Meilech Kohn: A Journey in Jewish Music from Brooklyn to the World
Meilech Kohn (born Elimeilech Kohn) was brought up in a Satmar family in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. He is a first cousin of singer Lipa Schmeltzer.[2][3] He fell out of the Hasidic community he grew up in, although rejoined later in his adult life. The impact of this is evidenced in his music, being described as “a little bit of everything: Techno music, Mediterranean pop, touches of trip-hop, the musical patches of a life spent traveling, listening, and opening up the ears and the heart.”[4] Meilech grew up surrounded by music, from experimenting with a Keyboard at home as a child, to listening to a variety of different genres within the world of jewish music, be it Records, 8-Tracks,and Cassettes. Some of the artists include: Yom Tov Ehrlich, MBD, London pirchei, to Jo Amar and more. He also shared his father’s love of cantorial artists, including: Chazzan Yossele Rosenblatt (who was a favorite), Chazzan Yehoshua Wieder (where Meilech’s father was part of the choir before WWII, in Hungary). As a boy and his teens he would sit right next to the ba’al tefilla/Chazzan during yomim Noroyim (the high holy days), at the original Shul of Rabbi Yoel Teitelbaum Z”L. The Chazzan was non other than Reb Meilech Wieder, son of Chazzan Yehoshua Wieder, where Meilech davened with his father for many years listening to original chassidsh Nusach from pre-WWII.
Later on, Meilech broadened his horizon by traveling and learning in various Yeshivas worldwide, and explored different styles of music. In London at the age of 16 he was continuing to discover and be inspired by different styles of Jewish musicians, including: Isaac Bitton of Ra’aya Mehemna from France, and many more.
Meilech spent a while traveling and discovering music of all genres and styles from all over. He lived in Los Angeles for a while as well as in Israel for several years, to name a few. Many of Meilech’s songs were inspired while walking the holy streets of Jerusalem.
He also spent a number of years working as the official Chazzan/Ba’al Tfillah in various Synagogues in the tri state area of NY; and also sang in many choirs for years, adding color and harmony to many albums for famous Jewish artists. Many of these songs went on to become worldwide hits that most of you know and love.
It all started 8 years ago when Meilech wandered into a small studio in Jerusalem called Edgware Studios. Little did he know that from that cramped little studio, he would burst onto the scene with a new energy and sound that would rock the Jewish community. Gershy Schwarcz, the producer, had just produced the single “Venoihapoichu” for Purim and insisted on making a music video for it, believing that people would appreciate the unique sound that had never been heard before in the Jewish community. Gershy contacted Meilech and asked if he was interested in creating a music video. Meilech agreed, but said, “I have no money for this.” Gershy replied, “Perfect, neither do I, but you know what we do have? A phone with a camera and a dream! Nothing will stop us, let’s release an unofficial music video!” Meilech and Gershy did just that. They took to the streets of Jerusalem, capturing different shots, and later Gershy combined the footage to create a video that was uploaded to YouTube, quickly grabbing the attention of many fans who realized that someone new was coming to the Jewish music industry, but not just anyone, a whole different kind of artist. And then the same thing happened with “VeUhavtu.” Gershy took his phone camera and walked down to Ge’ula, where a few bystanders joined in and helped create a music video that was uploaded to YouTube and, lo and behold, now has almost 3 million views. After that, Zevi Fried met Meilech, who sang him his tune “Yoimom,” and Zevi immediately knew they had something special on their hands. He went big with a professional music video produced by Izzi Growise for “Yoimom,” which fetched millions of views later. Then the team of Gershy, Zevi, and Meilech got to work and released Meilech’s debut album, “Yeder Einer.” Now, 8 years later, Meilech is married to his amazing wife Hinda,
This is a reminder that the Jewish world that his music is still here, and this time with a bang! Landed Eagle records have decided to take Meilech onto it’s wings as an investor and make this album happen! “It’s Been a While” is a new kind of sound for some, while an old kind of sound for many. As we all know, Meilech writes his tunes in a conversational style. “It’s a conversation with my creator,” as he puts it. The musician David Adda and Amit Yitzchak joined him once as he had a conversation with Hashem on his guitar and right away called him into the studio to record some of the tunes. Gershy Schwarcz, Meilech Kohn’s original producer, came back into the picture to help bring Meilech’s authenticity out. With the help of DJ KLMN and Landed Eagle Records, they got in touch with David Nizri from Miami, Florida, and together they took this album to a whole new level. For those who appreciate classic rock and roll music from the 80s and beyond, this sound will resonate with you. And for those who appreciate deep meaning and meditation, this new album will definitely hit the spot! It’s colorful and very different from “Yeder Einer.”
Kol Chai Radio host Menachem Toker described him as “the man who has conquered every stage, every wedding, every radio station in the world.”[5]
Meilech loves to express himself through his music, whether it’s in the studio, in a choir,a shul, wedding, or writing new song and/or lyrics while walking, traveling, or at home. his songs are full of heart and soul, and they all convey positive messages and verses that have inspired him over the years. he also likes to express it in various languages, including:Yiddish, Hebrew and English. His hope is to share his great talent and gift, and inspire others, while also introducing them to various styles of musical genres that he has enjoyed over the years, and have been an inspiration for him throughout his journey.