Alma Gov, one of the brightest emerging stars in the Israeli pop-rock scene, is set to perform at the upcoming Piano Festival in Eilat, which will take place from January 2-4. This year marks the first time in the 26-year history of the event that it has moved from its traditional Tel Aviv location, likely due to ongoing security concerns.
Gov, only 22 years old, is already proving to be incredibly prolific. She will perform on January 3 at 6 p.m. with her sextet, and rapper Cohen will join her as a guest. Last year, she released her third album, Olam Shelee (My World), following her debut album, Meuchar Midai (Too Late), released when she was just 19, and Lev Bekufsa (Heart in a Box), which followed a year later.
Though a product of her time, Gov is also influenced by music from past generations. “I also grew up with the Beatles,” she says, explaining that her family, especially her parents, are great Beatles fans. A few subtle references to the iconic band can be found in her music. However, Gov cites 81-year-old Joni Mitchell, particularly her 1971 album Blue, as a central influence. “Yes, she is definitely a source of inspiration,” Gov confirms, noting that she also appreciates Mitchell’s earlier album Ladies of the Canyon.
Gov’s musical influences extend to more contemporary artists like American singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers, known for her indie folk style.
Gov’s path as a songwriter began at the age of 14 when she decided to pursue music as her career. She started with a small “dwarves’ piano” that she was tasked with looking after at home, an instrument specially made for a dwarves’ show. This piano, much smaller than a regular one, gave her the confidence to begin exploring the instrument and create her own compositions.
While many of Gov’s songs touch on the more challenging aspects of love and relationships, she emphasizes that she is beginning to explore more positive experiences. “I have had happy relationships,” she says with a smile. “Now I think I can start singing about the good things in love.”
Unfortunately, Gov has also had her share of personal tragedy, particularly due to her proximity to Gaza. Living in Moshav Arugot near Kiryat Malachi, Gov has been affected by the trauma of the October 7 Hamas attack, losing friends and grappling with the pain of the event. “That memory is very painful for me,” she admits, sharing that she has only recently begun to write about it, unsure of how to capture such immense sorrow in her music.
Despite such difficult experiences, Gov remains committed to her craft, always looking to improve. “I never look back at things I have done with regret,” she says. “I am very pleased with the way my singing has improved.”
As she prepares for her performance in Eilat, Gov expresses excitement about performing with her full band for the first time at the festival. “It’s great to be playing at a festival that has the piano, the instrument I use to express myself, at the center,” she says.
Related Topics
- Lang Lang Shares His Passion for Music in Brief But Spectacular Take on Loving What You Play
- TwoSet Violin Bids Farewell with a Six-Part Video Finale
- “We Had a Band Powerful Enough to Turn Goat P*** into Gasoline”: Donald ‘Duck’ Dunn’s Legacy of Legendary Bass Grooves
