Aviv Geffen
On your way up try to see all those rocks around you, they are your best friends..
Aviv Geffen might not be a name you associate with the British charts, despite the fact that he’s released 11 albums over the past 15 years, but the Israeli looks set to make waves with the release of his new, Self-titled album.
His music contains subjects such as love and peace, but also death, suicide, the army, and refusal to serve so I couldn’t resist catching up with the star for a chat….
Tell us a bit about your upcoming album – what can we expect?
It's sort of my first I.D to the world. I’ve been writing for so many years now I'm quite popular and big in the place I came from (Israel), so me and Trevor Horn thought which tracks will present me the best to the rest of the world.
It's an epic album, great pop tunes surround by 60 live strings and French Horn players. Some of the tracks are dark – which reach production that has a lot of sadness down below..
What are you most proud of about the album?
I’m proud that I was brave enough to leave my big ego behind and to start from zero in a new place. I have a side project band called Blackfield (with Steven Wilson from Porcupine tree) but I’ve never before put out a solo album in English.
What do you hope listeners take away with them after hearing your album?
That we are a f***ed up generation - like I'm singing on ‘It's Cloudy Now’.
There is a lot of competition in the business today, do you think you have what it takes to give the big names in the UK a run for their money?
Because I'm not one of many indie-rock artists and I come from abroad with my unique sound and messages - I think I have more chance than another British artist may have. My life story is kind of epic and I'm living on the edge and not just pretending like a lot of the bands on the NME covers.. People who are really into discovering new music are gonna love the album for sure. I think that I brought something fresh and daring
So, if you could recommend just one song of yours for us to download so that we want to hear all of your music, what would it be?
‘October’ is the deepest one on the album so I would point the listeners to check out that tune. It's a mellow song. ‘Black and White’ & ‘It's Alright’ are the most friendly tracks. I think that Trevor Horn (the album’s producer) captured the best moments and wrapped all my sadness with his sound.
What’s been one of your biggest life lessons?
Don't ever be afraid to say what you think and to take a stand. In the end your fans will appreciate it.
What can the crowd expect from an Aviv Geffen performance?
And now something completely different..
What’s one of the most outrageous things you’ve ever done?
Smashed a guitar straight on my feet..
What is Aviv Geffen’s main mission?
To be heard.
Who’s your biggest influence in life and music?
Lennon, Morrison, Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, Bowie, Woody Allen & Forest Gump.
What’s your biggest career highlight to date?
Changing my generation.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out, knowing what you know now?
On your way up try to see all those rocks around you, they are your best friends..
If you could only listen to one CD for the rest of your life, what would it be?
‘The best of Bob Dylan’
What were you doing last night at 11?
I was reading an article about me in ‘The Times’ newspaper.
What are you going to do after finishing writing these questions?
Giving my laptop over to my wife to surf on your website.
When was the last time you did something incredibly stupid?
Answering that question
What’s the last film you saw?
‘Spinal Tap’ - been watching that one for years!
What’s the last thing you bought?
My friend Alber Elbaz (French-Israeli Designer) made an amazing outfit for my tour in November.
FemaleFirst - Ruth Harrison
