Shai is a versatile artist and producer based in Brooklyn, A multi-instrumentalist and a writer of songs. His music is driven by honesty and a deep love for creation.
Shai has been composing music since he was 11 years old. He remembers hearing songs and always finding that one part that felt perfect—but the rest never quite lived up to it. His goal became to write a song that was made up entirely of those "perfect" moments. Over time, he realized that perfection doesn’t really exist, and that the parts of a song that feel good need to be balanced with parts that feel different. Still, the desire to create something “perfect” remains the foundation of his compositional drive.
The music Shai wrote for this album is a culmination of everything he’s been going through in his life. Writing music has always been a therapeutic act for him, and each song represents some kind of emotional process he's been working through. Shai hopes that others going through similar experiences will connect with the music and lyrics—and maybe find some solace in them.
Shai's music is a melting pot of folk, jazz, and classical influences, drawing inspiration from artists such as Nick Drake, Aaron Parks, and Debussy. It predominantly features guitar, piano, cello, drums, and bass, but also incorporates a wide range of production elements. The result is a collection of folk soundscapes, each living in its own world and taking the listener on a journey through it
Shai graduated with honors from the New School Jazz program. At the New School, he studied with many jazz legends, including Reggie Workman, Buster Williams, Charles Tolliver, Hal Galper, and Jimmy Owens. He also studied with several prominent musicians on the current jazz scene, including Kendrick Scott, Ari Hoenig, Avishai Cohen (trumpet), Ben Street, Matt Wilson, Aaron Parks, Ingrid Jensen, Jason Lindner, and Sullivan Fortner.
As part of his composition minor at the New School, Shai studied with composer Timo Andres. He was selected to showcase his composition Modern Prayer at a New School performance held at Lincoln Center. In addition, Shai had the privilege of having his piece Realizations performed by a string quartet featuring players from the Philadelphia Orchestra as part of the Boysie Lowery Living Jazz Residency.
Originally from Israel, Shai is currently based in Brooklyn, performing as part of different bands, as well as playing his own music. He has a studio in Navy Yards, where he produces for artists.