Shuli Rand on His Upcoming Album: "I Never Remember a Time in My Life Without Hard Times"
In light of a new single released recently, singer Shuli Rand reflects on a tough year ("I never remember a time in my life without hard times") and says there were many "obstacles" to creation. Why? "Ask Hashem. We've been waiting for the Messiah for 2,000 years," he says.
"Even if you delve deeply into the rooms / Even if you scour writings all night long / You will not know how much, you will not know how / There was a dove in a hidden stage weeping for you - you will not know how much, you will not know how"
After nine years of hiatus since his successful debut album 'Nekudah Tovah' - singer Shuli Rand releases a new single from his second album 'Lo Teda Kama' – which incorporates a slightly different style from his previous works.
These days, Rand is performing in a special show called 'Ratzoh Vashov' with a band named 'The Obstacles', aptly named. "There were many obstacles that delayed the album's release, even though I continued creating and have material for at least two albums," he says in an interview with 'Kikar HaShabbat'.
When asked what caused the long wait between the first and second album, Rand jokingly replies: "Ask Hashem. We've been waiting for the Messiah for 2,000 years," and adds, "During these years, of course, I did not rest. I collaborated extensively, participated in many projects, and of course, prayed, ate, learned, and lived."
"There Are No Words to Describe My Longing and Pain"
According to Rand, it is estimated that the album will be ready in three months or a bit more. "Though I want to be cautious and not promise anything clear. Hashem manages things, and I just hope there won't be more obstacles."
As recalled, Rand went through a difficult year, during which he lost both his parents. The songs in the album were influenced, among other things, by these events, but not solely. "I never remember a time in my life without hard times," says Rand humorously, while rejecting outright the connection between the creative outpouring and the difficult time he went through. "My songs are composed of both spiritual and personal experiences.
"In the new song 'Le'olam Lo Teda' for example, I think anyone who understands a little and looks deeply into the lyrics – it is clear to them that the song deals with longing for things in holiness," says Rand. "Comfort for the soul or the Shekhinah, and a declaration and acknowledgment that I will never give up trying to draw near to Him. The song also conveys the frustration that I am unable to express the depth of the pain and love, unable to convey this, and want to say in words – there are no words to describe my longing and pain."
Listen to the beautiful single:
