Finding one’s voice is important for any artist, yet perhaps most crucial to a musician, who uses the singular focus of sound to convey personal truths to listeners.
Violinist Miri Ben-Ari says that a violin can cry.
“It is the closest thing to the human voice,” said Ben-Ari. “The sound of the strings will make you even more emotional, and you don’t know why it’s moving.”
Although things are rosy now for the Grammy award-winning artist who has called Hudson County home for the past five years, Ms. Ben-Ari suffered when she initially came to the States to follow her dream. Originally from Israel, Ben-Ari studied the violin at an early age and was awarded a scholarship to study music in New York.
Her early years in the States were difficult. She came here alone without knowing English – only the language of music.
In addition to winning the Grammy in 2005 for “Jesus Walks,” which she co-wrote with Kanye West, her career continues to rise to greater heights.
Yet those early struggles and the ability of the violin to transform the spirit are apparent in her notes – which could break your heart.
Breaking down barriers
Her latest success was the recent release of the single “Symphony of Brotherhood,” which climbed the charts. She is also a pioneer – the song was the first instrumental recording to climb Billboard’s R&B/hip-hop charts. The song features Ben-Ari playing with parts of Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech mixed throughout.
The song has particular significance for her as an Israel-born woman. She said that while growing up, her family faced racial prejudice as a Jewish person.
She also said that it is the most fulfilling thing that she has done thus far. “[It was] worth every bit of struggle in my career to put this out,” she said.
Although she has written dozens of songs and has released several albums (three jazz, one hip-hop) she says that she is most proud of “Symphony of Brotherhood” because it delivers a message.
“It manages to deliver a whole different kind of music in whole different way,” she said. “I fought for this song, but no one believed in me. If people really believe in something, they should really go after it.”
Although the song is now widely embraced by listeners, she said it was initially difficult to get people to see her view – particularly with a song that broke all the rules. “It’s different,” she said about the song. “People don’t like different. They like things they can relate to and compare. People get afraid. They are afraid of the unknown.”
An evolution of sound
According to Ben-Ari, the Grammy has given her recognition and more freedom to write the songs that she considers important. “Winning a Grammy gave me a title,” said Ben-Ari. “That made it easier to make a difference. People give you more respect. They acknowledge you. I was very proud.”
Yet Ben-Ari feels that the art of the music and message are equally important and not separate issues. “I wouldn’t separate that,” she said. “I would say that I’m using my music to make a difference. You know sometimes you hear a song and it brings you to tears? That is the power of music.”
Although Ben-Ari is schooled in many genres, she has found her calling with the ever-shifting landscape of hip-hop. “I think with hip-hop it is a genre that evolves,” said Ben-Ari, whose skill lies in her ability to shift the public’s perception of the genre.
When most people think of the violin, they think in terms of classical or jazz music – yet it is a sound that blends with hip-hop almost effortlessly.
“I think people are even more ready now,” she said. “I had many copycats, by the way. I wanted people to pick up a violin and do what I do. It’s great. When people are imitating you, you know it’s catching.”
In addition to the listeners, Ben-Ari has been lauded by many noteworthy musicians for her ability to drive the music forward to an inspired sound. Part of that skill comes from the hours she spent perfecting her craft and mastering the violins she performs with.
Although she has many violins that she rehearses with, she said that she only has one that she performs with. She called the instrument an extension of her body.
“I love what I do,” said Ben-Ari. “It never gets old. When I was in the studio, I couldn’t wait to get to the stage again. I’m living my dream. There is nothing I like more than music. Everybody has talent, but not everyone lives their talent.”
She added, “I think I have found the thing that I really love to do. I love the style of music that I am doing. Classical music wasn’t for me; I could do it very well, but I found the music that I love and I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
Making a difference
Her success in hip-hop and with her recent single has made Ben-Ari aware of her influence on others – particularly children. She said that she feels that she not only has a certain standard to maintain, but a responsibility.
“I never really realized that artists had that kind of influence on children,” she said. “You have to be really careful. You want to empower them.”
For her, music opened doors for her as a child and enabled her to channel feelings of frustration through her music.
“Music was my escape and later on it was my ticket to the life that I have today,” she said. “It gave me self-confidence. It can do the same for all kids. Sometimes kids need that channel. It is way better than doing foolishness in the ‘hood. I got a letter from a kid in the ‘hood and he said that he channeled his anger through the violin. I cried when I read that.”
In addition to inspiring children, Ben-Ari is also involved in the Gedenk Campaign to promote awareness about the Jewish holocaust.
“I look at my music as making a difference,” she said. “I do believe that everyone counts. I realize that sometimes that music can reach people in a way that words can’t.”
She is currently working on her next album, which is slated for release in the fall of 2008. She said that fans can expect a full-album of original music and interesting collaborations.
“I’m going to give the best of that I have,” she said. “I’m not afraid to put out music that is different – that sounds good. I just want to put out something that touches people and inspires them. That is love.”
For more information about Miri Ben-Ari, visit: www.miribenari.com.
Comments on this story can be sent to: DSchwaeble@hudsonreporter.com.