Please Don’t Suck is out now!
Image: Jimmy Fontaine.
Israeli pop superstar Noa Kirel recently made her English-language debut with Please Don’t Suck. We caught up with the singer to chat about the release and so much more!
Tell us a bit about how you began your musical journey, and your background in music…
I have been singing and dancing since I can remember. The dance teacher used to call my mom to pick me up because I didn’t want to leave class lol. I released my first song when I was 13.5 y/o and never stopped since then.
You’re about to release the club remix of Please Don’t Suck, having teamed up with Afrojack and Black V Neck. Can you tell us a bit about the song and working alongside these talents?
I really love the fresh take they gave the song.
How did you arrive at the sonic sounds present on this track, and how involved were you in the development of the remix? Can you walk us through the process?
I’ve co-written the song alongside great talents (The Monarch, Alida Pack, Jackie Young) and was very involved in the creation process but I wasn't much involved with the remix development. I let them do their thing and they did great!
You will also release a stripped back version of Please Don’t Suck, alongside an acoustic performance video. It’s a great way to approach a pop track. Can you tell us a bit about the juxtaposition of this?
At the end of the day Please Don’t Suck has a soft meaning about a girl that just wants her relationship to work, so I wanted to strip it down to allow people to feel that in a different, more genuine way. I hope it worked.
The title is brilliant, linking both to possible relationships and the year itself. Can you tell us a bit about what prompted and inspired you to put these words to verse?
The title felt great because it has a double meaning. We were approaching relationships on one end and to 2021 at the other.
It’s for sure an empowering summer track, what are some things that empower you? What are some things that inspire you?
I’m empowered and inspired by strong women, music, dance, fashion, visuals, new places, traveling, colours, food. I get inspired easily.
You’re a singer, dancer and actor, putting all your skills to great use in the video. You worked with choreographer Sean Bankhead, can you tell us a bit about working with him and the development of the choreography when it came to relating to the story?
Sean is an iconic choreographer that I've followed since forever. Working with him was great, he’s so talented and down to earth. The choreo has the lollipop moments that connects to the song in a very fun way.
In three words, how would you describe Please Don’t Suck to someone who was about to press play on the track?
Fun Summer Anthem
What can fans expect from you next?
I’m working on so many exciting things (music, movie, merchandise and more) right now and I can’t wait to share with everyone!
RAPID FIRE
Biggest influences?
Beyonce and JLo.
Dream collaboration?
Justin Bieber, Cardi B, Bruno Mars - long list!
Album that has had the most impact on you?
Beyonce - I am.. Sasha Fierce.
How do you define your musical style in 3 words?
Fierce, fearless pop.
Best song of 2021 so far?
MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name).
If you could create the soundtrack for any film, which one would it be?
Mine.. :)
Hannah Montana or Miley Cyrus?
Miley.
What was the first song you loved to sing?
Jar of Hearts - Christina Perri.
A song you would love to cover on tour?
Jennifer Lopez - If You Had My Love.
Album you would listen to on repeat on a road trip?
Bruno Mars - any album.
First concert you went to?
Justin Bieber.
Best concert you have been to?
Bruno Mars.
First album you ever bought?
Christina Perri.
Most memorable show you’ve ever performed?
“Superstar” show in Israel.
If you could support any artist on tour, who would it be?
Bruno Mars, Jason Derulo, Justin Timberlake, JLo, Beyonce…
An artist you think has had the most influence on the music industry?
Madonna!
What advice would your current self, give your future self, for a year from now?
Never stop getting better, evolve and surprise yourself!
The moment you knew you wanted to be a musician?
Since I was three.