Ha'Five Member Michael HarPaz Debunks Pop Star Wealth Myth

Michael HarPaz, a former member of the popular 1990s Israeli boy band Ha'Five, is set to perform in a special reunion show on October 24 at Reading 3 in Tel Aviv's port. He will be joined by fellow bandmate Eyal Dasau and special guests Roni Duani and Nimrod Reshef. HarPaz described his long-standing friendship with Reshef, recalling their shared experiences during Reshef's career transitions.

The upcoming performance will feature a live band and singers, a departure from Ha'Five's earlier DJ-accompanied shows. HarPaz expressed excitement about performing the band's hits again, noting the joy in revisiting the music with a live ensemble. He also highlighted the enduring nostalgia for Ha'Five, even decades after their peak.

Dispelling the myth of immense wealth for pop stars, HarPaz explained that earnings are heavily dependent on contracts with record labels and production companies. He stated that profits are typically split between the production and the band members, with each of the five Ha'Five members receiving only a fifth of the band's share. HarPaz acknowledged that significant investment is required for music videos and fashion to maintain relevance, describing the industry as a "bottomless pit of expenses" and a challenging field requiring constant reinvention.

HarPaz referenced Lance Bass of NSYNC, who revealed earning only $35 a day, attributing such exploitation to managers who preyed on young artists. While noting that Ha'Five was not subjected to such extreme exploitation in Israel, he reiterated that the profit-sharing model left little for individual members. He also touched upon the impact of AI on music, suggesting that releasing singles is more practical than full albums and that AI can generate music indistinguishable from human creation.

The absence of the late Amir FaiGottman, a beloved member of Ha'Five, will be deeply felt during the reunion. HarPaz stated that FaiGottman remains a significant presence in their thoughts and hearts, evident in the public's continued remembrance. HarPaz also reflected on the enduring popularity of Ha'Five's song "Katan Ze Hachi Kef Ba'Olam" (Small is the Most Fun in the World), noting its integration into Israeli culture and its evolving meaning for the band members as adults.

HarPaz also discussed the difficulties faced by artists in Israel, particularly during emergencies. He recalled a single release being canceled due to a helicopter disaster and his momentum on "The Star" reality show being halted by the recent war. He participated in the show not to compete for Eurovision, but to use the platform for public diplomacy amid international media challenges. HarPaz concluded by lamenting the low priority of culture budgets during emergencies, where artists are often asked to perform voluntarily, contrasting this with practices in the US, yet finding fulfillment in the audience's enduring love for their music.