How Noga Erez transformed from a jazz-trained military musician into a global electronic force
In short: Born in Tel Aviv and raised in Caesarea, Noga Erez evolved from a traditional music student into an innovative electronic producer. By blending hip hop, alternative, and modal melodies, she has navigated international stages and complex geopolitical landscapes, proving that personal expression can transcend borders despite the pressures of global boycotts.
Noga Erez, born in 1989, began her formal musical journey studying piano and guitar before attending the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance. Her early career saw her in an indie-folk band and later exploring jazz, but in 2011, she made a pivotal decision to scrap a nearly finished jazz album to pursue electronic music. This transition was marked by her service as a military musician in the Israel Defense Forces, followed by a performance as a backing vocalist for Dana International at the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest.
Her debut album, Off the Radar, released in 2017, established her signature sound: a mix of electronic pop and sample-based hip hop characterized by jittery, unstable beats and Middle Eastern modal phrases. Working closely with her partner and collaborator Ori Rousso, Erez has since released two more albums, Kids in 2021 and The Vandalist in 2024. Her rise has been marked by high-profile collaborations with artists such as Missy Elliott, Robbie Williams, and Armani White, alongside performances at major global festivals including Coachella and Lollapalooza.
Erez’s career has frequently intersected with the political realities of her home country. She has been outspoken on issues ranging from judicial reform to the Gaza hostage crisis, while also facing personal challenges, including an international boycott based on her nationality. In response, Erez has consistently argued against the banning of artists, maintaining that such actions fail to solve global problems. Her work, including the 2024 single PC People, often reflects her desire for authentic dialogue, using her platform to process the issues that bother her about the world.
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