Local reggae singer trying to make it big in London: Mishka to release album
LONDON -- A Bermudian may be about to lead a revival of reggae, according to London music scene insiders. Mishka (Frith), the 24-year-old brother of rising pop star Heather Nova and VSB newsreader Suzannah Frith is set to release his first album in June, with his hit single "Give You All The Love'' already out and being played on radio stations across the UK.
"Give You All The Love'' along with Mishka's graceful, powerful and haunting voice has caught the attention of the London music media and DJs, including The Times's Metro Magazine which ran a photograph of the rastafarian in last Saturday's issue with the caption: Beat Boy -- Is Creation's Mishka about to lead a reggae resurgence? The article continues: "Reggae, ignored for years, is showing signs of trendiness. Perhaps fancying that they have picked up a Finley Quaye, Creation have splashed a fraction of their Oasis billions on a young dread called Mishka. Creation's faith appears justified thus far, with the Jamaican's (sic) debut single "Give You All The Love'', drawing plenty of Radio 1 airplay.'' A spokesperson for Creation said The Times had made a mistake in calling Mishka Jamaican and said he was being promoted in London as a Bermudian who grew up on a yacht island-hopping with his family. Mishka was, in fact, discovered at a Caribbean resort by London's young Creation Records boss Alan McGee. McGee was on his honeymoon in Nevis when he heard Mishka performing with his band. Back in London his famous sister Heather Nova (who is signed by Virgin) supplied McGee with a tape of Mishka's "Give You All The Love'' and McGee signed him "on instinct'', according to a Creation spokesperson yesterday.
McGee saw Mishka's style as "a young Sam Cook mixed with shades of Bob Marley and that indefinable something that heralds a great pop record'', the spokesperson said. Creation's most famous bands are Oasis and Primal Scream.
Oasis was also discovered by McGee on a holiday! Mishka, who was living and working in Nevis, is now in London with his Caribbean and British band to promote his debut album, recorded in a small Ladbroke Grove studio. Creation describes the album as "subtle, accoustic-based, providing the perfect background for Mishka's powerful voice, heavily inspired by childhood years hearing Jamaican radio while island-hopping. His melodies are timeless, effortlessly catchy, reminiscent of early Bob Dylan or classic soul.'' A small London concert and performances are planned, while Mishka's poster is on billboards thought London. Creation executive Vanessa Cotton says Mishka was heavily influenced by growing up on the sea with his family. "While other children were glued to the television and video games, Mishka was offered endless hours in which to reflect,'' she said. "He has a bulging notebook of `ocean songs'.'' He was educated almost entirely at sea, with a short spell of schooling in Canada at 15. At age 18, Bermudians may recall he was chosen to represent Bermuda in the 1991 and 1992 windsurfing world championships. All the while he continued writing songs and recording rough tapes. "I didn't want to make a record,'' he told one London magazine. "Everyone was saying `you can't just play it for yourself', where as far as I was concerned I can.'' He added, "People always check out your influences, but you don't really know what your influences are. It might be a bird singing while you're walking down the streets or a breeze going past you. That could be what makes you want to write a song. Life is bigger than just records and stuff.'' Mishka's single "Give You All The Love'' is due to be released in record stores on May 3 with an album following in mid-June.
ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINER ENT
