Independent artist and producer Chanan Herman just released his debut track “Fading” on March 4, 2022. It’s the first single off his upcoming album 7:18 and was written by the Jerusalem, Israel based singer and songwriter after what he describes as a “hard breakup.” The song is about the memories of a relationship fading after a breakup, but you would never guess that based on the upbeat tempo that completely contradicts the typical breakup song.
When I hear “breakup song” I think of sad ballads and tubs of ice cream, not jam sessions and dance parties. “Fading” breaks the mold and throws all the stereotypical concepts of breakup songs out the window. It immediately draws you in with its catchy percussion and distorted strings. The lyrics are simple, but perfectly matched to the meaning of the song – meaning there are no odd words or phrases in it for the sake of art – and the beat of the track.
So, if you want to sit on the couch with your pint of ice cream and cry it all out, this is not the song to listen to. I don’t recommend that, anyway. Dance it out with “Fading” – I know I will next time.
Herman has definitely made his mark with such a strong debut single and I feel like this is just the beginning of Chanan Herman’s wave of surprises he plans to hit the world with. If you are looking for something new, a fresh take on human emotions, and awesome mixing and instrumentals, follow Chanan on social media and look for his upcoming album 7:18 coming soon.
Q&A with Chanan Herman
Q: What was your creative process in working on “Fading”?
CHANAN: I wrote the song in the middle of the night on a ukulele. Even though I was composing it on such a small instrument, the image of the rock-n-roll “Black Keys” vibe was clear from the start. While recording it we distorted the uke giving it that static vibe and added static guitars on top of it.
It was important for me to keep the singing gentle and harmonious in contrast to the guitar.
Q: What has been one of your favorite memories in making the track?
CHANAN: Writing it late at night while everyone was asleep. My second favorite memory is when my producer, Shahar Elisof, sent me home to rewrite the second verse…That feeling of tightening the writing is always really fun for me.
Q: We love your songwriting. How did you get into music?
CHANAN: I have always loved music. When I was 6 years old, I used to sing and make up songs in bathrooms at restaurants when I had to relieve myself. My mom says the whole retaurant would hear me. She started sending me to classical piano lessons which I didn’t really love, but I always loved making up my own melodies. It developed over time of course
Q: What advice would you give to other up and coming artists?
CHANAN: My only advice for up and coming artists is never sign a contract with a producer for more than one song.
Q: What projects are currently in the works?
CHANAN: I’m releasing my second track, “Foreigner”, In one month. It’s a whole level up production wise. I have a few more tracks in the works that should be ready within the next few months. All of them are a part of this E.P project called 7:18.
Q: What do you do when you AREN’T working on music?
CHANAN: When I’m not working on my music I’m usually running, meditating, or spending quality time with my girlfriend. I really believe that, if you want to have shot at succeeding, music needs to be your whole life for a while.
Reviewed & Interviewed by Dana L. Sullivan
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