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Music is one of the few languages that does not require translation. Infatuated with the endless possibilities of the language, Uriel has dedicated his life to composing, producing, and performing music.
After years of working with artists such as Idan Raichel, Dikla, and Hanan Ben-Ari, Uriel decided to go independent. In this interview, Uriel gives us information on his upcoming album and his ambitions for using music as the language of his soul.
Uriel’s love of music began with his second note
At the age of five, Uriel pressed a key of the piano at his house for the first time. The single note rang through the room, but Uriel felt that it sounded incomplete, lonely.
To fix this Uriel began playing more notes that worked with and complimented the first one. Before he even knew what it was, Uriel had discovered harmony.
“I remember this vividly, it was the moment that I realized my love for music. Music became a way for me to express myself and communicate with others. Music became the language of my soul.”
Uriel’s mother had a rule for him and his siblings: to spend at least three years learning an instrument. Uriel took it to the next level, practicing also with his siblings’ instruments in his free time.
“With so many children learning different instruments, I had the opportunity to learn and play with more than just the piano. If you really, really desire something, there is no limit to how much you can practice, and this was the case for me and music.“
Uriel didn’t plan to learn three different instruments, he was just finding new sounds and ways to express himself.
“At the end of the day you can learn any instrument, but the most important thing is the music inside of you and how you express yourself.“
It seemed only natural for Uriel to make his passion for music into a profession. Using the saxophone, piano, and flute, Uriel connects with his audience through live performances, recording music, and streaming services.
“I felt like your music was the theme song to my life’s journey”
Although creating music gives Uriel immense joy, seeing how his music affects others is the most fulfilling part of his career.
A couple of years ago, Uriel was walking in Tel Aviv when a fan recognized him. She told Uriel that she would put his songs on repeat while walking along the beach. While walking she felt that Uriel’s song was the theme song to her life’s journey, and thanked him for making her feel so alive.
Uriel’s expression from the heart was clearly reaching others. He found that it was not about the quantity of the audience, but rather how many he truly reached with his music. When asked which performance was his favorite, Uriel spoke on an opportunity to perform and teach children with disabilities online class during lockdown.
“It was so special. I played my music for them and they had so many questions for me. They were all so curious and passionate about music, and it reminded me of myself when I was their age. This was one of the most touching and precious moments in my life.”
Uriel’s upcoming album
Uriel is currently working with his band on an upcoming album. It wasn’t easy, but he eventually found the perfect group of musicians for the project.
“It is a lengthy and difficult process to find your own band. But after a long search, I found the right people for my upcoming album. I am sure that they are the best musicians in Israel, and you can feel that they are playing from the heart. Each of them is extremely special to me and they each have their own unique style. We constantly learn from each other and take aspects of the different genres that we like and evolve from it.”
Uriel’s upcoming album is a result of various influences from his life, including sounds from Jazz, Arabic, Middle Eastern, and Jewish music.
Uriel is currently tirelessly working on the album, and says that the album will be all instrumental music except for one song, featuring a guest artist.
Finding a common ground through music
Once the world situation allows it, Uriel wants to go on tour.
“Especially during the pandemic where everyone is facing the same problem, I think that right now is the best time to find a common ground between people of different backgrounds. This is why I want to travel the world once the pandemic is over and perform to spread love and understanding to as many people as possible.”
