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{{Short description|Israeli Jewish rap rock band}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2023}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Shtar
| name = Shtar
| image =
| image =
| image_size =
| image_size =
| landscape =
| landscape =
| alt =
| alt =
| caption =
| caption =
| background = group_or_band
| alias =
| alias =
| origin = [[Beit Shemesh]], Israel
| origin = [[Jerusalem]], [[Israel]]
| genre = [[Jewish rock]], [[Jewish hip hop]], [[rap rock]], [[alternative hip hop]]
| genre = [[Contemporary Jewish religious music|Jewish music]], [[hip hop music|hip hop]], [[rock music|rock]]
| years_active = {{start date|2006}}–present
| years_active = {{start date|2006}}–present
| label = Shemesh Music, [[Shemspeed]], 8th Note (Israel), Heatseat
| label = Shemesh Music, Shemspeed, 8th Note (Israel), Heatseat
| associated_acts = [[Lisp (band)|Lisp]]
| associated_acts = [[Lisp (band)|Lisp]]
| website = {{URL|shtarmusic.com}}
| website = {{URL|shtarmusic.com}}
| current_members = Ori "M'Ori" Murray<br>[[Brad Rubinstein]]<br>Dan "Zakki" Issac<br>Avi Sommers<br>Tzvi Solomons
| current_members = [[Ori Murray|Ori "M'Ori" Murray]]<br />[[Brad Rubinstein]]<br />Dan "Zakki" Issac<br />Avi Sommers<br />Tzvi Solomons
| past_members = Alex Lopez-Dias<br>David Epstein
| past_members = Alex Lopez-Dias<br />David Epstein
}}
}}
'''Shtar''' ([[Aramaic language|Aramaic]]: '''שטר''', a Talmudic contract) is an American-English Jewish [[hip hop music|hip hop]] group based in [[Jerusalem]], [[Israel]]. Formed in 2006 by American rapper Ori Murray and English guitarist/songwriter [[Brad Rubinstein]], the band released their debut album, ''[[Infinity (Shtar album)|Infinity]]'', in 2011 on [[Shemspeed|Shemspeed Records]], receiving media attention for their unique musical style and appearance. A second recording, ''[[Boss EP]]'', was released through the band's own Heatseat Records in December 2012.
'''Shtar''' ([[Aramaic language|Aramaic]]: '''שטר''', "contract") is an [[Israeli Jews|Israeli Jewish]] [[rap rock]] band based in [[Beit Shemesh]]. Formed in 2006 by American rapper [[Ori Murray]] and English guitarist/songwriter [[Brad Rubinstein]], the band released their debut album, ''[[Infinity (Shtar album)|Infinity]]'', in Israel in 2010 and in the United States through Shemspeed Records in 2012. They have received considerable media attention, much of it focused on the contrast between their traditional [[Jewish religious clothing|Jewish dress]] and modern-sounding music. A second recording, ''[[Boss EP]]'', was released through the band's own Heatseat Records in December 2012. In 2015, they were announced as contestants on the [[Israeli Jews|Israeli]] reality singing show ''[[HaKokhav HaBa]]''.


== History ==
== History ==
Founding members Ori Murray and [[Brad Rubinstein]] met at the [[Aish HaTorah]] yeshiva in [[Jerusalem]], after having led largely non-religious lives. Upon discovering that they both had musical backgrounds they had abandoned in favor of their religious studies (Murray had previously been an [[MC]] in [[Seattle]]'s [[drum and bass]] scene, while Rubinstein had been the guitarist and songwriter for a short-lived [[Essex]]-based [[trip hop]] outfit called [[Lisp (band)|Lisp]]), the two started encouraging each other to return to making music and ultimately formed Shtar in 2006,<ref name=Algemeiner>{{cite web|title=The Israeli Music Scene’s Rising ‘Shtar’|url=http://www.algemeiner.com/2012/12/06/the-israeli-music-scene%E2%80%99s-rising-%E2%80%98shtar%E2%80%99/|publisher=[[Algemeiner Journal]]|accessdate=11 January 2013|author=Marder, Rachel|date=Dec 6, 2012}}</ref> taking the name from a tractate of [[Gemara]] they were learning at the time. Originally a duo, they gradually added a full band to their lineup in order to be more interesting live.<ref>{{cite web|last=Bresky|first=Ben|title=Yeshiva Hip-Hop Band "Shtar" Releases New CD|url=http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/138270#.UNFXEIE9-So|work=[[Arutz Sheva#Israel National News|Israel National News]]|publisher=[[Arutz Sheva]]|accessdate=19 December 2012|date=June 2010}}</ref>
Founding members [[Ori Murray]] and [[Brad Rubinstein]] met at the [[Aish HaTorah]] [[yeshiva]] in [[Jerusalem]], after having led largely non-religious lives. Upon discovering that they both had musical backgrounds they had abandoned in favor of their religious studies (Murray had previously been an [[MC]] in [[Seattle]]'s [[drum and bass]] scene, while Rubinstein had been the guitarist and songwriter for a short-lived [[Essex]]-based [[trip hop]] outfit called [[Lisp (band)|Lisp]]), the two started encouraging each other to return to making music and ultimately formed Shtar in 2006,<ref name=Algemeiner>{{cite web|title=The Israeli Music Scene's Rising 'Shtar'|url=http://www.algemeiner.com/2012/12/06/the-israeli-music-scene%E2%80%99s-rising-%E2%80%98shtar%E2%80%99/|publisher=[[Algemeiner Journal]]|accessdate=January 11, 2013|author=Marder, Rachel|date=December 6, 2012}}</ref> taking the name from a tractate of [[Gemara]] they were learning at the time. Originally a duo, they gradually added a full band to their lineup to be more interesting live.<ref>{{cite web|last=Bresky|first=Ben|title=Yeshiva Hip-Hop Band "Shtar" Releases New CD|url=http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/138270#.UNFXEIE9-So|work=[[Arutz Sheva#Israel National News|Israel National News]]|publisher=[[Arutz Sheva]]|accessdate=December 19, 2012|date=June 2010}}</ref>


In January 2011, the band released its debut album ''[[Infinity (Shtar album)|Infinity]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Infinity|url=http://shtarmusic.com/audio/infinity/|work=Shtarmusic.com|accessdate=10 January 2013}}</ref> The band was signed a year later by [[Shemspeed|Shemspeed Records]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Shemspeed signs Shtar to restore your soul|url=http://shemspeed.com/shemspeed-signs-shtar-to-restore-your-soul/|work=Shemspeed.com|accessdate=10 January 2013|date=Jan 11, 2012}}</ref> who re-released the album on March 5, 2012.<ref name=JPost>{{cite web|title=Shtar Power|url=http://www.jpost.com/ArtsAndCulture/Music/Article.aspx?id=262236|publisher=[[The Jerusalem Post]]|accessdate=10 January 2013|author=Marder, Rachel|date=March 17, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Infinity|url=http://www.amazon.com/Infinity/dp/B007GALGAK/ref=sr_1_1?s=dmusic&ie=UTF8&qid=1357846783&sr=1-1&keywords=Shtar|publisher=[[Amazon.com]]|accessdate=11 January 2013}}</ref> In October, the band played the Israeli [[independent music]] festival InDNegev and gave a Halloween concert at [[Mike's Place]] in [[Tel Aviv]]. December 5, 2012 saw the independent release of a second Shtar recording, the ''[[Boss EP]]''. Shortly afterward, the band announced plans for a second [[extended play|EP]], ''Beauty Queen EP'', to be released in early summer 2013, as well as a [[UK]] tour the same year.<ref name=Algemeiner />
In May 2010, the band released its debut album ''[[Infinity (Shtar album)|Infinity]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Infinity|url=http://shtarmusic.com/audio/infinity/|work=Shtarmusic.com|accessdate=January 10, 2013|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103121556/http://shtarmusic.com/audio/infinity/|archivedate=November 3, 2012}}</ref> The band was signed a year later by Shemspeed Records,<ref>{{cite web|title=Shemspeed signs Shtar to restore your soul|url=http://shemspeed.com/shemspeed-signs-shtar-to-restore-your-soul/|work=Shemspeed.com|accessdate=January 10, 2013|date=January 11, 2012}}</ref> who re-released the album on March 5, 2012.<ref name=JPost>{{cite web|title=Shtar Power|url=http://www.jpost.com/ArtsAndCulture/Music/Article.aspx?id=262236|publisher=[[The Jerusalem Post]]|accessdate=January 10, 2013|author=Marder, Rachel|date=March 17, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Infinity| website=Amazon |url=https://www.amazon.com/Infinity/dp/B007GALGAK/ref=sr_1_1?s=dmusic&ie=UTF8&qid=1357846783&sr=1-1&keywords=Shtar|accessdate=January 11, 2013}}</ref> In October, the band played the Israeli [[independent music]] festival InDNegev and gave a Halloween concert at [[Mike's Place]] in [[Tel Aviv]]. December 5, 2012, saw the independent release of a second Shtar recording, the ''[[Boss EP]]''. Shortly afterward, the band announced plans for a second [[extended play|EP]], ''Beauty Queen EP'', to be released in early summer 2013, as well as a UK tour the same year.<ref name=Algemeiner />


On April 9, 2014, Shtar released a ''[[The Prince of Egypt|Prince of Egypt]]''-inspired [[Passover]] single called "So Decide".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hbg3hgLWigE | title=SHTAR - PASSOVER SONG - So Decide | publisher=[[YouTube]] | date=April 9, 2014 | accessdate=21 August 2015}}</ref> On December 10 of the same year, they released a [[Hanukkah]] single, "Lights", through [[Aish HaTorah|Aish.com]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.aish.com/h/c/mm/s/Light-An-Inspiring-Hanukkah-Music-Video.html | title=Lights: An Inspiring Hanukkah Music Video | publisher=[[Aish HaTorah|Aish.com]] | date=December 10, 2014 | accessdate=21 August 2015}}</ref>
On April 9, 2014, Shtar released a ''[[The Prince of Egypt|Prince of Egypt]]''-inspired [[Passover]] single called "So Decide".<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hbg3hgLWigE | title=SHTAR – PASSOVER SONG – So Decide | publisher=YouTube | date=April 9, 2014 | accessdate=August 21, 2015}}</ref> On December 10 of the same year, they released a [[Hanukkah]] single, "Lights", through [[Aish HaTorah|Aish.com]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.aish.com/h/c/mm/s/Light-An-Inspiring-Hanukkah-Music-Video.html | title=Lights: An Inspiring Hanukkah Music Video | publisher=[[Aish HaTorah|Aish.com]] | date=December 10, 2014 | accessdate=August 21, 2015}}</ref>

The band auditioned for the 2015–16 season of the Israeli reality singing competition ''[[HaKokhav HaBa]]'', which offers winners a spot in the [[Eurovision Song Contest]]. Their audition song was a cover of "[[In the End]]" by [[Linkin Park]].<ref>{{cite web|author1=Poch, Raphael|title=Haredi rap band Shtar hopes to make it at Eurovision|url=http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/204862#.Vm8Xj-Jy3IU|website=[[Arutz Sheva]]|accessdate=December 14, 2015|date=December 14, 2015}}</ref> They were awarded ninth place, while singer [[Hovi Star]] was declared the winner with "[[Made of Stars]]".


== Musical style ==
== Musical style ==
Over the course of their career, Shtar's music has combined [[hip hop music|hip hop]] with elements of [[funk]], [[rock music|rock]], [[pop music|pop]], [[electronica]], and [[Sephardic music]] (co-vocalist Dan Isaac comes from a line of Sephardic cantors),<ref name=Algemeiner /><ref name=JPost /><ref>{{cite web|title=Haredi hip hop group rocks Tel Aviv|url=http://www.haaretz.com/culture/haredi-hip-hop-group-rocks-tel-aviv-1.396186|publisher=[[Haaretz]]|accessdate=13 January 2013|author=Sapty, Tanya|date=Nov 17, 2011}}</ref> with influences including [[Beck (musician)|Beck]], [[The Roots]], [[Massive Attack]], [[Mos Def]], and [[Coldplay]].<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rp4IFWY3HkQ Shtar YNet News Interview], originally conducted by Rafi Barbiro for [[Ynet News]], later posted on the band's [[YouTube]] channel.</ref> Max Elstein Keisler of [[The Forward]] described the formula of the songs on ''Infinity'' as "a melodic, live-band beat, a smooth vocal hook, usually in [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]], and a sophisticated 'smart guy' rapping."<ref>{{cite web|title=Monday Music: Rap for Rabbis|url=http://blogs.forward.com/the-arty-semite/152497/monday-music-rap-for-rabbis/|work=The Arty Semite|publisher=[[The Forward]]|accessdate=11 January 2013|author=Keisler, Max Elstein|date=March 5, 2012}}</ref> In contrast, the ''Boss EP'' included more pop and electronica elements, and featured completely English lyrics and less overtly religious themes.<ref name=Algemeiner />
Over the course of their career, Shtar's music has combined [[hip hop music|hip hop]] with elements of [[funk]], rock, pop, [[electronica]], and [[Sephardic music]] (co-vocalist Dan Isaac comes from a line of Sephardic cantors),<ref name=Algemeiner /><ref name=JPost /><ref>{{cite web|title=Haredi hip hop group rocks Tel Aviv|url=http://www.haaretz.com/culture/haredi-hip-hop-group-rocks-tel-aviv-1.396186|publisher=[[Haaretz]]|accessdate=January 13, 2013|author=Sapty, Tanya|date=November 17, 2011}}</ref> with influences including [[Beck]], [[The Roots]], [[Massive Attack]], [[Mos Def]], and [[Coldplay]].<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rp4IFWY3HkQ Shtar YNet News Interview], originally conducted by Rafi Barbiro for [[Ynet News]], later posted on the band's YouTube channel.</ref> Max Elstein Keisler of ''[[The Forward]]'' described the formula of the songs on ''Infinity'' as "a melodic, live-band beat, a smooth vocal hook, usually in [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]], and a sophisticated 'smart guy' rapping."<ref>{{cite web|title=Monday Music: Rap for Rabbis|url=http://blogs.forward.com/the-arty-semite/152497/monday-music-rap-for-rabbis/|work=The Arty Semite|publisher=[[The Forward]]|accessdate=January 11, 2013|author=Keisler, Max Elstein|date=March 5, 2012}}</ref> In contrast, the ''Boss EP'' included more pop and electronica elements, and featured completely English lyrics and less overtly religious themes.<ref name=Algemeiner />


== Band members ==
== Band members ==


===Current members===
===Current members===
*Ori Murray - [[MC]], [[lyrics]]
*[[Ori Murray]] – [[MC]], [[lyrics]]
*[[Brad Rubinstein]] - [[guitar]], [[songwriting]], [[hip hop production|production]]
*[[Brad Rubinstein]] – guitar, songwriting, [[hip hop production|production]]
*Dan "Zaki" Isaac - [[vocals]]
*Dan "Zaki" Isaac – vocals
*Avi Sommers - [[bass guitar]]
*Avi Sommers – bass guitar
*Tzvi Solomons - [[drums]]
*Tzvi Solomons – drums


===Past members===
===Past members===
*Alex Lopez-Dias - bass guitar
*Alex Lopez-Dias – bass guitar
*David Epstein - drums
*David Epstein – drums


== Discography ==
== Discography ==

;Recordings
=== Studio albums ===
*''[[Infinity (Shtar album)|Infinity]]'' (2011, [[Shemspeed]]; 8th Note in Israel)
*''[[Infinity (Shtar album)|Infinity]]'' (2010, 8th Note, Israel; 2012, Shemspeed, U.S.)

=== EPs ===
*''[[Boss EP]]'' (2012, Heatseat)
*''[[Boss EP]]'' (2012, Heatseat)
*''Beauty Queen EP'' (TBA 2013)
*''Untitled Second Album'' (TBA)


;Singles
=== Singles ===
*"Modeh (Restoring My Soul)" (''Infinity'')
*"Modeh (Restoring My Soul)" (2010; ''Infinity'')
*"Overload" (''Boss EP'')
*"Infinity" (2010; ''Infinity'')
*"Gone Again" (''Boss EP'')
*"Overload" (2012; ''Boss EP'')
*"So Decide" (2014)
*"Ma Nishtana" (2016)
*"Gone Again" (2016; ''Boss EP'')
*"Ma'oz Tzur" (2016)
*"Echad Mi Yodea" (2017)


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*{{Official website|shtarmusic.com}}


{{Contemporary Jewish religious music}}
{{Contemporary Jewish religious music}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Articles created via the Article Wizard]]
[[Category:Israeli hip hop groups]]
[[Category:Israeli hip hop groups]]
[[Category:Jewish hip hop groups]]
[[Category:Jewish hip hop groups]]
[[Category:Shemspeed Records artists]]
[[Category:Shemspeed Records artists]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 2006]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 2006]]
[[Category:Jewish rock groups]]
[[Category:2006 establishments in Israel]]
[[Category:Rap rock groups]]

Latest revision as of 03:05, 26 April 2024

Shtar
OriginBeit Shemesh, Israel
GenresJewish rock, Jewish hip hop, rap rock, alternative hip hop
Years active2006 (2006)–present
LabelsShemesh Music, Shemspeed, 8th Note (Israel), Heatseat
MembersOri "M'Ori" Murray
Brad Rubinstein
Dan "Zakki" Issac
Avi Sommers
Tzvi Solomons
Past membersAlex Lopez-Dias
David Epstein
Websiteshtarmusic.com

Shtar (Aramaic: שטר, "contract") is an Israeli Jewish rap rock band based in Beit Shemesh. Formed in 2006 by American rapper Ori Murray and English guitarist/songwriter Brad Rubinstein, the band released their debut album, Infinity, in Israel in 2010 and in the United States through Shemspeed Records in 2012. They have received considerable media attention, much of it focused on the contrast between their traditional Jewish dress and modern-sounding music. A second recording, Boss EP, was released through the band's own Heatseat Records in December 2012. In 2015, they were announced as contestants on the Israeli reality singing show HaKokhav HaBa.

History

[edit]

Founding members Ori Murray and Brad Rubinstein met at the Aish HaTorah yeshiva in Jerusalem, after having led largely non-religious lives. Upon discovering that they both had musical backgrounds they had abandoned in favor of their religious studies (Murray had previously been an MC in Seattle's drum and bass scene, while Rubinstein had been the guitarist and songwriter for a short-lived Essex-based trip hop outfit called Lisp), the two started encouraging each other to return to making music and ultimately formed Shtar in 2006,[1] taking the name from a tractate of Gemara they were learning at the time. Originally a duo, they gradually added a full band to their lineup to be more interesting live.[2]

In May 2010, the band released its debut album Infinity.[3] The band was signed a year later by Shemspeed Records,[4] who re-released the album on March 5, 2012.[5][6] In October, the band played the Israeli independent music festival InDNegev and gave a Halloween concert at Mike's Place in Tel Aviv. December 5, 2012, saw the independent release of a second Shtar recording, the Boss EP. Shortly afterward, the band announced plans for a second EP, Beauty Queen EP, to be released in early summer 2013, as well as a UK tour the same year.[1]

On April 9, 2014, Shtar released a Prince of Egypt-inspired Passover single called "So Decide".[7] On December 10 of the same year, they released a Hanukkah single, "Lights", through Aish.com.[8]

The band auditioned for the 2015–16 season of the Israeli reality singing competition HaKokhav HaBa, which offers winners a spot in the Eurovision Song Contest. Their audition song was a cover of "In the End" by Linkin Park.[9] They were awarded ninth place, while singer Hovi Star was declared the winner with "Made of Stars".

Musical style

[edit]

Over the course of their career, Shtar's music has combined hip hop with elements of funk, rock, pop, electronica, and Sephardic music (co-vocalist Dan Isaac comes from a line of Sephardic cantors),[1][5][10] with influences including Beck, The Roots, Massive Attack, Mos Def, and Coldplay.[11] Max Elstein Keisler of The Forward described the formula of the songs on Infinity as "a melodic, live-band beat, a smooth vocal hook, usually in Hebrew, and a sophisticated 'smart guy' rapping."[12] In contrast, the Boss EP included more pop and electronica elements, and featured completely English lyrics and less overtly religious themes.[1]

Band members

[edit]

Current members

[edit]

Past members

[edit]
  • Alex Lopez-Dias – bass guitar
  • David Epstein – drums

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
  • Infinity (2010, 8th Note, Israel; 2012, Shemspeed, U.S.)

EPs

[edit]

Singles

[edit]
  • "Modeh (Restoring My Soul)" (2010; Infinity)
  • "Infinity" (2010; Infinity)
  • "Overload" (2012; Boss EP)
  • "So Decide" (2014)
  • "Ma Nishtana" (2016)
  • "Gone Again" (2016; Boss EP)
  • "Ma'oz Tzur" (2016)
  • "Echad Mi Yodea" (2017)

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d Marder, Rachel (December 6, 2012). "The Israeli Music Scene's Rising 'Shtar'". Algemeiner Journal. Retrieved January 11, 2013.
  2. ^ Bresky, Ben (June 2010). "Yeshiva Hip-Hop Band "Shtar" Releases New CD". Israel National News. Arutz Sheva. Retrieved December 19, 2012.
  3. ^ "Infinity". Shtarmusic.com. Archived from the original on November 3, 2012. Retrieved January 10, 2013.
  4. ^ "Shemspeed signs Shtar to restore your soul". Shemspeed.com. January 11, 2012. Retrieved January 10, 2013.
  5. ^ a b Marder, Rachel (March 17, 2012). "Shtar Power". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved January 10, 2013.
  6. ^ "Infinity". Amazon. Retrieved January 11, 2013.
  7. ^ "SHTAR – PASSOVER SONG – So Decide". YouTube. April 9, 2014. Retrieved August 21, 2015.
  8. ^ "Lights: An Inspiring Hanukkah Music Video". Aish.com. December 10, 2014. Retrieved August 21, 2015.
  9. ^ Poch, Raphael (December 14, 2015). "Haredi rap band Shtar hopes to make it at Eurovision". Arutz Sheva. Retrieved December 14, 2015.
  10. ^ Sapty, Tanya (November 17, 2011). "Haredi hip hop group rocks Tel Aviv". Haaretz. Retrieved January 13, 2013.
  11. ^ Shtar YNet News Interview, originally conducted by Rafi Barbiro for Ynet News, later posted on the band's YouTube channel.
  12. ^ Keisler, Max Elstein (March 5, 2012). "Monday Music: Rap for Rabbis". The Arty Semite. The Forward. Retrieved January 11, 2013.
[edit]
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