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Itai Shapira has been, eating, sleeping, and living music from an early age. He is constantly on the grind honing his craft. He has most recently been making sweet sounds with The Decoders, and he is about to venture into a new project as a new member of the band Rhye. GroundSounds got the chance to cut it up with Itai himself, checkout the fresh interview below!
Yoo Itai whats goin’ on man?!?
Doing great, thanks for asking…
So how long have you been making music?
In my head, since I was 4 or 5, composing music. But I picked up my first instrument, the guitar, when I was 13.
What inspires you to create music?
I don’t know, its usually something that I just have to do, like drinking water…I just need to be creative to feel alive, so thats my inspiration. Its the physical urge to get the music that I hear in my head out into the world.
You’re a UCLA alumni, shoutout to that!
Bruin Pride!
What was college life like for you?
I was sorta anti-social actually. I Didn’t party at frat houses, I didn’t live on campus so I had a separate identity and sorta stepped in and out of different social circles, but I basically stayed focused on my studies, having graduated with a B.A. In ethnomusicology and studying with great legendary master musicians like Airto Moreira, Francisco Aguabella, Shujaat Khan and Gerald Wilson.
How did The Decoders get started?
I had been an assistant at the studio of Grammy award winning producer/bassist Larry Klein, and met Richard Rudolph theough working for Larry. he works with a large music publisher named Music Sales. Their catalog boasts some of the greatest music from the 20’s to the present.
Rudolph asked me one day if I would like to re-record songs from the catalog, and I agreed. And then other stuff happened…Todd M. Simon (trumpeter and horn/string arranger for TV on the Radio, Mayer Hawthorne) and my fellow UCLA alumni producer friend Adam Berg joined forces with me on the concept and we started assembling volume one and two.
Can you tell us a little bit about the production team?
Although it primarily consists of us three, other members who contribute to the overall sound of The Decoders include Blake Colie (The Lions), Quincy McCrary (Mayer Hawthorne) and Tracy Wannomae, among others.
“The Decoders”…where did that name originate from?
Todd Simon and I were throwing names around, and The Decoders stuck somehow…the image of unlocking some magical code resonated with us and “Decoding” seemed to fit the character of what we are trying to do.
Who is your favorite artist/musician that you’ve worked with?
Ooh thats tough…let’s see, Herbie Hancock, Sly Stone, Carlos Santana, Larry Klein, Raul Midon, Rhye, Om’Mas Keith (Sa-Ra/Frank Ocean), Robin Hannibal (Quadron/Rhye), and many others…too many to name! I can’t choose only one…
What makes Pro Tools that much better than say, Cubase or other recording software within that area?
Nothing. They all accomplish the same things, so I go with what ultimately improves my work flow and efficiency in the studio.
What instruments do you play?
Guitar, Bass, Sitar, a little bit of keys, drum programming
Do you ever plan to pursue a solo career?
Perhaps eventually, but right now I am really enjoying the collaborative process. I have a decent voice but not confident enough to step out as a frontman…maybe I can strive towards that but I prefer being behind the scenes than being in the spotlight.
“Walk On By” featuring Noelle Scaggs is a great production, how did the collab come about? Who reached out to who? What was the vibe like in the studio with her?
Thank you! That was a fun track to work on…The collab w/ Noelle came about via Todd Simon’s previous working relationship with her (they worked on The Lions debut album together, among others). He asked her to do it and she jumped at the opportunity…and the rest is history. The sessions went very smooth. Adam Berg and I engineered the session and she needed very little guidance but took our instruction very well. She was very professional in the studio, yet it was also very relaxed and she really put a lot of passion into her performance…it was such a pleasure to work with such a talent!
What has been the most memorable moment of your career?
So far I’d have to say that performing “If You Want Me To Stay” with Sly Stone at Temple Bar back in 2008 was probably one of my biggest highlights, and recording with him in the studio as well. Working on the “Imagine Project” album by Herbie Hancock is also up there for me…another spectacular moment was performing with Phil Upchurch (one of the most prolific guitarists of the 60’s and 70’s who recorded with all the legends) and Leon Ware for his bday celebration. Also working with my favorite bassist from the 90’s, Stuart Zender of Jamiroquai. Ok thats enough, I know you only asked for one lol…
What other artists would you like to work with that you haven’t yet?
Ok, now you’re opening up a pandora’s box! Hmmm…ok, here goes: Caetano Veloso, Joao Donato, Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Q Tip, Pharell, Philip Bailey, Damian Marley, Prince, Bilal, D’Angelo, Questlove, Lianne La Havas and so many more…
What’s next for Itai and The Decoders?
We still have the remainder of vol 2 to release online, so look out for more singles in the coming weeks. Some of these tracks include the amazing Raul Midon, Alex Isley and a very special guest vocalist I am not allowed to mention just yet!
We are also gearing up for a summer concert tour that will reach both coasts. It will be a specialized showcase of Minnie Riperton’s music, flipped Decoders style. The shows will be on an outdoor stage and will feature a 20+ piece ensemble with horns and strings and very special guests. Vol 3, Adventures From Paradise: A Tribute to Minnie Riperton, will be released in late spring/early summer, so stay tuned for that!
What are some of your current projects?
I am currently recording with grammy nominated producer Om’Mas Keith, who worked on the Channel Orange album by Frank Ocean. The record sounds amazing, like nothing I’ve ever heard before! I am also working on original Decoders tracks as well, and I am now a member of the band Rhye (signed to Polydor Records and made the top 10 music lists for bands to look out for by Pitchfork and NPR), so keep your ears to the ground!
