For some musicians, creativity extends far beyond the recording studio. Between DJ sets, live drumming, music production and organising his own Changolands festival, Jeff Craft has developed a multifaceted presence in the Napa music scene. Operating under the name Zhenyok Chem Brat, alongside his creative alter ego Chango, the multi-instrumentalist brings these different experiences together in “Lay Your Heart Down,” a new single drawing on rock and pop influences while celebrating music’s ability to connect people.
Blending elements of ’80s rock, alternative pop and soft rock, the track embraces melodic songwriting and a genre-fluid approach. Craft’s musical versatility comes as no surprise given his background as an in-demand studio drummer, which eventually led him to explore guitar, bass and keyboards before venturing into music production under the mentorship of house artist Pierce Fulton. This eclectic journey continues to shape his creative direction, allowing him to move between different musical styles without being tied to a particular formula.
Beyond its musical influences, “Lay Your Heart Down” reflects Craft’s belief in music as a vehicle for positivity and human connection. Humour also plays an interesting role in the project’s identity, starting with its rather unusual name. Born out of a humorous attempt at speaking Russian during a trip to St. Petersburg, the phrase stuck despite its nonsensical translation, eventually becoming the project’s signature.
The most interesting aspect of Zhenyok Chem Brat is the freedom with which Jeff Craft approaches music, treating genres as starting points rather than boundaries. “Lay Your Heart Down” reflects this openness, offering a melodic expression of a wider creative philosophy built around exploration, collaboration and the simple joy of making music.
