Chat With Shlomo Franklin

On today's episode, Emily is joined by guest co-host Nathan K. to chat with Nashville-based artist Shlomo Franklin. They discuss his new album, 'Most People Are Lonely,' his experiences touring, his ultra-Orthodox Jewish upbringing, leaving his community to pursue music, and much more. Shlomo is a beautiful human, and that truly shines through in this interview and on his new album.

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Shlomo Franklin's musical identity began taking shape in upstate New York, where he led a sheltered life within a Hasidic Jewish community. Immersed in the study of Yiddish and the Torah at an ultra-Orthodox religious school, he also spent time farming, tending to cows and fields near the historic Woodstock festival site. Isolated from television, radio, pop culture, and the outside world, Shlomo found himself pushing boundaries, dreaming, and yearning for more.

Shlomo's music and lyrics are poetic and refined yet straightforward and relatable. His voice, rich with depth and experience, expresses raw honesty and emotion, making each song intimate and unforgettable. There is a delicate balance of hopefulness and melancholy in every note he sings.

His latest album, Most People Are Lonely, is a testament to his journey. The 24-track album, recorded mostly live, captures a warm, authentic feel and showcases Shlomo's versatility while maintaining a cohesive sound. The title track, heartfelt and accessible, echoes the universal search for connection.

Shlomo's path to music was marked by moments of quiet rebellion. Despite his insulated upbringing, clandestine encounters with Bob Dylan's music alongside his father and fleeting notes from car radios sparked his passion. At 16, Shlomo left his ultra-Orthodox community to pursue life outside. His journey from the strict confines of his youth to the open road as a musician is as compelling as the songs he sings. Now based in Nashville, Shlomo continues to chase his dreams, creating music that resonates with listeners and reflects his unique experiences.

With a voice that reveals both the weight of his past and the promise of his future, Shlomo Franklin crafts songs that are both personal and universal. His story is one of transformation and self-discovery, and his music is a poignant reflection of that journey.