"Mid Breakfast" Is The Brand New Single By Nu Jazz Musician Eden Barel
Friday March 11th marked the debut of the brand new single “Mid Breakfast'' by Tel-Aviv based musician and composer Eden Barel who is building a name for himself in the nu-jazz scene and is definitely here to stay.
Music has always represented a big part in Eden’s life, but being just an avid listener couldn’t be enough. He soon picked up drums which helped him set the groove he always wanted, then later started taking guitar lessons and soon realized his talented skills. It is during a self-exploration trip to India about a decade ago that he met who he described to be one of the greatest musicians he ever met, a mentor, someone who taught him the magic and the endless possibilities that the instrument has to offer. This is an element that still reflects in Eden’s work to this day, as his music is a conglomerate of extremely well-thought sounds which are able to create a very specific composition. When it comes to music, it is safe to say that Eden always aims for perfection while being aware of the inevitable imperfections and improvisations that come along with the creative process of Jazz music. We’ve all been impatiently waiting to hear more from Eden, as we’ve been streaming his debut 2021 single “Apple Juice” on repeat. Coming alongside a well thought music video directed by Eden who is also a talented videographer, the brand new single is an ode to his time spent in New York, as he mentions “Mid breakfast is the first single from my upcoming homonymous EP . Looking back at it, I could say that the various sounds in this tune are almost like a homage to everything that inspired me at that time when I wrote it (in my one bedroom apartment in Brooklyn, NY) both visually and musically. I’m happy to finally share it with the world, and hoping to hopefully inspire others in their own path.”
Stills from "Mid Breakfast" music video graded by Yuval Aloni In honor of this brand new debut, we talked to Eden about his path and inspirations.
What made you decide to film this video in New York City?
The inspiration for this tune came from very long walks in the streets of New York (sometimes 5 to 6 hours) with my headphones on, just absorbing everything around me. The music I listened to, the natural sounds of the city and the unique visuals I had captured. When I started thinking about how to deliver this experience out there, I knew that’s what I have to do. Along with that, I wanted it to be shot on 16 mm film, since I knew it’s the only format that will reflect the full potential of the experience I want to deliver.
Do you follow a formula when you write?
I do not. Writing new music always feels like it’s the first time I’m doing it. An idea can come up from a beat I have stuck in my head, a melody, a photo, a certain mood. anything that inspires me at the same moment. I’m hoping to keep it that way.
Who are your biggest influences?
That’s a hard one! Alice Coltrane, Chet Baker, Miles Davis, Kamasi Washington, Christian Scott Atunde Adjuah, James Brown, Mulatu Astatke, Wu-tang clan, and the list is still very long...
Are there past instructors you look up to?
Of course.
My first guitar teacher ever Asaf Finkel, who made me believe there is a chance that I might have some skills.
My Guru G (mentor) Mohan Zarape, who taught me the foundations of jazz guitar when I was living in Varanasi, India.
And Moshe Zehavi, one of the most unique guitar players I know, took me under his wing when I was in the very early stages of my playing. It’s important to say, the things I’ve learned from them are still sinking in till now. every day. And I still have so much to learn. As far as I see it I’m only starting, and I’m excited to find out as much as I possibly can about this magic called music.
What is it about music that makes you feel passionate?
The unbelievable power music has to put you in a certain mood. You can be anything you want and anywhere you want to be, just by listening. There is nothing like it.
Which skills have you gained that help you perform effectively as a musician?
Since I was a kid, and a lot before I picked up a guitar, I played the drums. I think till this very day as a guitarist and a producer, having a good sense of groove is a key to any recording and performing musician.
Pic by Yasmin Gorenberg What's the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you?
My mentor Mohan Zarape once told me: “Patience is the mother of wisdom”.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
First name that comes to mind is the great Canadian band “Badbadnotgood”. Mid Breakfast is available to stream on all platforms and you can watch the video on YouTube.