Lubavitch Singer Shlaime Mochkin Launches Debut Album

Jewish music will never be the same after the new album just released by Shlaime Mochkin titled “Ad Mosai”. Whether you are a teen or a parent of a teen, you will find a song that you will enjoy.

The CD includes eleven unique songs, from the title Ad Mosai, an original song of yearning for connection with the Rebbe, to HaMaavir Banav a remake of a song his Zaidy Reb Dovid Edelman would love to sing, and Mikvah, a lively song with a great beat about going to the Mikvah daily no matter the obstacle.

Shlaime Mochkin uses a variety of musical styles to convey a message of Simcha, Hiskashrus and love of Jewish music. It is available now on Spotify, iTunes, and many other platforms.

https://open.spotify.com/album/2ICh1r1Qy63HbSS6cRx059
https://music.apple.com/us/album/ad-mosai/1593931769

What inspired you to make this album?

I have played musical instruments since I was a kid, guitar, piano, trumpet and more. I have been composing music since I was a teen. The song Hallelukah, which is on this album, is one of my first compositions. I didn’t take the idea of making music seriously until my sister Raizel became sick two years ago. I was filled with so much emotion, and because I lived far from her I wasn’t able to help her much, so I began composing songs for her to listen to during her treatment, and it was her encouragement to make this CD that made it happen.

Was it hard to compose music and make a CD?

I have an incredible heritage in music, Zaidy Peretz Mochkin, Zaidy Edelman, and Zaidy Shlaime Shimanovitch all handed down multiple songs, some of which are even counted amongst the great Chabad Niggunim. For me , composing is in my DNA. Putting together the actual tracks and recording and mastering was hard and sometimes frustrating but overall it was fun and amazing to see something through, and I couldn’t have done it without lots of help.

Who else was involved?

My very talented cousin Chanale, a great songwriter in her own right, arranged three tracks for me, including a little known Zaidy Peretz Niggun. She came up with an old school marching band track with lots of trumpet and flute, which I love. I also had Shalom Leiberman make the track “Amen” which I composed for my sister Raizel. I got lots of help from my great friend Daniel Harrel at Almighty Productions Events. I couldn’t have done this without him.

What genre would you say is Ad Mosai?

It’s just Jewish music, which includes all genres. A song is a gift from HaShem, if it calls for a funky beat like the song We Know Not or a disco beat like Mikvah , who am I to limit it! Every style of music is from the Torah and I love so many styles of Jewish music, so I basically just go where a song takes me.

Which Jewish artists inspire you?

All of them. From Avremel and MBD to the random guy on instagram following his dream by singing to HaShem. But my mentor has always been Yossi Piamenta. Growing up in Crown Heights he was everywhere; weddings, simchas beis, and in yeshiva Thursday nights in the month of Adar. Watching him was a real treat. He even played 770 Motzoi Yom Tov by Kos Shel Bracha, like the Rebbe has a personal rock star because of course everything with the Rebbe was the very best. I once had a guitar lesson with him, he told me, “you want to get better? Play more!” And then we jammed together for an hour in his living room.

Wow! What are your goals for Ad Mosai, and the future?

I definitely have a few more albums in me. For now, my goal is that people who enjoy Jewish music enjoy this album. I think everyone can find a song they love and connect with, and add to a playlist which really helps singers as they start out.

Any final message?

If you have a talent HaShem wants you to use it, and Moshiach is coming, and He is coming in song.