LOS ANGELES, CA — Producer Amir Halevi and vocalist Rakel Saranga announce the release of their debut collaboration, “You Are the Bird,” a sweeping sonic odyssey that marries intimate folk sensibilities with grand, orchestral intensity.
The track marks the first creative union between Halevi and Saranga, though the road to completion was anything but traditional. Spanning a full year of meticulous production and editing, the project evolved across the country as Halevi relocated to Los Angeles while Saranga remained in Boston.
The song’s development began when Saranga presented an initial concept that required a significant structural overhaul. Recognizing the potential in the raw material, Halevi led a comprehensive rebuilding process, aligning the melodic phrasing with a more sophisticated harmonic foundation.
“The initial session was about finding the song’s true north,” Halevi noted. “We deconstructed the original chords and timing to build a structure that actually supported the emotion of the lyrics. It wasn’t a quick fix; it was a year-long evolution to ensure the final product felt intentional.”
Inspired by the evocative, layered textures of Bon Iver, “You Are the Bird” is a study in contrast. The track opens with Saranga’s signature soft, ethereal vocals, drawing the listener into a quiet, vulnerable space. However, as the song progresses, it sheds its folk shell to reveal a massive, cinematic heart.
The arrangement is anchored by a standout performance from Ori Menache, whose soulful saxophone work acts as the emotional bridge between the song’s quiet beginnings and its thunderous conclusion. By the final act, the production swells into a “big and loud” wall of sound—a deliberate choice by Halevi to create something truly original and immersive.
“You Are the Bird” stands as a polished entry into the indie-alternative space, prioritizing high-level craftsmanship over trends. The result is a recording that feels both technically precise and emotionally expansive.
Amir Socials:
https://www.instagram.com/amirhalevi/
https://www.amirhalevimusic.com/
Rakel Socials:
https://www.instagram.com/rakelsaranga/