New York, NY – Y-Studs A Cappella (KZYS Productions)
Y-Studs A Cappella has released Don’t Stop We’re Leavin’, an a cappella parody cover of the 1980’s hit “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey. The song and music video bring to life the Pesach story with passion and humor.
“We are thrilled to adapt such an iconic song and give it a fresh Passover perspective,” said Y-Studs Co-Principal Eitan Rubin. “With several new members it’s exciting to sing about the Seder themes with renewed energy to Jewish people of all ages and backgrounds around the world.”
The video takes the viewer on a musical journey through the Exodus story in a humorous yet relatable way. The Passover-themed lyrics are informative and entertaining while the group’s harmony vocals capture the dynamic range of the beloved classic original song. The production was created by a collaboration between the Y-Studs membership, lyricist Aron Wolgel, veteran Y-Studs cinematographer Shlomotions and “Director Of Shtick” comedian Eli Lebowicz. (No snakes or locusts were harmed in the filming of this video.) “Our goal is to bring some levity and entertainment to what can sometimes be a stressful Passover holiday season,” said Y-Studs President Dovid Abramovitz. “During such a hectic time, we wanted to focus on what really matters, unity, happiness and connection.
Musical Director Cory Hecht said, “We combined our love for the holiday and Judaism as a whole with the popular original song.” Jacob Siegel, who provided the lead vocal, added, “Our aim is to connect to a diverse audience, from shuls, schools and families to people who are learning about the Festival of Freedom for the first time.”
“Already we’re receiving passionate fan response,” said Beatboxer Yossi Dietz. New member Joseph Hirsch added, “I most appreciate photos of classrooms playing the video and singing along!”
About Y-Studs A Cappella
Y-Studs A Cappella is a globally renowned professional Jewish recording and performing music act. Evolving from its roots as a collegiate a cappella group—Y-Studs is a wordplay on Yeshiva Students—this “minyan” of youthful men has earned legions of social media followers and millions of views for their viral music videos that make Torah Judaism hip and fun. Their international break-out was an A Cappella cover video of Gad Elbaz’s Hashem Melech, which was followed up by Seder, a Passover-inspired parody of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” which received well over a million views on social media and was covered by CBS, TIME, and more; and the ground-breaking La La Passover, featured on Z100 morning radio, that innovated professional choreography in today’s Jewish video scene. The group made their biggest impact yet with Evolution of Jewish Music, a mega-medley filled with iconic songs spanning centuries of Judaism’s rich music culture. Y-Studs tours North America and the world, leading davening and giving stage performances at shuls, community centers, sports arenas and at hotel programs…and more. The group has performed twice at the White House Hanukkah celebration.
Y-Studs Current Membership: Dovid Abramovitz, Tsvi Benschar, Moshe Caplan, Yossi Dietz, Joseph Hirsch, Matt Sacher, Noam Schoenfeld, Josh Shapiro, Cory Hecht, Kevin Perlitsh, Eitan Rubin, Akiva Abramowitz and Jacob Siegel.
Y-Studs is partnered with Kol Zimra, the simcha a cappella group that customizes harmony singing groups for every Jewish celebration and occasion across N. America and around the world.
KZYS Productions Principals: Eitan Rubin & Jordan B. “Gorf” Gorfinkel