It takes another level of dedication and talent to perform alongside artists like Alicia Keys and Melissa Etheridge. Keren was a born musician, always attracted to the stage, but it was not only her talent that made her a successful career.
In this interview, Keren talks about her journey to the mainstage, her eventful career as an artist, and her upcoming album expected to be released next year.
Early Beginning
Keren started singing in restaurants in Israel as a teenager and later joined a 20 piece band that toured all over Europe, playing for private and corporate events – the band traveled constantly between Europe and Israel playing alongside big names in the music industry.
“We played huge events alongside Elton John, Jennifer Lopez, George Michael, and Emma Shapplin. We had to learn the songs that were popular in the countries that we went to, so I had to sing in Turkish, Italian, and even Hindi at one time.”
For two years, Keren toured with the band. Despite having accomplished so much at a young age, Keren was not satisfied and continued to diligently polish her musical skills.
The city of dreams skyrockets Keren’s dream
A turning point came in Keren’s journey when she moved to New York City.
“I started from nothing and knew no one, I thought I knew the language but I didn’t because I didn’t have the slang everyone used” However, Keren did not let the language barrier prevent her from finding new ways to improve her art.
“I studied privately with a few vocal coaches and studied acting for 2 years with William Esper at the “William Esper Studios”, so I could add another layer to my singing.”
Already an R&B artist, Keren deepened the roots of her singing style and also discovered a new genre – Jazz.
Keren then joined the “New York Big Band” – a 17 piece orchestra that played the great American songbook and Jazz. She has recorded 3 albums with the band in NY.
Equipped with a new depth to her music, Keren started creating music as an independent artist.
“A producer in New York gave me some tracks to write on, and everything about creating original music felt so natural. I loved the process so much that I decided to learn how to play the piano and later, how to play the guitar -I wanted to be able to have more control of all aspects of my music.”
Keren describes herself as a “confessional songwriter”, her lyrics are inspired by personal experiences in her life.
This soulful style of writing touched her audience, and Keren’s independent career was off to an explosive start.
As a member of an all-girl group, signed under the same production company that managed Alicia Keys, Keren toured as an opener for Alicia Keys in a few cities of her USA tour for the megastar’s album, “Songs in A minor”.
In early 2017 Keren was selected to open up for Melissa Etheridge in NY at the Terry Town music hall.
“I was performing an acoustic set with my guitarist at that time and we shared a backstage with Melissa and her team. Melissa was so warm, lovely, welcoming, and supportive, I was in awe of her generosity as an artist. Her show was incredible!”
“A month later I was called to be the opening act (at that very same music hall) for Pat Banter and that was an incredible experience as well.”
New album and lock-down jamming
After spending years performing and collaborating with artists from around the world, Keren released her 2nd EP in 2018.
The last song on the EP, “Again” was special as it represented a big part of Keren’s personal life.
“I wrote the song “Again” after meeting my ex-boyfriend on the streets of NY – we broke up 2 years prior. The song is called Again because I didn’t want my emotions around the breakup to resurface, again.”
Keren is currently working on a new album which is expected to be released next year.
“I just got back from New York and I recorded new songs. The lockdown was about a month and a half, and I was able to funnel all of my energy into songwriting. The new album is expected to be released next year. I am pouring my heart out into this project and I am very excited for people to hear it.”
Another project Keren recently worked on is a collaboration with one of the most well-known singer-songwriters in Israel, Keren Peles. As a response to the first lockdown in Israel, Keren Peles organized this video as an act of solidarity.
“Keren Peles was gathering women artists from all over the world, to come together and create a tapestry of a song – “Suddenly you came to me”. I sing the higher part towards the end of the song.”
“The project was about connection, and about feeling close as humans even when you are far. Most of us did not know each other prior to this recording, but we came together and created this song.”
Inspired by the intention behind Keren Peles’ Project, Keren gathered 17 of her musician friends from across NYC and LA and produced a cover of the song “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen. The timing of the release of that collaboration couldn’t have been more appropriate as it was released during the BLM Protests and Riots happening all over the US at that time. The song served as a great uplift in those trying times.
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