Eitan Freilich

Eitan Freilich
Eitan Freilich performing live at the Grove Hotel
Background information
Born	1993 (age 23-24) London, United Kingdom
Genres	Contemporary Jewish religious music
Years active	2015–present
Labels	Avi Newmark Productions
Website	http://www.efmusic.co.uk

Eitan Freilich (Hebrew: איתן פרייליך) is a British Orthodox Jewish performer and singer from London, England.^[1] He achieved international celebrity status in 2016, when his first album, Am Yisrael Chai (The People of Israel Live) was released with unprecedented high sales and high reviews.^[2][3] Whilst, performing at Jewish weddings, concerts and other charitable events,^[4] Freilich is well known for his high energy, passion and soul he brings to each performance.^[5]

Musical career

In April 2015, composer Yossi Green suggested Freilich should release an album of his own. Days after, Freilich officially announced^[6][7] he had teamed up with veteran Jewish music producer, Avi Newmark who is well known for producing for artists such as Dovid Gabay^[8] and Benny Friedman. He also worked with arranger Ian Freitor, famous for arranging songs such as Yesh Tikvah and who collaborated more recently with singer Yaakov Shwekey.^[9]

Freilich began work on the material for the upcoming debut album and worked with established composers such as: Yitzy Waldner, Ari Goldwag, Elimelech Blumstein and Elie Schwab to name a few. He was also introduced to other artists such as Baruch Levine and producer Yochi Briskman who initially advised and continually supported him along the way.^[5]

Eitan continues to perform at weddings, events and concerts.^[10] He regularly performs at charity events and performed live^[11] in New York for Camp HASC in the summer of 2016 during his world tour.^[12][13] Eitan often appears on various chat shows, including visiting Nachum Segal during his tour around America.^[14][15]

Pre-album launch concert

Weeks before the official album launch, Freilich announced he would be headlining his own exclusive concert to premiere his upcoming album. At the event, Freilich discussed his experience in the industry as well as working with Jewish composers, singers and producers, before finally announcing the name of his album: Am Yisrael Chai.^[16] The event was hailed a huge success with Freilich striking the correct balance between music, stories and a deeper insight into the Jewish music industry.^[17]

Am Yisrael Chai album release

On March 10, 2016, Freilich released his debut album which received rave reviews and high praise from professionals and music lovers alike throughout the world.^[18] Furthermore, the album trended on the official iTunes charts for world music at #2 just days after its release.

The album was featured in many high-profile newspapers and magazines across in the UK and America as well as consistently reaching #1 on Jewish Radio stations globally.^[1] Freilich appeared in various interviews,^[19][20] articles and video clips following his album release.

Within two months of the album release, Freilich posted a video^[21] on social media with fellow singer and friend Ari Goldwag. Days after, Goldwag announced on his official Facebook page^[22] that Eitan Freilich's hit song "Halayla" would appear on his own a cappella album.^[23]

Many tracks from Eitan Freilich's album have been translated into Spanish for his Mexican and South American fan base.^[24] Videos clips emerged online of people in Latvia, Paris and London dancing to his title track 'Am Yisrael Chai'.^[25] Freilich himself posted a video on social media singing 'Am Yisrael Chai' with his taxi driver in Jerusalem, Israel. The video went viral across all platforms in a matter of hours.^[26][27]

It was reported in 2015 that Freilich was close friends with fellow British singer, Shloime Gertner. A video emerged in June 2016 showing the pair singing at a wedding in London, United Kingdom.^[28]

On July 1, 2016, Freilich announced via social media that he would be releasing an official karaoke version of his album Am Yisrael Chai due to the high amount of requests from both summer camps and individual fans throughout the world.^[29]

In an official interview, radio host Yossi Zweig questioned how Eitan had accumulated a huge fan base in such a short time. Freilich responded humbly: "I guess with good music, comes good fans".^[19] When producer Avi Newmark was asked what makes Eitan different from other artists he has worked with, Avi responded: "It's not always about different. Eitan has a drive for perfection and a genuine love of music, which he communicates very well. There is something here for everyone, and Eitan delivers right on point."^[5]

"Am Yisrael Chai" music video

In 2015, Freilich announced he had teamed up with Hasidic comedian and filmmaker Mendy Pellin.^[1] Months later, Freilich spoke in a radio interview explaining he had further teamed up with a production crew led by Hadassah Chen, who had recently produced a video for American singer Yaakov Shwekey.^[30] Pellin would serve as an advisory member of the team and a new script would be written based on his original work for Freilich.

In June 2016, Freilich announced he had finished filming in Israel.^[31] He filmed across the country for seven days and the video was released on the 20th September 2016.

The music video was an immediate success gaining over 130,000 views in less than one week. The video went viral on social media and was shared by various, established people and pages.

Personal life

Freilich was born into an Orthodox Jewish family in the London suburb of Hendon.^[32] His father died when he was one year old; Freilich's song "Hamalach" is dedicated to his father's memory.^[33]

Discography

Albums

• Am Yisrael Chai (2016)
• Am Yisrael Chai (karaoke version) (2016)

Singles

• "Mehaira" (2010)

Guest appearances

• Ari Goldwag, Acapella Soul 3 – "Halayla"

References