HYIM

New album, "Love Songs in Times of War 1" is here!

HYIM’s music is pop/rock world fusion with a taste of urban flavor – sounds like Coldplay, Sting, Peter Gabriel, Manu Chao, Neil Young, Harry Connick Jr. and Dave Matthews – musical influences include Bob Marley, Beck, Chopin, Bob Dylan, Chris Martin and his Dad.

HYIM, which means “life” in Hebrew, was born in San Francisco and raised in Oakland, California. He is an celebrated singer, songwriter, producer, acclaimed pianist, performer, poet, psychologist and activist. He is the next generation’s music “fusionisto.” The San Francisco Chronicle called HYIM “a formidable talent… spellbinding.” HYIM’s current album is “Sex In The Morning” – an international exploration of the sacred erotic, available on iTunes, hyimvibe.com and bestbuy.com. A recent winner of the Hollywood Indie Singer Songwriter Showcase, a Hollywood Music In Media Awards Nominee as well as a California Music Awards Nominee, HYIM is also recognized as a Yamaha Sponsored Artist and twice now as both a San Francisco KFOG Radio Local Scene Artist and an Oakland Indie Artist.

HYIM’s experience of having his father murdered at the age of ten continues to influence his passion for peace and a more just and loving world. Indeed, HYIM doesn’t just sing about change, he has other ways of being a vehicle for change in the world. HYIM holds a Masters Degree in psychology and brings his positive vibes to the youth in his community. HYIM’s work of teaching peace skills to adolescence (from juvenile hall to affluent communities) has been recognized by many, and he has been asked to write and develop a curriculum called “The No Hater Boot Camp” for others to use with youth, due to be finished in 2012. HYIM doesn’t just talk the talk, a few years ago he held a Five-Day Fast and Chain Vigil for Peace and Education, calling into question the economic sense of investing in war as opposed to our children (a further reflection of HYIM’s commitment to positive social change for our present and future generations).

Now back to the music! HYIM began playing piano at age three and has studied sitar in India, clave in Cuba and classical guitar in New Zealand. He also studied Turkish rhythms, Persian poetry and the Torah and blends the rhythms of the world as chariots for his songs. He grew up making hip-hop beats and rhyming and singing in the school’s choir, studying classical and blues piano, and listening to his parents’ records: Bob Dylan, Doobie Brothers, John Coltrain, Duke Ellington, Pete Seeger, The Beatles, and many others.

HYIM’s international style appeals to both American pop enthusiasts and global audiences alike, yet his quiet profound piano ballads are often what win their hearts. “Music is a sensual way I can touch people without actually being there,” HYIM explains. HYIM’s breathy, mellifluous vocals have drawn comparisons to Sting, Adam Levine (Maroon 5), and Chris Martin (Coldplay).

The power of HYIM’s ability to command the stage as an intimate solo performer, singing and telling stories while sitting at the piano or accompanying himself with live percussion loops and keyboard sequencing, is equal in strength to his exuberant live full band shows. Whether bringing a trio, quartet, or full band with horns and dynamite percussionists, HYIM’s band is an intoxicating mix of uplifting unifying energy and a downright party vibe. HYIM’s ability to shine in both intimate solo venues and large dance arenas with his band further illustrates his sheer stage presence, versatility, and showmanship.

Performing locally, nationally, and internationally, HYIM’s music and spirit know no bounds, and as the sounds spread and take flight, as he touches hearts and the world watches, bodies are moved, and audiences applaud, wanting more and more. HYIM is currently living in both Northern and Southern California and working on a number of production projects, film scores, and his upcoming singles/releases.  His latest album, "Love Songs in Times of War 1" was released in 2014.