8th Day Aren’t Slowing Down

By COLlive reporter

8th Day, one of the most original and innovative groups in Jewish music today, are releasing their 7th studio album and its title can be somewhat perplexing.

The band, led by Lubavitch brothers Shmuel Marcus and Bentzi Marcus, have produced hits like Hooleh, Celebrate, Cheery Bim, and of course, Ya’alili.

Their latest endeavor, however, is called “Slow Down.”

And yet, the duo shows no sign of doing that. In fact, the Marcus brothers say that this is the longest consistent period of time they spent writing and producing a single album, for what they are calling their “most ambitious record to date.”

Their performance schedule, where they showcase their usual eclectic and melodic flavors using catchy tunes and Chassidic themes, isn’t slowing either.

On Purim they are performing in Los Angeles and then they are off to Boston, Massachusetts, where they will be singing at the Middle East Rock Club Harvard Concert. Next month they will be in Miami for a pre-game concert at the Miami Marlins Park.

COLlive.com caught up with the California-based Bentzi Marcus for a quick chat about the new album, a memorable moment at a recent concert and their greatest ambition.

1. Mazal tov on the new album!

Thank you! As always, we spent hours and hours crafting lyrics and song arrangements that we felt would resonate in a relevant way.

2. What’s fresh and different about “Slow Down”?

Back to basics. It’s not overproduced but that presents a challenge in its own right as every note and every vocal was really thought through until we felt it was right.

3. The name of the album is the antithesis of 8th Day’s energetic mojo…

The title track “Slow Down” touches on the idea that we don’t have to run all over town and search every place possible for happiness and truth, most of the time we just need to slow down, see what’s always been there.

4. You guys are clearly not slowing down. What is your dream musical ambition?

To create music that makes a massive kiddush Hashem. There’s so much depth and beauty to Yiddishkeit you could write songs forever and not run out of material. When we get letters from fans or people tell us how our songs changed their lives in a positive way, that’s a more than a dream come true.

5. Can you share with us a memorable moment from a recent concert?

We performed recently in London and someone mentioned to us that our song “Avraham” was a big inspiration for them so we performed it. At one point, the crowd was singing along louder than us! It was a very special and inspiring moment.

6. What are some of the topics you cover that today’s youth could relate to?

The first song that comes to mind is “One of a Kind.” It’s a song about not selling yourself short…

7. What are your favorite songs from this album?

Hmmm… “Kapayim” is very fun and catchy, we have been playing it live with great reception so far, Baruch Hashem. Right now, my favorites are probably “Shvitz”, and “Torah.”

8. Thank you. Anything else you’d like to add for your fans?

We are very proud of this album and really hope you all enjoy it as much as we enjoyed creating it! Hope to see you at a show real soon!

AUDIO: Sampler of Slow Down

To purchase 8th Day’s new album, visit mostlymusic.com