Israeli Netta Barzilai hasn't found it easy to create during the 13 months since Hamas attacked her homeland on October 7 and the war that followed. But a brand new single, 'Big Love', brings the thoughts and feelings of the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest winner into focus.
“My job, my calling, is to bring people closer to the light and strengthen the light within them,” says Netta. Bulletin board via Zoom from her apartment in Jaffa, an ancient port near Tel Aviv. “I believe that music and art, especially in dark times, are important to any free world. It's important for people to consume and create.”
However, he adds, “I felt like this year I'm not in the mood to create. War is not an inspiring thing. It is the darkest part of humanity. This year I have seen pain in amounts and magnitudes that I could not function. I tried, but I couldn't write. I'm a very happy person and I've tried all the mechanisms I know to make me happy and they didn't work. Usually when I walk into a studio and create, I feel like it's the right thing, and every time I walked into the studio (after October 7), it didn't.”
On the uncharacteristically ethereal and moody “Big Love” — out now on S-Curve Records — Netta found a way to face her circumstances, acknowledging the situation and declaring in its chorus that, “This world might fall apart , but I am by your side, with great love.”
“This is a song written with friends out of desperation,” explains Netta, who composed the track with producers Theron “Neff-u” Feemster, Paul Duncan and Avshalom Ariel. “It's for me to feel stronger and for me to just know that this is my answer to the darkness that's growing inside of me — of all of us. War and conflict have always been part of human nature…and they are overwhelming. And to fight it we must create light. (The song) is very personal, and it's the least I can do to put it out there. But it is what it is.”
The feelings of 'Big Love', Netta adds, are not limited to one side or the other of the conflict. “It's to whoever needs it. In my song I say if I had the moon and the stars I would take them from you. If I could sing and stop the war, I'd do it for you, if it was that easy. It might sound cliche, but I really believe that making music is a calling, and I don't think you have control over who finds strength in it and who finds comfort in it. I hope anyone who needs comfort anywhere finds comfort and light in it.”
On October 7, Netta was scheduled to open for Bruno Mars in Tel Aviv and shoot a video during the show. These plans were dashed, of course, and in the aftermath of the attack she found herself in the dire position of helping to care for children whose families cared for the dead and wounded, as well as singing at funerals. Netta also scrapped plans for a world tour and an English-language album she had recorded, and returned to Israel full-time – “I had to be here,” she says – and released a Hebrew album. Hakol Alai (All on me). She appeared as a contestant in its 10th season Rokdim Im Kokhavim, of Israel Dancing With the Starsand also performed at a May rally in Tel Aviv calling for the release of hostages still held by Hamas.
Netta also attended this year's Eurovision, which was marred by protests over Israel's interference, while contestant Eden Golan faced threats and harassment throughout the contest.
“I felt really bad for her,” says Netta. “I thought she was a champion facing so much hate. When a girl stands on stage and sings and so many people try to knock her down… I think she ruined Eurovision. Eurovision is supposed to be about a safe space for art and a safe space for people to come together and come together. Eurovision is supposed to be the answer, yes there are geographical debates and politicians have their wars, but this should be the place to show them that we can talk and understand. It was very, very sad.”
Netta says her status in Israel is currently secure, which she considers a “gift.” She's still not sure if “Big Love” will rekindle her muse, but she's sure whatever comes next will serve a similar purpose.
“I find small hopes,” he says. “As silly and funny and colorful as my music has always been, it has always been about love and always about light. I am so sad that the world is not a perfect place. It crushes me. I really wish it was different, but… it's so complicated. But I believe in people. I believe they can restore and rebuild. must.”
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/netta-big-love-song-1235828391/
