Ethniks Frontman Ze'ev Nechama Reflects on Band's Journey and Controversial Collaborations
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Ze'ev Nechama, frontman of the Israeli band Ethniks, discussed his persistent stage fright and the band's controversial decision to produce Eyal Golan's 1997 album, which he called a 'minefield.' Nechama also detailed his reconciliation with bandmate Tamir Kliski after a severe legal dispute. He cited The Beatles' 'Sgt. Pepper's' as a key influence and recommended the modern Egyptian rap scene.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ethniks frontman Ze'ev Nechama still experiences severe stage fright before every performance.
- Nechama acknowledged producing Eyal Golan's 1997 album was a 'minefield' with lasting repercussions.
- Ethniks reunited with bandmate Tamir Kliski after a difficult legal dispute, now earning more.
- Nechama cited The Beatles' 'Sgt. Pepper's' as a major musical influence.
- He recommended the contemporary rap scene in Alexandria, Egypt, for its unique sound.
Ze'ev Nechama, the frontman and founder of the influential Israeli band Ethniks, has opened up about his enduring stage fright, the band's groundbreaking collaborations, and a past severe dispute with bandmate Tamir Kliski. Nechama admitted that even after more than 40 years in the music industry, he experiences intense anxiety before every performance, describing it as feeling like he's 'going to die.'
In a new interview for the N12 "Ra'iti Shama'ti" podcast, Nechama recalled early resistance from radio editors who refused to play Ethniks, and a music industry executive who predicted their hit song "Katorna Masala" with Zehava Ben would be the band's 'nail in the coffin.' He also discussed the band's pivotal decision to produce Eyal Golan's 1997 album "Biladai," which sold 400,000 copies and significantly impacted the Mizrahi music genre. Nechama acknowledged this move was a 'minefield' and that they still face repercussions, with some blaming them for subsequent trends in Israeli music.
Nechama detailed the intense legal battle and subsequent reconciliation with Tamir Kliski, his longtime friend and bandmate. He revealed that despite the financial benefits of continuing without Kliski, he felt his partner needed to be on stage with him, leading to their reunion. The two now work together again, with Nechama stating they are earning more money and that the audience appreciates their renewed harmony.
The interview also touched upon Nechama's personal background, including his mother's experiences during the Holocaust in Belgium and his father's family roots in Thessaloniki. He cited The Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" as a major musical influence, alongside the works of filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino and the band Queen, whose 1984 Wembley Arena concert he described as transformative.
Nechama also shared his profound experience with the book "Proof of Heaven" by Dr. Eben Alexander, which resonated with him following his mother's passing and reinforced his belief in an afterlife. He concluded by recommending the contemporary rap scene in Alexandria, Egypt, for its authentic blend of ancient Egyptian rhythms with modern hip-hop and trap.
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