Ray Nir’s music is self-described as being “sad music for happy people, and happy music for sad people,” and this new single is no exception. Performed, recorded, and produced entirely by the artist, “New Joy” is an overflowing, unfolding fusion of shifting feelings and unexpected threads of complementary sound… The single begins with strong indie-pop sensibilities, morphing into an effervescent auditory panorama.
As we step into Nir’s soundscape, we are caught up in a breeze of nostalgic lyrics, and symbiotic musical lines that are immediately melodic, nostalgic, and catchy.
The opening verses are reminiscent of 2010s American pop like Vampire Weekend…This unfolds to meet the driving European electro feel of Avicii and pairs with the earworm-ish and melodic sensitivities of The Wombats.
Instrumentally, we hear a combination of upbeat guitars, paired with percussive sampled claps, and soulful synths: a groovy intertwining of the roots of multiple genres.
“New Joy” is simultaneously soulful and peppy. The song has delicate backing vocals (performed by Alice Rose Smith) that add a subtle timbral richness to the mix…Then there’s Nir’s vocals, which soar atop everything else, showcasing the artist’s diverse range of tone colors. We are treated to light and airy verses (a-la indie rock) and, in the next breath, dive to the oceanic depths of his baritone sound…
Midway through the journey, we are introduced to a completely new theme, which is more rhythmic; a season change, if you will. Then, seamlessly as ever, we return to the main theme. However, as we journey with Nir, the tone of the chorus subtly shifts into a more hopeful headspace.
“New Joy” fades and warps away, and we are left feeling safe and sound, as if basking in a pile of leaves, kids again, lying on our backs in the diaphanous autumnal sunshine…
Q&A
Who inspires you artistically from the past, and the present? Do you feel drawn to a particular era of arts and music?
In the past, I have been very much inspired by Leonard Cohen as a person, poet, artist, writer, songwriter, and performer. At present I am inspired by any unknown artist I see trying to kill it on social media.
I recently discovered Jesse Welles, he is pretty awesome, a modern-day Bob Dylan.
How has the music scene around you affected you?
I have disconnected from a music scene. My music scene is my country-side house, my wife, and my kid 
It’s great!
Is “New Joy” a personal story of yours? As your single progresses, it blossoms into positivity. What causes this change of heart/twist in the story?
Good Catch. Everything I write is a personal thing, I don’t like to share specifics as I believe it ruins the experience for the listener to discover what it is for them. However I did start this song as a sad song on top of happy music, as I do sometimes, I played it to a woman in my publishing team and she mentioned it would probably be more optimistic and fun as “New Joy” instead of “No Joy”, I agreed, and decided to tell a different story, however as I was working on it I kept missing the original intro part, then I realized the two are part of one big story, it starts with sadness and ends with new joy. The song was finally complete.
What have you taken with you from your experience in Asaf Avidan & The Mojos, and how have you branched away?
I took with me my friendship with the Mojo members, some of the best friends I ever had (and still have), I took away lots of information about the music industry, I took with me some bad habits and addictions I had to get rid of over the years, and happily, I did! and I have completely branched away from that period long ago, to do my own thing, it has now been 14 years since that band broke-up, I try to think fondly of that time even if it holds some harsh and hard to let go memories sometimes.
In a way I am a completely different person to the one that played that band, and in a way he is still there in me, and that’s just great.
As an educator and consultant in the music business and someone who has had two decades of experience in it…If you could only give one piece of advice to new composers/musicians, what would it be?
It always goes back to knowing our business. You are not just a musician/artist. You are running a business. If you mean to be a professional musician you need to learn and know all the ins and outs of the music industry, the music business, rights, royalties, and technological advancements. Making music is only one part of it. Otherwise, you could still be a successful musician, but then please no interviews complaining about how you always get screwed over by your manager/label/publisher or whoever. take some responsibility for your career.
Finally, when can we look forward to hearing about your next project?
I am working on more music to be released in 2025, I am sharing snippets and hints on my IG account or other social media from time to time, so it’s good to follow. I promise some surprising and fresh music is coming!
LINKS:
https://www.facebook.com/RanNirMusic
https://www.instagram.com/ran_nir/
https://x.com/RanNirMusic
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3wrzVI0RGQnUzijkahgON9