We are pleased to bring you the first of a series of interviews conducted with world class performers. Our first cab off the rank so to speak, is the highly talented Lior. Since the debut of “ Autumn Flow”, Lior has won critical acclaim for his songwriting and quality live appearences. From the “corner of an endless road” to the pages of Planet Earth Artist, we can’t thank him enough.........read on.
We have all seen how music can transform the collective consciousness with events like the 'Feed the World" and "Make Poverty History" bringing awareness of global poverty to the lounge-rooms of the developed world. As an artist how important do you think it is to speak about the inequities in the world?
Anyone in the position where they can get their voice heard has an opportunity to inject thoughts and ideas into people's mindsets which will hopefully bring about positive change. I know that I have been influenced by artists I admire in terms of things they speak out about so that is the best proof for me that it can work.
Planet Earth Artist feels that music is something that bridges all cultural differences and gives us a place of common ground to share our dreams, beliefs and ideals. I am sure you have had experiences in other countries where you have found this to be true. Where was this and how has this had an effect your own musical style?
Growing up in Israel, i was exposed to so many different styles of music, because it is such a melting pot of musical styles from both the east and the west. Later in life, I found that a lot of the eastern influences quite naturally crept into my music, particularly my vocal style. Music is such a powerful window into other people's culture, it can be a gateway to a greater sense of understanding and ultimately compassion towards others.
I have read that you moved to Australia as a 10 year old. Growing up Jewish it appears that it would be hard to avoid the subject of politics. From the outside looking in it appears to dominate every facet of life in the Middle East and continues beyond for those who originate from that region. As a songwriter this must be hugely influential. Do you feel a responsibility to represent your cultural heritage through your music? In general how important a role do you think music plays in shaping cultural identity?
I would say it is more a natural desire to use those cultural aspects in my musical expression rather than a responsibility. Its what feels right and so i choose to infuse into my own music. As I mentioned, just through doing it and putting it out there, you are giving people a window into a different culture which they can then look into. I am proud to live in a multicultural society that on the whole, operates in harmony, and we should really treasure that and embrace all the great things about the different cultures that surround us.
In recent years the music scene has drifted away from its traditional role of social, political and cultural commentary and indulged more in a banal and superficial celebration of pop culture. Your music on the contrary seems to rooted in the great song writing traditions of the past. What has made you want to go beyond the banal in search of a more profound message?
Music has always the ability to deeply move me, and I guess that I consider it to be my spiritual force. I agree that music has been largely commodified in line with so many other changes in our society. I still remember and value the profound impact that great artists had on my life when i was growing up, and my dream was to be able to similarly affect others in that way.
The aim of Planet Earth Artist is to share the gift of music with aspiring musicians in the third world who do not have access to musical instruments. Do you think there is a sort of moral obligation for lovers of music in the developed world to help their less fortunate brother and sisters to express themselves
musically? And do you think that this ultimately enriches the musical landscape in general?
I wouldn't call it obligation, but I do believe that it is a beautiful way of giving, and it should be driven by the desire to give and help those less fortunate. There is an ultimate sense of satisfaction to be able to enrich someone's life through a gift of music, and Planet Earth Artist is a great facilitator of that. It goes beyond simple material assistance, but also can contribute to the happiness and well being of that person on a spiritual level, and that's why i am such a strong supporter of the initiatives of Planet Earth Artist.
Lastly we would like to thank you for your support of our project. Having established artists like yourself involved helps to substantiate our message and will hopefully lead to greater opportunities for Planet Earth Artist to help bring music to people of all cultures around the world. Do you have a message for those who are reading this and are looking for a way to help?
I would just encourage people, particularly artists to get in touch with Planet Earth Artist and enquire as to how they can help. It feels good to be able to use music as a form of giving and healing.
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