Jerusalem, Israel
ISRAEL’S LATEST MUSIC SENSATION: FROM THE EAST – MIQEDEM!
A unique group of talented musicians, who play both in
Israel and the nations, has hit the music scene with a new sound. The band is
called Miqedem, which in biblical Hebrew means, “from the east.”
Based in Tel Aviv Israel, and formed in 2015, Miqedem
musicians started their band by writing, recording and performing their own
original Middle Eastern music with lyrics taken from the Hebrew Tenach (Old
Testament).
In early 2016, they created their first album in a small
basement recording studio that they rented in South Tel Aviv. They completed
that first project without any outside funding, using their limited equipment,
as well as other gear they borrowed from friends.
In May 2016, that first album was released by Miqedem,
independently, and now they are on-the-road playing in worship settings, and sharing
their passion for rhythms and biblical lyrics that are part of their Israeli
culture and the regions beyond.
The group is playing the music they love, reaching hearts
with the ancient sounds of Hebraic melodies. So far, they have shared their new
music not only throughout Israel, but also in the Ukraine, France, Poland,
Sweden, Germany, England and the United States.
The response has been positive, as Miqedem band members
inspire others by singing biblical texts, while incorporating Israeli rhythms
based on regional cultures and traditions.
One method that helps them in creating new music and songs
is that they take the original words of the scripture, memorize a certain
passage, and meditate on it. They repeat it over and over again until it
becomes second nature. Then, they start to feel the beat, the kind of rhythms
that work, and the poetry of the vocals come. The structure begins to form,
resulting in several verses of a song developing.
Jamie Hilsden, leader of Miqedem, explains that the first
verse comes easier than the rest of the verses. But eventually, the song is
completed. He is often looking for parallels that exist in how Hebraic words
are expressed biblically, that compare and contrast. He also digs for the
deeper meanings in scripture.
Hilsden spoke to this writer about a song he shared two
years ago, “Kol Haneshama,” when he was involved in a special project. It had a
unique drum rhythm to it. The music, itself was western, but the drum beat was
eastern. It opened up different kinds of sounds for him, “sounds I was familiar
with all my life, but we had just never used them before in the congregation.”
Hilsden said it has a kind of freshness to it, especially with the various
percussions used.
Hilsden sings vocals and plays guitar. His partner, Yaron
Cherniak, shares the vocals with him, and plays several authentic Middle
Eastern instruments.
While Hilsden writes the songs, Cherniak makes sure that the
distinctive melodies Miqedem creates stay within the biblical traditions of the
east. Cherniak has a degree in eastern music, and is working on his masters
now. He understands that kind of ancient composition, while Jamie brings the
pop music background, which helps westerners enjoy the blend that is uniquely,
Miqedem.
Shai Sol is the only female singer in the group. She plays
guitar, and percussion instruments. Other band members are Vadym Sokolyk on
bass, and Gabriel Elbaz on drums.
The purpose of the band coming together has been simply to
get their inspiration from the people and ethnic groups around them; then, make
music and worship God; using the Hebraic scriptures in song. This has been
particularly interesting for native-born Israelis who are able to enjoy the
music experience as part of their own culture.
It seems, however, that the under 18 group in Israel still identifies
with Hilsden’s previous music style which was based more on rock. But, young
adults in their 20’s and 30’s, both in Israel and abroad, are starting to
appreciate the new harmonies that Miqedem brings.
According to Hilsden, “I like it all. And, when I go back
and just want to enjoy music, my default is still western music. It is still where
I come from. It’s my default form of music. But, as far as trying to create
something new and fresh, we look to the east.”
After 2 years of composing new scripture based songs, the
band is now planning to record a second album. Already, they have written songs
and started the pre-production process for the new album. They hope to do the
final recording by the end of 2017.
Hilsden gives a further explanation to the vision of the
band members. He explains that in the Torah, “the story of redemption is from
the east. Abraham was called out from that same part of the world to go to a
land prepared for him. The story of redemption is the story from the east…
Miqedem.”
“Declaring the end from the beginning. And, from ancient
times, things which have not been done, saying, 'My purpose will be
established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure.’ Calling a bird of
prey from the east, the man of My purpose from a far country. Truly I have
spoken; truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, surely I will do it.”
ISAIAH 46:10-11