18 Questions With introduces 1883 readers to the brightest young artists, actors, creatives and beyond. From childhood memories and guilty pleasures to their latest ventures and upcoming projects, our goal is to bring you closer to the people who inspire and entertain us.
Singer-songwriter, rapper and alt-pop icon in the making, Noga Erez, has just released her new record, THE VANDALIST via Neon Gold/Atlantic Records, her first major label release. It’s a satirical record that holds up a mirror to real life and the internet whilst being full of playful lyricism, slick sonics, and bundles of swagger. According to the Israeli artist, it’s an attempt to “not to take it all so seriously, whether the devastating state of the world , social media, work or relationships”.
Noga Erez sits down with 1883 to chat about THE VANDALIST, her first ever live performance, favourite memory growing up, and more.
What’s one exciting thing that happened to you this week?
I spoke to Busta Rhymes for 20 minutes on the phone.
What was the last thing you read?
Two Bears by Meir Shalev. I think it’s the best book I’ve read.
Favourite memory growing up?
I lived in a small village and used to walk to kindergarten every day. But when it would rain heavily my mom would drive me and let me sit in the front seat. We would sing along to a Beatles cassette she always had in there.
Where was the last place you travelled to?
Greece. My partner Ori and I took our first ever vacation together abroad. We’ve been together for almost 11 years.
What was the last thing that made you laugh?
Recently I’ve been receiving lots of targeted posts of animals playing with babies. Which many, are quite funny and make me laugh. With that being said, animals also make me really emotional.
What’s your nighttime ritual?
Recently, around 10 PM, I just shut down—boom. It doesn’t matter if the TV is on or if I’m with people; I fall asleep in an instant. Reality is a lot for me nowadays. My brain just wants to escape into the mysterious and beautiful dream state.
Who would be on your dream dinner party guest list?
Tyler, The Creator, Barbara Streisand, Ricky Gervais, Ali Wong, my parents, Ori Rousso, Shaquille O’neil. It would be a belly ache funny kind of night.
Favourite movie and favourite quote from a movie?
Impossible. But let’s go for Goodfellas. Scorsese.
Quote from the same world: “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in”. The Sopranos referencing just made it forever iconic to me.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
“Torn” by Natalie Imbruglia.
Favourite item in your closet?
A big black oversized t-shirt from the South Korean designer AJOBYAJO.
In a few short words, describe your music for someone who’s never heard it.
Music that needs no definition.
What inspired your new album THE VANDALIST?
The search for better ways to cope with how unexpected and weird the world is.
What is one fun fact about yourself that people may not know?
My blood type is O-positive. Don’t worry, I just learned that recently too.
Tell us about your first-ever show?
It was a memorial ceremony at my school. I sang in front of hundreds of children. I was so nervous I puked, and when we sang the song me and my partner started laughing. Couldn’t stop. It was awful.
Could you recall the moment that made you really you wanted to pursue music as a career?
I moved to Tel Aviv when I was 18. Till then I lived in a place where culture wasn’t considered something too important or something to pursue. Meeting musicians and artists who took it so seriously made me realize that chasing this dream isn’t something to be embarrassed about.
Which artists would be on your dream collaboration list?
Bjork, MIA, Rosalia, Damon Albarn, Labrinth, Flying Lotus so many more.
As this record is your major label debut, can you tell us about what have been some interesting changes you’ve noticed since working with Atlantic Records/Neon Gold?
Well, they got me on a track with my hero, Missy Elliott. Hahaha. Also, they opened me and Ori up to the idea of working with other creatives. They have nice studios we’ve used a lot.
Where do you hope your music career takes you for the rest of this year and beyond?
I hope the music gets into people’s hearts and souls. Makes them think and laugh. Where it will take me doesn’t matter as much. I do wish to be able to continue to do this, with less stress and more joy.
I really think that adding any kind of positive energy into this world is so important. I try to do it with music.
THE VANDALIST is out now.
Follow Noga Erez @nogaerez
