[INTERVIEW] Brainheart Shares Thoughts on Self-Expression, "Set Your G

Exposed to classical music at the age of four, Roi Zohar also known as Brainheart, was inspired to play piano at fifteen without knowing DJing and music production would influence his life ever since. With a desire to contribute meaningful messages of hope for listeners due to finding solace in motivational songs, his latest single "Explore the World" featuring Sis is a must listen! iEDM inquired Brainheart about his creative influences, life lessons he has learned from production, and the impact he plans to contribute to electronic dance music.

Click below to listen to Brainheart's exclusive iEDM Radio Guest Mix!

iEDM Radio · iEDM Radio Guest Mix - Brainheart

Check out iEDM's exclusive interview with Brainheart below!

iEDM: I really love your sound and your ability to incorporate live instrumentation into your productions. When did your musical journey begin, and what attracted you to electronic music in particular?

Brainheart: First of all, thank you, it means the world to me. My first exposure to classical music was at the age of four. That's because my mom used to listen to classical and orchestral music. I fell in love with all the instruments, especially the piano, violin, and cello. What is fascinating about music is that it's a universal language and connects people from all over the world.

Over the years, I fell in love with more genres, especially EDM. I remember the first time I watched the Tomorrowland festival, and I was hooked. There is something contagious about electronic music. I believe that the most important thing in life is to be happy, celebrate it and create memories. This is exactly what EDM is all about. I struggled severely in the school system and felt that I was wasting my time. I taught myself how to play piano at the age of 15, and honestly, it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

I still have a lot to learn, and I am getting better every day. Music started as a way to distract myself from struggles at school and social life, but it quickly became much more than that. A year later, I started creating music and knew I had found my purpose.

iEDM: Has learning music production taught you any valuable life lessons?

Brainheart: Absolutely. Producing is the only way I can fully express my feelings and emotions. I learn a lot about myself and about growth while making songs. The most important thing I've learned is that I am dedicated and would do anything to reach my dreams and goals. Also, music helps me a lot with accepting myself. For as long as I can remember, I've hated my appearance. The way I see myself has ruined so many moments that should’ve been fun. I believe that one day I will fully accept myself. This is a tough and complicated journey but I’m working on it.

iEDM: Explain your creative process. Do you have a specific ritual when you hit the studio, or does it vary each day?

Brainheart: I don't have a specific ritual; every day is different. This is what I love about music production; the road is so mysterious, challenging, and full of surprises. I will never get bored. Sometimes I start with playing the piano, sometimes with writing lyrics, and sometimes I have huge ideas in the shower or while I'm trying to sleep.

iEDM: Who or what would you say is the biggest inspiration for your sound?

Brainheart: I get inspiration from so many things, but I think the most powerful sources of inspiration come from traveling, movies, and music festivals/concerts.

iEDM: On top of producing, you’re an avid traveler. Would you say traveling and taking the time to explore new places helps the creative process?

Brainheart: Absolutely, sometimes I must take a break from the studio to escape from reality. I constantly remind myself that resting takes confidence. Anyone can train like a madman but to embrace rest and to allow all the hard training to come out takes mental strength. I think that traveling is the best way to let your mind, soul, and consciousness rest.

iEDM: Your tracks are moving, nostalgic, and full of so much emotion. How are you able to express yourself so freely?

Brainheart: I appreciate the kind words. It's easy for me because I usually don't share a lot about my personal life and struggles with my family and friends. Music is the only way for me to do it; I can talk about whatever I want by writing lyrics and producing music. Music is my psychologist. I just spill my heart while I'm creating.

iEDM: Songs like “Set Your Goals High” and “Explore the World 2.0” among others, have such positive and inspiring messages within them. Where does your positive outlook come from?

Brainheart: Yeah, I'm a huge fan of motivational songs. Sometimes I write about love, traveling, and other things, but motivational songs are my favorite. Even though I'm young, I have gone through a lot of bad times, and motivational songs have always helped me. That's why I want to create music that motivates people, helps them overcome hard times, and helps them with mental health.

Brainheart · Brainheart, Dorel - Set Your Goals High

iEDM: Do you feel like electronic music is entering into a new era where meaningful records are starting to replace so-called “party/dance” music?

Brainheart: Absolutely, I think that electronic artists want to add more emotions to their music instead of just focusing on how to make people dance. It doesn't mean that they forget about electronic dance elements. They combine dance music, meaningful lyrics, and live instruments to make something unique, special, and more emotional. I think that this combination is powerful and contagious.

iEDM: Are there any artists or bands outside of EDM that have had a profound influence on your productions?

Brainheart: Yes, I listen to so many genres and am always open to new sounds. So many artists and bands inspire me. Artists and bands like Coldplay, The Script, Labrinth, Ed Sheeran, Bring Me The Horizon, Hans Zimmer, Tony Anderson, and more.

iEDM: Lastly, when it comes to your music and expression, what type of impact would you like to leave on the world?

Brainheart: I want to make a lasting impact and be an inspiration for many generations to come. I want to create music that will last forever in people's hearts and affect the way they see life.

My main message to the world is: Always remember that life is fragile, and we only live once. We don’t have to obey. We don't have to conform to an ideology that is placed upon our shoulders just because someone says so. No matter who you are, you can have a voice, and you can have a say. You can break the rules. Dare to dream big and set your goals high. Every time you fail, you come one step closer to success. I know it sounds crazy, but this is the truth. The world works in mysterious ways. If you have any plans or tiny little ideas in your head of who you want to be, where you want to go, or what you want to do, just make your own rules, don't take no for an answer, listen to your gut, and have endless belief in yourself. The prize is the fulfillment of reaching your destiny. And your destiny is the most important thing. Trust the process, have faith in the future, and trust life.

Photos courtesy of Brainheart