing my music in America.

5) What is your approach to songwriting? How do you capture the inspiration when it comes, and how do you tailor your music to fit in with contemporary artists that are now getting played at radio?

I record ideas when they come. I'm not interested in tailoring my music to fit the times or the trends. It is already of this time because I am now. But it is timeless too. It's just a feeling. I just create what feels good or fitting for the song, if people dig it, all the better.

6) How have social networks and sites such as Facebook, MySpace, YouTube and Twitter affected the way you promote your music and interact with your fans?

I don't use the social networks as much as I could, I actually have found it difficult to comprehend how people can spend so much time "following" someone's social media site rather than just listening to the music. But social media is very useful to keep your fans updated on show dates, album releases, etc.

7) How are you using new music technologies to record music and in your personal life?

I use my laptop and my phone to record song ideas. That helps in the writing process because it is so easy to multi track all my ideas.

8) How have music file sharing services affected the way you market your music?

We give away a song every now and then as a promotional thing. A lot of People get the music for free anyway, which really hurts artists and musicians. But it separates the real players from those who just use studio edits to sound good. Now the focus has to be on delivering the music live.

9) What are the biggest changes you would like to see happen in the music industry?

I would like to see people buying music once again so that musicians and artist can continue to earn a decent living.

10) What are some of the artists we might find on your MP3 player?

You would find all kinds of stuff on my iPod including K'NAAN, Midnite, Ali Farka Toure, Bob Marley, Culture, Joan Armatrading, The Beatles, and countless others.

1) What do you do in your spare time?

I windsurf, surf, and work in the garden.

2) You grew up in Bermuda. What's the music scene like there?

The Bermuda music seen is eclectic. Reggae is at the heart.

3) You are the remaining survivor on a remote tropical island with no chance for rescue. You have a CD/DVD player with endless power. What five CD's are a "must" to have with you? What five movies?

If I were on desert island I would be happy just to have a guitar and some spare strings!