Introducing The Innovative Pop Songstress NETTA
Bold, inclusive and charismatic are three ways to describe the rising star. From her undeniable singing talent to her vibrant personality NETTA is quickly becoming a star that’s.destined for greatness. Pursuing music wasn’t always in the cards for the singer-songwriter. Growing up, NETTA always viewed pop, and it’s artists with adoration. But the idea of diving into the music sphere only went as far as singing at pubs. It wasn’t until she was hit with an ultimatum from her mother that the songstress decided to go all in and audition for HaKokhav Haba – Israel’s equivalent to American Idol. After winning the singing competition, NETTA continued her upward trajectory and secured the top spot at Eurovision, changing her life in the process. Since that fateful day, the pop songstress has wasted no time in fulfilling her dream of music stardom. The emerging talent has expertly crafted her own unique lane of pop by dropping hits like ‘Toy’, ‘Bassa Sababa’ and ‘Ricki Lake’. With the release of her latest single ‘Cuckoo’ and plans to drop more original and fun material, NETTA is continuing her music take over one day at a time.
We were able to chat with her about everything from her new single, the music video for ‘Ricki Lake’ and more…
Your new single ‘Cuckoo’ is beautiful! Can you take us into how this track came to be?
I was going through a rough time in my life dealing with instant fame and success. It was so hard for me; I doubted the intentions of everyone around me and my feelings towards them as well. It was like I was coming off some drug, and suddenly woke. I felt like I was losing myself. I flew to LA to write music and met a girl named Krysta Youngs in one of the studios I came to. She would burp and take her clothes, making everyone feel uncomfortable except for me. I fell in love with her. She was the only one not afraid to tell me the truth. Her talented roommate Bert Eliott, and her made an amazing track. With some drinks and snacks, in 10 minutes in their apartment, “Cuckoo” was born.
One of the things that makes this song, so great is its sound. It’s giving off major 80’s vibes with a modern electronic-pop twist. Was this your intention during the creative process?
The original track had a lot of 80s in it, even before the lyrics were written. It was so beautiful and emotional, I felt something immediately when we put it together.
Your first 2020 single ‘Ricki Lake’ is named after the legendary talk show host. What’s the story behind this?
When I was 9, Ricki aired on Israeli TV, and that was the first time I was exposed to American culture for better or worse. In my eyes, it was a show of underdogs becoming heroes. The people were colourful and different, and I identified with them. Today, Western culture is all about quick, cheap and easy. We all want Kim Kardashian’s ass, a boyfriend in 10 minutes, and creams that solve every problem. Sometimes I post pictures in bathing suits, and I feel confident just as I should be. I get tons of positive feedback, but the truth is I shouldn’t be the brave one. We keep looking for a pill solution to everything, but that’s actually a detrimental culture. Quick solutions don’t work. If you don’t sincerely accept and Love who you are then “I’m not gonna teach you how to bake a cake. Baby, I dance to my own damn drum.”
The video for the record is insane, from the costumes to its beautiful colours. What type of themes did you want to explore with the visual? What message do you want fans to take away after watching?
For this, I must thank my genius producer Roee Raz for working with me on this. We really wanted to emphasize and critique the consumerist culture of overdone, fake, quick-fix, MSG ridden etc. It’s all so tempting. When I was 14, I was in a student exchange program in the US. Embarrassingly I asked the counsellor to take me to a grocery store to buy my childhood dream: cheez whiz. He looked and laughed at me, but I was serious. My siblings and I were obsessed. I brought back 20 cans to my siblings. Probably the happiest day of that year.
Let’s bring it back a bit. Did you always know that you wanted to pursue music?
I couldn’t help it. I couldn’t choose anything else. When you feel something so strongly you can’t avoid it nor could I run if I wanted. And I tried. This profession chooses you although a harsh industry to be in. But whenever I’m in a studio for 3 hours, I feel on top of the world. It’s my therapy and music makes me whole.
You’ve accomplished so much as an artist since your debut – millions of streams, 2018 Eurovision winner. If you could go back in time and meet with your younger self, what words of advice would you give them?
Absolutely nothing. I’m happy with how I turned out. Everything worked for the best.
With the world in self-isolation mode due to COVID-19, how have you been keeping busy creatively?
It’s given me an amazing opportunity to focus my time on creating and writing. I got to spend a lot of time with my boyfriend, and it saved our relationship after two years of constant flights. Also, I’ve been cooking a lot when I’m used to eating in airplanes and hotels.
What’s your general quarantine daily schedule look like?
Wake up, brush my teeth, open a cookbook, take a deep breath, read the recipe, take another deep breath, tell myself I can do it. Then it turns out like shit.
When the lockdown is over, what’s the first activity you’ll be doing?
Go out for a drink at a gay bar. It’s fun.
What can fans expect from Netta for the rest of 2020?
I don’t make promises but what’s cooking now is unbelievable, sincere fun and original. And I’m incredibly excited to share it with the world.
Make sure to listen to Netta’s latest track ‘Cuckoo’ and watch her brand new video for the record below…
