Introducing Nir Furman
It is evident that here at IndieWavves, we attend many live shows around the NYC area, not only because we love live music but also because it is an excellent way of discovering and meeting artists and musicians who are actively bettering their craft and pursuing their dreams. While attending a show late last year, 2023, for one of my favorite artists, whom I got to interview, I also met his band. The people that surround him and help him bring his music to life on stage. One of those individuals I met was his drummer, Nir Furman, to whom I would like to introduce you to.
Being unique in the bustling NYC music scene is a challenge, but it's one that Nir Furman embraces with unwavering dedication. As I spoke with him that evening, his passion for his craft shone through. "Our music is a reflection of who we are. It's a mirror to our souls as listeners and creators. Music doesn't lie," shared the 25-year-old Israeli drummer and composer. His commitment to music is palpable, and he consistently brings fresh ideas to the acts he performs with, inspiring those around him.
Born and raised in Israel and living in NYC for two and a half years, Nir Furman hopes to impact people through his musicality and craft. After all, Nir was born to a family of musicians, receiving his love for music and drums from his father, who played drums and was a singer-songwriter, and his mother, who played classical piano. Nir Picked the drums for the first time at the age of 4 and immediately fell in love with the instrument. However, only eight years later, at 12, he started to study drums professionally. His influences are jazz, funk, and fusion, which helped him craft his unique playing and composing techniques. In Israel, Nir played drums for various musicians and bands, covering many music styles. He had played drums for a TV show on "Channel 9" and played and toured with "Impressive Flight Orchestra." By 21, he became a drum teacher at his hometown conservatory, where he was hired to play drums in the conservatory's big band and other jazz bands from his childhood. All these experiences prepared the musician for his next chapter in New York City.
Relocating to New York City to pursue his music career, Nir completed his bachelor's degree in jazz studies at the City College of New York. His musical journey has been shaped by drummers such as Elvin Jones, Tony Williams, Roy Haynes, Dave Weckl, Johnathan Blake, and more. This diverse range of influences has led to developing a unique playing style that allows him to apply his technique and knowledge to different genres, using similar concepts in various situations. This versatility is a testament to his adaptability and ability to bring jazz influence into genres like R&B, Rock, and Indie Rock, intriguing listeners with his ability to transition between styles seamlessly.
Nir has shared the stage with renowned musicians and bands such as The Mingus Big Band, Steve Wilson, Mike Holober, Leonid Ptashka, and more. These days, the musician plays drums for indie rock singer-songwriter Emmett Kai, who is the artist I met him through, while also playing in other bands and working on his own projects. Being both a sideman and a bandleader formed Nir's high understanding of different instrument parts, orchestrations, and arrangements.
Nir's latest project is a testament to his unique musicality, comprising his original compositions written over the past few years, reflecting his life experiences. But more than that, his ultimate aim is to unite people through the universal language of music. The beauty of his music lies in the rhythmic ideas combined with complex harmonies and simply beautiful melodies he effortlessly creates. He wants his music to be a source of comfort for everyone, regardless of their musical preferences, fostering a sense of connection among his listeners. Currently, he is diligently working on his debut album, eagerly anticipating its release. Overall, Nir Furman is a talented musician with great potential, and I look forward to seeing what he has in store for us.
Written by Piera Lolandes