PREMIERE: Elliah Heifetz – “Jerusalem”

Songwriter Elliah Heifetz is a somewhat magical confluence of talent and reverence for the art in which he creates. Working in all corners of folk music, Heifetz’s stunning vocals and vibrant lyrics paint intimate portraits of lifes and times.

Today, GroundSounds is proud to be premiering Heifetz’s latest single, “Jerusalem,” another brilliant folk powerhouse from the artist all music listeners should be putting their radar.

Heifetz shares in his own words, “It may seem bizarre that I love American folk music the way that I do. My parents, Soviet immigrants who had lived most of their lives behind the Iron Curtain and far away from American culture, raised me on classical and klezmer music. My dad can’t stand the sound of a banjo.

But the American folk song was developed largely by migrants—some where new arrivals, others just drifting between states or coasts, but all were down-on-their- luck Americans staking all they had to seek bounty on blind faith. I can’t explain why I fell in love with this music completely on my own, at such a young age, but I know now why it means so much to me. It’s actually my own migrant heritage that gives me an entry point into this diverse American tradition.”

To celebrate the release of “Jerusalem,” we sent the artist some interview questions. Stream Elliah Heifetz’s “Jerusalem” below and look for more from the artist here.

What’s your songwriting process like?

I use a lot of voice memos when I’m trying to get my initial ideas down. Right now I have almost 3,000 voice memos on my phone. So songwriting ends up sounding like I’m talking to myself.

What was your inspiration behind writing “Jerusalem”?

Becoming a part of someone’s life means changing it, for better or for worse. But sometimes, the exact way that someone lives their life is what makes them beautiful—so it’s better not to intrude.

Who are some of your biggest influences/favorite artists?

I wrote this record while listening to a whole lot of Doc Watson and Townes Van Zandt. I also really love Dolly Parton, Paul Simon, Ella Fitzgerald, and The Everly Brothers.

Any new artists/venues/purveyors of the arts you could turn our readers onto?

This song features harmonies by Jane Bruce, who is an incredible singer and songwriter. Her debut album should be out within a few months. Also, last year, Dom Flemons put out an album that really shook things up for me called ‘Black Cowboys,’ and I loved Anna St. Louis’ album ‘If Only There Was a River.’

Where can we follow you and where can our readers catch you live next?

You can find me under ‘Elliah Heifetz’ on most things, but my Instagram handle is @eheifetz and my Twitter is @highfits. I’ll play an album release show in May, and will take my music on the road throughout the following months.