Brooklyn-based artist YONAH (Yonah Taragin) has officially released his debut album, “Bird of Miracles,” a genre-bending masterpiece that explores the intersection of faith, rebellion, and familial legacy. Produced alongside Harper James (known for work with Hudson Freeman and Aaron Taos), the 11-track project serves as a cinematic transition from the unrest of youth to the clarity of adulthood.
Listen to Bird of Miracles here
A Living Tribute: The Meaning of Bird of Miracles
The album’s title is a literal translation of the artist’s Hebrew birth name, Yonah Nissim (“dove of miracles”), signaling a deep dive into his roots on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.
- The Concept: YONAH describes the album as a “goodbye to childhood” and a peace treaty with the religious institutions he once rebelled against.
- The Father-Son Bond: Central to the record is an ode to his late father. Through tracks like “Holler” and “Showdown,” YONAH navigates the process of “blessing the past” to move forward.
- The Sound: Influenced by the raw lyricism of Elliott Smith and the experimental grit of Beck, the album blends folk-tinged intimacy with a “quietly expansive” indie-rock edge.
From the Upper West Side to Brooklyn
While his 2025 EP The House of Damage established his place in the New York indie scene, Bird of Miracles cements his status as a formidable producer and songwriter.
- Live Presence: A staple of the NYC circuit, YONAH has honed these songs through performances at iconic venues like Nublu, City Winery, and Pete’s Candy Store.
- Artistic Growth: Working with Harper James allowed YONAH to push his “experimental indie sound” into more personal, high-fidelity territory while maintaining the “messy process of becoming” at its core.
“Religious or not, I owe my life to him, and the only way I can move forward is by blessing the past.” — YONAH