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NURIEL (band)

NURIEL is an indie band originating from Jerusalem, Israel, renowned for their innovative fusion of indie rock and meditative soundscapes. Formed in the mid-2010s, the band consists of three brothers and two close friends who have crafted a unique musical identity that blends emotive cello ballads, atmospheric synths, and introspective lyrics. Their music delves into themes of personal transformation, light, love, and self-discovery, making them a distinctive presence in the indie music landscape.

NURIEL להקת נוריאל
Origin	Jerusalem, Israel
Genres	Indie rock, Indie pop
Instrument(s)	Guitars, Cello, Bass, Drums, Hang Drum, Shruti Box
Years active	2015–present
Members	Yonatan Attias (lead vocals and guitar) Michael Attias (cello and backing vocals) David Attias (electric guitar and backing vocals) Benny Firszt (bass) Tzvi Solomons (drums)
Website	www.nurielband.com

Members

The band's lineup includes:

• Yonatan Attias – Lead vocals, guitar
• Michael Attias – Cello, backing vocals
• David Attias – Electric guitar, backing vocals
• Benny Firszt – Bass
• Tzvi Solomons – Drums

History

Formation and Early Years (2015-2018)

NURIEL was formed in Jerusalem by Yonatan, Michael, and David Attias, along with their friends Benny Firszt and Tzvi Solomons. The band quickly gained attention within the local music scene for their emotionally charged performances and unique sound that blends indie rock with meditative elements. The brothers' synergy, combined with the musical talents of Firszt and Solomons, created a dynamic and cohesive group.

First Releases (2017-2018)

NURIEL's early works include singles like "Beautiful Day" and "Caught in a Flame," released in 2017. These tracks helped establish their reputation and build a following. Their music during this period was marked by introspective lyrics and rich, layered instrumentation that highlighted their innovative blend of indie and meditative sounds.

Rise to Prominence (2019-2021)

In 2019, NURIEL released the "Valley EP," which includes five songs, showcasing their evolving sound and lyrical depth. The same year, they released the single "Close," in collaboration with O Music TV further cementing their place in the Israeli indie music scene. The band's growing popularity was bolstered by their active engagement on social media platforms and live performances at iconic venues and festivals across Israel. The "Valley EP" marked a significant step in their musical journey, reflecting a more mature and refined sound.

The year 2020 saw the release of "Esther's Song" and "When You Come," further expanding their discography. They also released "Valley (the remixes)," providing a fresh take on their earlier work. These releases demonstrated the band's versatility and ability to reimagine their music. In 2021, NURIEL released live versions of "Moment" and "Bringing it Down," along with the "Live Moments EP," which included seven live tracks. These live recordings captured the raw energy and emotional intensity of their performances, resonating deeply with their audience.

eContinued Success and Recent Work (2022-2024)

NURIEL continued to captivate their audience with releases like "Heartbeats," "Change," and "Oh My Soul" in 2022. They also released an acoustic version of "Change" and a live version of "למען ידעו," showcasing their ability to reinterpret their music in different formats. In 2023, the band released "And The Waves," "Apathy," and "Caught in a Flame (live)," as well as "מצפים," a heartfelt prayer following the October 7th attacks. These releases highlighted the band's ongoing creative evolution and their commitment to exploring new musical territories, as well as their deep-rooted connection to their homeland to their people.

Their latest release, "Visions of Water," came out in 2024, marking another milestone in their musical journey. This release, as well as the full-length album to follow, continue to push the boundaries of their sound, incorporating new influences and reflecting their growth as artists.

Discography

Studio Albums and EPs

• Valley EP (2019)
• Live Moments EP (2021)

Singles

• Beautiful Day (2017)
• Caught in a Flame (2017)
• Close (2019)
• Esther's Song (2020)
• Valley (the remixes) (2020)
• When You Come (2020)
• Moment (live) (2021)
• Bringing it Down (live) (2021)
• Heartbeats (2022)
• Change (2022)
• Change (acoustic) (2022)
• למען ידעו (live) (2022)
• Oh My Soul (2022)
• And The Waves (2023)
• Apathy (2023)
• Caught in a Flame (live) (2023)
• מצפים (2023)
• Visions of Water (2024)

Themes and Musical Style

NURIEL's music often explores themes of personal transformation, introspection, and the quest for light and love amidst darkness. Their lyrics delve into the complexities of human emotions and relationships, drawing on metaphors from nature and personal experiences. Hope, resilience, and the search for meaning are recurrent themes in their songs.

Musically, NURIEL combines indie rock with meditative soundscapes, characterized by the prominent use of the cello, emotive guitar work, and atmospheric synths. Their music is both introspective and expansive, creating a soundscape that invites listeners to reflect and engage deeply. The band's ability to blend different musical elements seamlessly sets them apart in the indie music scene.

Live Performances and Engagement

On-Stage

NURIEL's live performances are a significant aspect of their artistic identity, known for their emotionally charged and transformative experiences. The band has graced various iconic venues, such as Barby, Zappa and The Yellow Submarine, as well as numerous Israeli festivals, captivating audiences with their unique blend of indie rock and meditative soundscapes. They have also engaged in on-stage collaborations with prominent artists including Zusha, Alex Clare, Yonatan Razel, Shulem Lemmer, and Lazer Lloyd. These collaborations highlight NURIEL’s ability to seamlessly integrate different styles and talents into their live shows underscores their versatility and deep connection with their musical peers.

Special Productions

Collaborative Festivals

In addition to their live shows, NURIEL is also known for their self-produced events, most notably LightFest and FreedomFest. These festivals are not just concerts but immersive experiences that combine music, art, and community. LightFest, in particular, has become a hallmark event, drawing fans from far and wide to experience NURIEL’s music in a unique and inspiring setting. FreedomFest similarly emphasizes themes of liberation and self-expression, creating a space where attendees can engage with the music on a deeper, more personal level.

Song Circles

Beyond these larger festivals, NURIEL also hosts intimate song-circle events where they lead group meditations, breathwork, and guided imagery sessions. These events often feature a wide array of ambient and ethnic sounds, providing a meditative and deeply immersive experience that resonates with the band's themes of personal transformation and spiritual exploration. One such event is Purim Secrets, a special pre-Purim immersive musical experience. Through these diverse events, NURIEL continues to push the boundaries of traditional music performances, creating spaces for connection, reflection, and communal healing.

Influence and Legacy

NURIEL has made a significant mark in the Israeli indie music scene and beyond, known for their profound lyrical content and captivating musical compositions. They continue to engage with their fans through personal stories and active social media interaction, making their audience feel like part of the NURIEL family. Their music has resonated with a diverse audience, earning them a dedicated and growing fan base. As they continue to evolve and create, they are most notably proud of planting their roots and building their families in the Land of Israel.

External Links

• Official Website: http://www.nurielband.com
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nurielband
• Spotify: NURIEL on Spotify
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nurielband
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nurielband