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

Israeli singer-songwriter Avner Twig has released his third solo album, "You Can't Please Everyone," which he describes as a process of internalization and self-acceptance. In a recent interview, Twig, 36, discussed his journey with anorexia, which began in his late teens and continued until his early twenties. He explained that his struggle was linked to a deep-seated need for control and a fear of not being loved, exacerbated by the positive attention he received for losing weight.

Twig detailed how his anorexia manifested, including avoiding the army dining hall and subsisting on tuna, leading to extreme weight loss. He described the eating disorder as a "secret you try to hide," which consumed his energy and isolated him from others. While he did not require hospitalization, his parents intervened, enrolling him in a comprehensive treatment program involving a psychologist, psychiatrist, and dietitian. Twig, however, resisted psychiatric medication at the time, though he now acknowledges the severity of eating disorders and the importance of professional help.

He revealed that he has only recently managed to fully release himself from the obsessive thoughts and behaviors associated with his past eating disorder, allowing him to enjoy food and feel healthy. Twig also reflected on the unexpected impact of his song "Em" (Mother), which became a national anthem during the war. Despite not being written about his mother, the song resonated deeply with listeners, eliciting hundreds of messages from bereaved mothers and individuals reconnecting with their own mothers. This experience, he stated, was humbling and made him realize his own insignificance in the face of profound human experiences, shifting his perspective on art's purpose.

The new album, featuring his partner and son on the cover, also touches on his experiences with fatherhood and his ongoing practice of mindfulness and Buddhism, which he credits with helping him manage his sensitive and overthinking nature. He emphasized the importance of self-acceptance, acknowledging one's own brokenness, and expressing authentic emotions rather than trying to please everyone.