Israeli Indie Singer Gal De Paz Opens Up on Career, Personal Life, and Non-Monogamy
Gal De Paz, the Israeli indie singer and former contestant on 'The Next Star for Eurovision,' recently addressed rumors about her housing situation, clarifying that she is moving to a new apartment in Florentin with a protected space for teaching from home. De Paz, 39, has been active in the music scene for two decades, balancing underground credibility with occasional mainstream exposure. She recalls a highlight from about ten years ago when her band opened for Aerosmith in front of 50,000 people at Park Hayarkon, but notes the band members barely interacted backstage.
Despite her growing recognition, including reaching second place on the recent season of 'The Next Star,' De Paz remains an independent artist without a label, facing ongoing challenges in the Israeli music industry. She emphasizes the need for more support for artists to live sustainably without constant pressure for more followers and streams. De Paz also speaks candidly about the emotional toll of her career, admitting to moments of exhaustion and vulnerability.
On a personal level, De Paz reflects on her early marriage at age 20 to musician Ariel Keshet, which ended in divorce after nine years amid conflicting desires and self-esteem struggles. She currently maintains a complex relationship with her manager and producer, Yesgav Dotan, and openly embraces non-monogamy, stressing the importance of honesty and communication in polyamorous relationships. She rejects societal pressures to have children, preferring to focus on her music and friendships.
De Paz also discusses coping with jealousy in non-monogamous relationships and her evolving perspective on love, highlighted by her new single "Can't Die From Love." She acknowledges past experimentation with substances like cannabis and psychedelics to manage chronic pain and enhance creativity. Although initially skeptical of music reality shows, her experience on 'The Next Star' has shifted her views, and she now dreams of participating in 'Dancing with the Stars.' She remains proud of representing a less conservative, more diverse image of Israeli music and culture.
Looking ahead, De Paz is preparing for her first solo concert at the Heichal Hatarbut's Laavi Hall on July 30, where she will be joined by artists such as Rad Band, Esther Rada, and Jenny Pankin. She continues to navigate the balance between artistic integrity and broader audience appeal while advocating for greater recognition and support for independent musicians in Israel.
