Avner Twig Opens Up About Anorexia, New Album, and Fatherhood

Singer-songwriter Avner Twig has released his third solo album, "You Can't Please Everyone," this week, describing it as a period of "internalization" following earlier "depressive" and "spiritual awakening" albums. Twig, 36, who has also released a joint album with Alma Gov, attributes his current mindset to mindfulness and Buddhist practices, which help him separate thoughts from emotions. He explains that the album's title reflects a childhood tendency towards people-pleasing, which he has learned to overcome by accepting his own emotions, including anger, and acknowledging his own imperfections.

Twig discussed the unexpected impact of his song "Ima" (Mother), which he wrote about his personal journey between Israel and England, not his mother. Released during wartime, the song resonated deeply with listeners experiencing loss and family reconciliation, leading to hundreds of messages. Twig found this experience humbling, realizing his role as an artist was to connect with others' feelings rather than focus on his own ego, stating, "It made me understand how much I am not the point."

The artist also revealed his past struggles with anorexia, which began in his final year of military service and continued until age 23. He described the eating disorder as a "secret" that consumed his energy and isolated him. Twig linked his anorexia to a desire for control and a deep sense of fragility, exacerbated by the positive attention he received for losing weight. He eventually sought professional help, undergoing a "360 treatment" with a psychologist, psychiatrist, and dietitian, though he initially resisted medication.

Twig shared that he only fully released himself from the obsessive thoughts surrounding his eating disorder in recent years, allowing him to enjoy food and feel healthy. He also reflected on fatherhood, noting that becoming a parent prompted him to re-examine his relationship with his own parents. The album cover features his partner, Stav, and their son, Daniel.