Zusha (band)
| Zusha | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Manhattan, New York |
| Genres | Jewish rock, folk rock, soul, nigunim |
| Years active | 2013–present |
| Associated acts | JudaBlue |
| Website | zusha |
| Members |
Shlomo Gaisin Zachariah Goldschmeit Elisha Mlotek |
Zusha is an American Hasidic folk/soul band from Manhattan, New York. They formed in 2013 with lead singer Shlomo Gaisin, guitarist Zachariah Goldschmiedt, and drummer Elisha Mlotek. The band, named after Zusha of Hanipol, combines traditional Hasidic niggunim with secular styles like jazz, folk, and reggae. Their self-titled debut EP, released on October 28, 2014, reached No. 9 on Billboard's World Albums chart, while their debut full-length album, Kavana (2016), reached No. 2.
Zusha was formed in 2013 by Shlomo Gaisin, Zachariah Goldschmiedt, and Elisha Mlotek. All three had prior music backgrounds: Gaisin was the lead singer of the Jewish rock band JudaBlue, Goldschmiedt was the lead singer and producer for the electro-funk band Ch!nch!lla, and Mlotek is the son of Folksbiene director Zalmen Mlotek and grandson of Yiddish musicologist Eleanor Mlotek.
Gaisin and Mlotek met at a Chabad house in Bowery, and both were later introduced to Goldschmiedt through a mutual friend. They began rehearsing in friends' apartments, recording their sessions via iPhone, until Mlotek's brother, Rabbi Avram Mlotek, encouraged them to share their music more publicly.
Zusha's self-titled debut EP was recorded and produced by Mason Jar Music and released on October 28, 2014, two days after the band's first show at the Mercury Lounge with Levi Robin. The EP subsequently reached No. 9 on Billboard's World Albums chart. In December, they performed at the Knitting Factory and opened for Soulfarm at the Highline Ballroom. The EP features cover art by Hasidic expressionist artist, Chezi Gerin.
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