Yesteday morning Matisyahu posted the above picture of himself on Twitter. A few hours later he wrote "For all of those who are being awesome,you are awesome.For all those who are confused:today I went to the Mikva and Shul just like yesterday." And he issued this statement:

This morning I posted a photo of myself on Twitter.

No more Chassidic reggae superstar.

Sorry folks, all you get is me...no alias. When I started becoming religious 10 years ago it was a very natural and organic process. It was my choice. My journey to discover my roots and explore Jewish spirituality--not through books but through real life. At a certain point I felt the need to submit to a higher level of religiosity...to move away from my intuition and to accept an ultimate truth. I felt that in order to become a good person I needed rules--lots of them--or else I would somehow fall apart. I am reclaiming myself. Trusting my goodness and my divine mission.

Get ready for an amazing year filled with music of rebirth. And for those concerned with my naked face, don't worry...you haven't seen the last of my facial hair.

- Matisyahu

This morning he again reiterated that he still goes to temple, probably in part due to all the backlash he's getting from the Chassidic community, and for people who think he's stopped being religious at all.

Matisyahu begins his annual winter tour that includes "Festival of Light" shows during Hanukkah, this week in Denver. He plays Music Hall of Williamsburg Dec 19, 20 & 21, and then Webster Hall on the 22nd, before continuing to Philly. Openers change each night and include Aunt Martha and Dub Trio. Tickets at Ticketmaster. Dates are listed below...

Continue reading "Matisyahu shaved off his beard"

The Hold Steady at Fun Fun Fun Fest 2010 (more)

Last month, we announced that Truck America is returning to the Catskills in September (the 9th through the 11th) and will be headlined by The Hold Steady and Okkervil River. The only other confirmed bands at the time were Ra Ra Riot and Wye Oak. The lineup has since been updated to include Fruit Bats, Vetiver, The Felice Brothers, CItay, Gary Higgins, Lady Lamb the Beekeeper, Takka Takka, Hospitality, The Low Anthem and others. Check out the full list below. Early bird tickets are still on sale.

For The Low Anthem, it's one of many dates they just announced including one at Terminal 5 with Iron & Wine.

Speaking of The Hold Steady, frontman Craig Finn posted to his Tumblr that he's making a solo album:

"I'm in Austin TX for a few weeks. Making a record. Staying in a friend's guest house. Got here yesterday. So far so good. I'll be tracking the progress here."

He has also been tracking his progress on the Tumblr.

Check out the full Truck America lineup update below...

Continue reading "Truck America expands lineup, Craig Finn working on solo LP"