Miserable Man, one of the artists that performed at Goa Sunsplash 2017, is a one-man band. His breezy style brings out the simplicity and the power in songs. Fans of reggae will especially like his "One Love, One Take" album and his "Can You Reggaenize It?" EP. Miserable Man is currently filming a documentary about his musical travels. He recently took time out of his busy tour schedule to answer some questions for the blog.
Kavin: Looks like you're an veteran of Asia tours. How did you start touring Asia, and what makes you keep coming back?
Miserable Man: It all started in the winter 2012. After two years performing in the UK i wanted to go back travelling Asia as i did since 2004. This time, i decided to bring my guitar with me and hook up with local buskers, bars and festivals. I started in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where i still gig a lot and then i moved around playing shows in Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, and of course, Goa, India!
My relationship with India and Asia in general goes back to my roots: my grandfather used to travel there for business in the 50's and i grew up in an old house full of Chinese furniture, Indian Curry tins and Indonesian artifacts. I'm in love with the culture, the amazing food, the languages, the landscapes and the people in general. I feel like the Western world has a lot to learn from Asian cultures.
K: I especially enjoy your rocksteady originals and covers. Can you tell me what you love about rocksteady and what you see as the future of rocksteady?
MM: I love rocksteady music because it was a phenomena that last for a very short time.
I love the fact that it contains the broken basslines of Roots Reggae but keeps that 50/60's feel with a lot of harmonies. Plus, the singers back then were amazing performers with lots of style and character.
Alton Ellis is one of my favourites. I admire those bands who try to keep that sound alive but i'm actually more interested in creating my personal musical style, mixing Pop elements with the Jamaican tradition.
After all Jamaican music is always been in constant evolution.
Sometimes i refer to my music as "Popsteady" and i'm very happy when people gets to know Reggae music through my covers.
K: What are you looking forward to most about performing at Goa Sunsplash festival?
MM: Im very excited and honoured to be a part of this festival. My love for India and for Reggae music combined together!
Plus i really admire the work of Reggae Rajahs and what they're doing for the Reggae scene in the subcontinent.
I'm very looking forward to meet them and share my love for Music and India with like minded people.
K: Any special message for the India reggae massive?
MM: Yes! Keep playing Reggae and spreading good vibes: we are living very complicated times and i feel reggae music and its message can bring a lot of fresh positive energy to the people.
In a way it's our mission: Music really is the most High! One Love, One Heart! Eek Piar, Eek Dil!
Check out his website, miserableman.com, before the shark gets him...
