Brainheart
Beautiful and honest. Those are the first words that came to mind the first time I heard Brainheart’s new single. It’s been a minute since I last featured a producer/DJ on my music blog because it’s been hard to find something authentic. Brainheart’s music has some true emotion and that’s what draws me to it. Anica’s magical vocals take the record to another dimension and Brainheart’s beautiful production makes the song just perfect.
“Close To You” is now available worldwide.
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
My name is Roi Zohar a.k.a Brainheart.
I am an independent music producer, songwriter, and DJ that is unbound by genres.
I produce mainly electronic music but other genres too (pop, acoustic, and more…). I am a dream chaser and musician who believes that artists should be very versatile and open-minded to new genres. My goal is to leave a legacy and make a lasting impact, I want to touch people, and make them happy and emotional. I believe that music is the best way to connect with people and share messages because it’s a universal language. I want to be an inspiration for many generations to come.
What did you grow up listening to?
Since the beginning, I have always listened to so many genres.
classical music, EDM, Pop, Hip Hop, and more...
I grew up listening to Coldplay, Avicii, The Script, Martin Garrix, Avril Lavigne, Hans Zimmer, Porter Robinson, OneRepublic, and more... (the list is huge).
When did you start making music? How did your sound evolve over the years?
My first exposure to music was at the age of four. That's because my mom used to listen to classical and orchestral music. I fell in love with all the instruments, especially the piano, violin, and cello.
Over the years, I fell in love with more genres, especially EDM. I struggled severely in the school system and felt that I was wasting my time. Music was my escape. I taught myself how to play piano at the age of 15, and honestly, it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. A year later, I started creating music and knew I had found my purpose. I am self-taught. I don’t read music and have no training in sound design. I consider YouTube as my teacher. I learned everything from music production videos.
In the beginning, I always made electronic music but over the years I allowed myself to be open to new genres and combine different styles of music. I love so many genres and different styles so why not.
When did you know you had to be an artist and release your original music?
I remember the first time I watched the Tomorrowland festival, and I was hooked. The fact that a musician can create a song in the studio and touch so many people from all over the world is crazy. There is something contagious about electronic music. I believe that the most important thing in life is to be happy, celebrate it, and create memories. This is exactly what EDM is all about.
That's why I make music.
Could you list a few records that influenced the music you are making today?
Avicii - Wake Me Up
Coldplay - Viva La Vida
ILLENIUM - Good Things Fall Apart
Martin Garrix - High On Life
Said The Sky, ILLENIUM & Chelsea Cutler - Walk Me Home
Who was the first person to ever believe in your music?
My sister is my biggest supporter. We have a strong connection and we even release songs sometimes.
She is a great singer. Fun fact, I created my most successful song with her ("Explore The World").
"Close To You" is your latest single - what's the story/inspiration behind this song? Could you describe the songwriting/production process for this song?
“Close To You” is a lush, introspective song about trying to fall in love when no one comes close to the one who got away. First, I produced the track and then searched for a good singer. I found Anica on Spotify and fell in love with her voice immediately. I sent her a message and she really loved the demo, so we decided to collaborate and create a magical song together. It took me 2 years to finish the song because I changed the production so many times until I was satisfied. The production combines elements of pop, rock, and EDM with classic chord progressions, distorted guitars, and an incredibly gratifying emotional drop. When I finished the song, I decided to make an acoustic version too and Anica loved the idea. There’s a dreamy acoustic texture to “Close To You” acoustic that’s twice as emotive with the sentimental performance of the vocal line and the instrumentation.
This acoustic version adds an intense layer of depth and meaning to this song, and it's equally as compelling as the original. The melancholy strings and tender piano melodies perfectly enhance Anica's moving lyrics.
This version has a different vibe and is much deeper and soulful.
What's your favorite lyric on "Close To You"?
"It’s getting hard to find the words
Like trying to tell a bridge it’s only built to burn".
What can you tell us about the artwork?
The artwork is mysterious.
The listeners wouldn't be able to know how the girl in the artwork feels until they listen to the full song.
That's exactly what I want to achieve.
As an artist, what is the hardest part? And what is the best part?
In my opinion, the hardest part is mental Health… When I say “I need a break” it has never been and never will be from making music, it’s from all the things outside the creative process. Social media is a huge part of being a successful musician and it can really mess with the mind and soul. All the numbers, likes, comments, and stuff… It's not easy. Making art is a lonely path sometimes and the music industry is a very dark place. Most people don’t really understand how hard it is to be an independent musician. A lot of musicians suffer from mental health. Luckily making music isn’t draining me or distracting me from working on my mental health, it’s guiding me.
The best part of being a musician is being able to make a profound impact on people.
Knowing that my music touches people’s hearts and souls is the best thing.
What are your thoughts on today's music industry? If you could change one thing, what would it be?
The industry is so fake, the labels control everything and the industry hates independent musicians.
The industry pushes artists to make hits and not make music that comes from the soul, what matters to them is the money and not the music. I wish that one day the industry will prefer meaningful lyrics and will support creativity instead of terrible music with awful messages.
As a producer, what equipments do you use?
All I need is my computer, guitars (acoustic + electric), midi keyboard, headphones, and audio interface.
It's funny how people are impressed by cool studios. I never make anything I like in a professional studio.
I like the things I make in my house. People never heard a song from me recorded outside my bedroom.
Fancy things don't make things cool; the artist is what makes things cool.
In your opinion, what makes a good production?
Live instruments are a must for me. Including unique, weird, and unexpected sounds + adding atmospheres that create a euphoric feeling.
What biggest life lessons have you learned so far?
Honestly, the biggest lesson I learned so far is that music is everything to me and I wouldn't live without it.
Music is my savior, my guardian angel. I know that so many artists say that, but music impacts my brain and my heart every single day and brings me peace of mind. It gives me purpose; I have a reason to get up every day. Producing music is the only way I can fully express my feelings and emotions. I learn a lot about myself and about growth while making songs. Also, music helps me a lot with accepting myself. For as long as I can remember, I’ve hated my appearance. The way I see myself has ruined so many moments that should’ve been fun. I believe that one day I will fully accept myself. This is a tough and complicated journey but I’m working on it.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
Peace, love, unity, and respect.
The fundamental ingredients for a perfect world.
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