Brainheart is a USA-based artist who stands out with a fusion of EDM aesthetic and heartfelt lyricism. The moniker of Roei Zoar, he’s an independent music producer, songwriter and DJ whose journey began with classical influences when he was just four years old.
Though his introduction to piano at fifteen may have seemed like a distraction from school struggles, it blossomed into a profound connection between his brain and heart, evolving into a powerful blend of EDM, cinematic, acoustic and pop productions. Brainheart made his entrance in 2019 with the debut single “Explore the World,” featuring vocals by his sister. The track struck a chord globally, racking up millions of streams on Spotify and going viral on Instagram.
Since then, he’s dropped a string of well-received singles, remixes and acoustic versions while collaborating with a range of artists including Ben Chaverin, Brett Miller, Dorel and Nightshift among others. 2022 saw him drop his debut EP titled The Strange Kids which he followed up last year with the single “Close To You” featuring Anica.
Now he kicks off 2024 with a brand new single, this time linking up with the singer and artist LORD & LAND on the track titled “How To Live.” Serving up a euphoric electronic pop sound, the new single sees Brainheart enter the new year with another sensational collaboration. Opened by the gentle bubble of synth tones as warm piano chords prop up the harmonic structure, LORD & LAND’s rich vocal leads glide in to thread pop-focused leads of smooth melodies and poignant lyricism.
The soft patter of drums injects energy as the arrangement gradually builds up before erupting into a storming synth-driven chorus packed full of soaring vocal leads, pulsing synth layers and guitar tones riding the punch of drums. Dropping back in the second verse, delicate acoustic guitar notes underpin the vocal dance of LORD & LAND as the song builds to the anthemic final chorus to deliver one final dose of musical magic from this superb sonic partnership.
Thematically, “How To Live” distils the experience in pursuing dreams and passions with LORD & LAND’s lyrics covering into the struggles of facing burnout while navigating the challenges that come with pursuing one’s goals. The track captures the relatable experience of persisting through adversity, stacking up the metaphorical stones of resilience to reach for the stars despite the odds, all delivered via an energising and instantly memorable electronic pop sound.
We caught up with Brainheart to find out more about his musical journey, his new single “How To Live” featuring LORD & LAND and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Brainheart below.
Hey Roei, how’s things?
I am doing ok. 2023 was a horrible year, but I am ready for 2024 and trying to stay optimistic.
What’s your earliest memory of making music?
When I was young, I always fell asleep with beautiful classical and orchestral music. My mom is a huge fan of this type of music, so she introduced me to it.
Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?
Honestly, I listen to so many genres and am always open to new sounds. So many artists and bands inspire me so I can’t choose one, it’s too hard. I get inspired by artists and bands like Coldplay, ILLENIUM, The Script, Martin Garrix, Labrinth, Ed Sheeran, Bring Me The Horizon, Hans Zimmer, Said The Sky, Dabin, and more.
How else do you find inspiration for your music?
I get inspiration from traveling, movies, and music festivals/concerts.
What was your highlight of the year for 2023?
I have to be honest: 2023 was the worst year of my life, and I didn’t achieve much, so I hope 2024 will be the best year of my life and that I will accomplish a lot.
What do you love about your local music scene?
Unfortunately, in my country, most people don’t listen to music in English at all, so I am not a fan of the local music scene here.
What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?
In my opinion, live shows and festivals because my music is very energetic. A gym and a long drive can be fun too. For the acoustic version, the best setting is just using headphones and listening to the song while you’re lying on your bed.
How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?
Absolutely, I can’t define my music by genre because I always love to experiment with different sounds and styles of music. I produce mainly EDM, but I love pop, rock, and acoustic songs. What I can tell is that my goal is to create a versatile and interesting catalog. I don’t want to create repetitive music with the same sounds and structure. I always created EDM in the past, but now I am more open-minded to try different things, techniques, and genres. I want to surprise myself and my listeners by taking them on a fascinating musical journey.
Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?
Probably Coldplay, Ryan Tedder, or Adele.
How did you find making your new single “How To Live”?
One of the best experiences. I found Caleb, the singer (Lord & Land), on Spotify, and I fell in love with his voice. He is such a great and underrated artist. I sent him a message via Instagram and sent him the track. He loved it, we started working together, and he sent an idea really quickly. I was hooked and loved the idea, so we continued. A couple of weeks later, he sent the final vocals. I finished the music production, mixing, and mastering, and we both were so happy with the finished product. We even decided to create an acoustic version too. The acoustic version of âHow To Liveâ will be out in February. We believe that this song deserves a calm version, too. This acoustic version adds a lot of depth and meaning to the song and is just as captivating as the original.
What message did you want to get across with this release?
I struggle a lot with mental health and depression. The grind, the self-loathing, the doubt that runs rampant inside my head that plagues every single decision I makeâŠ. Sometimes it sucks me completely dry. Being a dream chaser is not easy at all so I wanted to create a motivational song for myself and for those who dream big and struggle along the way with mental health and other stuff. What often keeps us going is the wonder of the âwhat ifâ when we reach for those stars that we gaze at. In the end, every original success story comes with a lot of failure but also a persistence to never give up. You donât know when or where your next opportunity will arrive, and if you donât shoot your best shot, youâll never know. In my opinion, this song is like a giant, warm, nostalgic hug that you canât help but bop your head and smile while listening to.
What artist have you been listening to most recently?
Bring Me The Horizon. This band is pushing boundaries, and the production of their songs is just phenomenal, complicated, and so fascinating.
What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?
I do my best to create emotional music and interesting melodies with strong and meaningful lyrics. I focus a lot on mental health and success because we all experience pain, depression, anxiety, trauma, and so many different kinds of pain that might not be visible to anyone else. I want my songs to speak to people, heal them, and make them feel better and motivated. The goal is that my music will be the guardian angel for so many people. I want to make a lasting impact and inspire many generations to come. I want to create music that will last forever in peopleâs hearts and affect the way they see life.
What’s been your favourite live performance so far?
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to perform live yet. I hope to get an artist visa this year and move to the United States as soon as possible. I will have many more opportunities there to develop my music career.
Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?
ILLENIUM, Bring Me The Horizon, and Coldplay in Norway because this country is just magical.
Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?
Honestly the mindset is the most important part. Always remember that life is fragile, and we only live once. We donât have to obey. We donât have to conform to an ideology that is placed upon our shoulders just because someone says so. No matter who you are, you can have a voice, and you can have a say. You can break the rules. Dare to dream big and set your goals high. Every time you fail, you come one step closer to success. I know it sounds crazy, but this is the truth. The world works in mysterious ways. If you have any plans or tiny little ideas in your head of who you want to be, where you want to go, or what you want to do, just make your own rules, donât take no for an answer, listen to your gut, and have endless belief in yourself. The prize is the fulfilment of reaching your destiny. And your destiny is the most important thing. Trust the process, have faith in the future, and trust life.
Finally, what do you have lined up for 2024?
I have been working nonstop in the studio to create a tangible work of art that really speaks to who I am as an artist. Been working like a madman and haven’t been this inspired in a long time. This year, I will make up for the lack of releases last year, trust. I hope I can fill many souls in some way with these new sounds, melodies, and words to come. I want to release a song every month and more acoustic versions. I will keep making music and touching people’s hearts and souls. I want to keep growing my socials and fanbase. I want to evolve and become a better version of myself â as a musician and as a person.
Listen to How To Live below
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