Meet Snir Yamin, a brilliant singer-songwriter hailing from Isreal. Recently starting to make a name of himself in the North American territory, we see Yamin creating an eclectic brand of Folk, with stunning elements of Pop and the energy of Rock n’ Roll. Influenced by such artists as Damien Rice and Jeff Buckley, Yamin brings to the masses a sound that is all his own. His new single, “You & I” which has been making the rounds this Spring, has been garnering the attention of fans and critics alike. Leading up to his new record, Concrete City, due out this year, he enlightens with a songwriting sensibility that is beyond impressive. In the past few weeks we had the chance to speak with Snir Yamin regarding his upcoming musical adventures for the year ahead.
Meet Snir Yamin…
What comes first when writing, the music or the lyrics? Why so?
I’m a person of music. Therefore, the music always comes first in my songwriting process. I have a lot of self-judgment when it comes to lyrics, I can spend days and weeks on a single piece of lyrics until I’m somewhere around 89% happy with it, as I never feel 100% complete about it.
What is the theme and concept behind the upcoming record? What inspired you?
My upcoming EP, “Concrete City”, has it all. I gathered four tracks that represent my love to various kind of music genres. From Folk and Acoustic to Pop and Electronic music, Concrete City has it all. As the name of the record, I got inspired mostly by the beautiful city of New York. Like the EP itself, New York has it all. All the colors, all kinds of people and all sorts of buildings.
Your vocals are silky smooth with an incredible Pop-Rock edge to them. What vocalists do you look up to and how did you craft your vocal style?
Thank you for that! I’m inspired mostly by John Mayer, Beck, Bon Iver and Jose Gonzales. I always practice vocals, nonstop, it’s my efficient way to keep the chords in shape down there.
What kind of instruments do you use on the new record?
I played Acoustic and Electric Guitars, Piano, Keys and I’m also one of the active producers which is kinda new to me, but I must admit that I love the process.
Do you record the new album on your own, or did you head to the studio with an outside producer?
I’m recording the EP at Sweet Sounds Studio in New York. I’m myself, and Josh Giunta are the executive producers of this album. Josh is a talented producer, and we had an amazing connection from the first time.
What is the inspiration behind the new single, “You & I”?
“You & I” was written as part of the submission process to the soundtrack of “Paper Towns” movie. I got a song request when they started scouting for original songs. I loved the Novel by John Green the genius. I decided to go for it and wrote it after I was reading the Novel again. The characters and their amazing fictional love story were my inspiration for creating the song, both the lyrics, and the music.
With elements of Indie and Pop Rock and Classic Rock, how do you combine those elements to craft your own, unique sound?
I love listening to various music genres. I listen to a lot of Folk music and also Pop and Hip-Hop. I think that I found the ability in myself to take a piece from every genre and create my unique sound. It took a while, but I feel that I eventually achieved it.
Where do you see Snir Yamin as a musician, 10 years from now?
One of my greatest goals is to perform at the Madison Square Garden. I know it’s big and ambitious, but that’s the kind of person I am. When I want something, no matter what, it’s going to happen. So I guess, MSG, you better get ready.