For Asaf Avidan music was always secondary to his career. A trained animator, Avidan worked as a professional animator for years before being prompted to turn to his hobby for his livelihood. While bittersweet for Avidan, fans of the talented musician have his ex-girlfriend to thank for the extensive music he has brought into the world. Only heartbreak could give Asaf Avidan the creative jolt he needed to bring his talent into being and watch it shine.
In 2006, Avidan formed the famous folk rock group Asaf Avidan & The Mojos with Ran Nir, Yoni Sheleg, Roi Peled and Hadas Kleinman. The group became incredibly successful within Israel and played throughout the country to adoring crowds. During his time with the band, Asaf Avidan released three studio albums: “The Reckoning”, “Poor Boy / Lucky Man” and “Through the Gale”. The 2008 release, “The Reckoning”, went to the top of the Israeli album charts and did considerably well in France as well as other European countries.
In 2011 Avidan decided to break away from The Mojos and pursue an entirely solo career. The move was not a total shock to the band as Asaf Avidan had played extensively as a solo artist throughout his time with the band. Prior to releasing his debut solo album, Avidan toured Israel where he performed intimate acoustic shows. The extensive positive response he received from critics and fans alike paved the way for the release of his first studio album.
In 2012, Asaf Avidan released “Different Pulses”. The album was a top 30 hit in Belgium, France and Italy. Asaf Avidan has toured and collaborated with multiple artists including Robert Plant, Lou Reid and Bob Dylan.
I went to Arles yesterday to see Asaf for the second time, and it was fab. The setting was great and he was just terrific. I discovered him and instantly fell in love with his musicality and his poetry when listening to the album Different Pulses. From there I listened to his previous albums too. The first time I went to see him I drove all the way from Marseille to Milan at the Alcazar, as the Marseille concert was booked out and I was determined to go and listen to him live. And it was fab. Yesterday it was different; Asaf was alone on stage in Arles. He was a sparkling, laughing, giggling, storytelling, fabulous musician. Even alone, he manages to fill the Arles Arena with Avidan vibes. Asaf is quite a stage animal, he gives a lot more than just sound. He shares stories with us and tells us about about the genesis of some of his songs. He tells us that he became a musician quite late, around 25. I just cannot imagine him doing anything else, really! He is a funny and entertaining buddy, a generous and fascinating musician, reinventing his songs and rearranging them along the way. A must listen to, and a must see. I just can’t wait for his next album. And I just can’t wait to see him again, in a different city, a different country. Big up Asaf!
nora-blomefield
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