Ivri Lider is someone I feel like I should already know about. The handsome Israeli singer/songwriter is one of the largest-selling pop/rock artists in his native country, selling over a quarter million records since he first splashed into the spotlight back in 1997. With a recent MTV European Music Award nomination now under his belt (he was nominated for Best Israeli Act) I have a feeling that the rest of the world will soon know his name.
Lider recently completed his first ALL ENGLISH album called Fly/Forget, which was recorded in London town last year and produced by Andy Green, who’s worked with the likes of Lou Reed, KT Tunstall and Snow Patrol.
“Fly/Forget brings together the numerous styles that Lider has deftly exhibited in the past, bridging his love of electronic music with warmer, acoustic tracks and classic rootsy pop.”
While this may seem like TOO MANY different sounds for one single album, Lider explains “I get a little bored when an album only has one style.” He does have a point. For the listener, it’s nice to break up the listening experience. Different styles, different tempos…it helps create a nice flow. The openly gay artist uses music as a means to get his point of view across and runs the whole emotional gamut, from love and sorrow to regret and hope. The track “The Man I Love” was featured prominently in the 2006 movie The Bubble, a gay love story between an Israeli and a Palestinian.
“Ivri makes no attempt to disguise who and why some of his songs were made – the longing and love for another man – yet with the beauty, sincerity, simplicity and sheer standard of his music and songwriting skills, the listener quickly forgets about sexual preferences and is reminded of the simple love and longing we all have for others, regardless of gender, age or creed.”
I’m intrigued by the 36 year old singer/songwriter and it seems like the rest of the world is becoming intrigued as well. Lider recently appeared at CMJ, performing a couple of showcases, including the High Rise/PopJustice showcase with Natalia Kills. Check out the music videos for “The Man I Love” and “Jesse” below. I expect big things from Lider. What a talent. This guy is definitely someone to have on your radar in the months to come.