Chana Rothman uniquely fuses Lilith-esque singer/songwriter folk mentality with progressive worldbeat in two languages. Like an eclectic ‘07 Rickie Lee Jones/Joni Mitchell, her politics, her obvious bohemianism and her delicate vocal phrasing push her sound into a delicious mix that also incorporates Jewish teachings, reggae and hip hop.
This is a strong young woman—a classically-trained Canadian living in Brooklyn—who trekked around America, Italy, Israel and Nepal with a guitar strapped to her backpack… A pied piper of the Himalayas, making friends and playing music along the way with kids from Kathmandu back to the Lower East Side.
Rothman’s eclectic musical taste finds its roots in her equally diverse upbringing. From Colorado mountains to gritty New York City subways, from world travel to exploring her own neighborhood, she builds bridges between people and create songs out of shared experiences. Although Rothman sings about her life, her music is for something much larger than herself.
Befriending audiences of all stripes across the country, she recently shared a stage with and Lou Reed and DJ Shadow and was named one of New York’s Best Emerging Jewish Artists. Through packed shows in New York – The Knitting Factory, Makor, the Mercury Lounge – radio and festival appearances, Rothman’s music, live and recorded, has begun to create a culture of its own. “People deserve fresh, original, thoughtful music that reflects our changing world. And if it’s done well, it becomes universal,” says Rothman. More than just a form of entertainment, she crafts her music to be relevant and meaningful.
Michael Dorf, founder of New York City’s famed Knitting Factory, agrees. After hearing Rothman’s demo, Dorf invited her to record an album on his new label, Oyhoo Records (nationally distributed through Allegro Distribution Co.) He paired her with recording artist and producer C Lanzbom, who brought on legendary drummer Shawn Pelton (Sheryl Crow, Kelly Clarkson) as well as other talented musicians and together they recorded Rothman’s debut, “We Can Rise.”
Ultimately, Rothman’s message is unity through music. Her poetry demands thought, and is provocatively accentuated by her genre-crossing style. “We Can Rise” manages to be both fun and compelling. It is infused with Rothman’s dynamic presence, one that shows both promise and determination. Clearly, Chana Rothman is an important new voice who cannot be ignored.
Ana Lay Down Your Swords
More than one way
Yisrael Ani Shelach
Coming Soon.
