Netta Ricki Lake Interview

Netta Returns With Irreverent Brilliance On "Ricki Lake"

Netta drops her newest single, "Ricki Lake" (via S-Curve Records/BMG), continuing the Israeli artist/composer/songwriter's exciting journey of making some of today's most experimentally brilliant pop music. Her brash but lovable personality is front & center on this song, which is ripe with a self-empowered spirit, a sense of humor, and an infectious beat.

After winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 2018 with her Spotify chart-topping song "Toy", Netta has continued to turn heads with her electrifying visuals, genre-breaking quirk pop, infectious charisma, glass-shattering vocal prowess, and looping ingenuity. 2019 saw Netta on international stages and in unique situations including catwalks at leading fashion events and a stroll with Prince William during his visit to Israel. Her music and videos continue to gain popularity, notching over 600 million global streams to date.

The video for "Ricki Lake", which is a highly irreverent, junk food-laden, absurdist look at commercialism, serves as Netta's fascinating love letter to American culture.

"I used to watch the "Ricki Lake Show" obsessively when I was a teenager, and I was fascinated by all the colorful characters she featured in her show. It was a glimpse into the ultimate America at its best and worst. Like Ricki's guests, we're all seeking guidance, quick solutions and simple life hacks that would make us happy and would take away the sadness. A new jacket, a new nose, a happy meal or cellulite reduction," said Netta about the inspiration for both the video and song.

As Netta noted, "Ricki Lake", the song and the person, is about being a happy individual, listening to your gut instead of society's rules, and dancing to your own drum. Ricki Lake for me was always how the misfit became America's sweetheart, and this song and video are my cheesy, messy and greasy homage to her."

Interview with Netta

Question: How would you describe your music?

Netta: A very weird afternoon lucid dream; when you're dancing at a party with your grandma and she takes your wallet. Then you wake up and say WTF?! That's how I want listeners to feel when they hear my music.


Question: Can you tell us about Ricki Lake?

Netta: She was a very popular TV show host in the 90s. When I was 13 it was big here in Israel, and the first time I was exposed to American culture, for better or worse. She interviewed a lot of colorful characters, and the first time I saw an underdog become America's sweetheart. They all came to her with problems, which planted a seed for how we look up to influencers today with answers to our problems. Like how the whole world looks up to Kim Kardashian, how to have an ass like her, a nicer nose, flatter stomach, etc.


Question: Is there a particular message you hope listeners take from your music?

Netta: The answer is "I'm not gonna teach you how to bake a cake." I modeled in a bathing suit last year, and I've gotten both a lot of good and bad feedback. A lot of people ask how I find my confidence. And it's basically just a non-apologetic approach for being who I am. Don't take life too seriously, we should all just feel free with who we are.

Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Netta: Live, because I have ADHD, and my musical producer has to lock me in the studio, as I try to escape a lot. There's something magical about performing in front of a crowd - it's my home base and that's where I'm in charge. When I'm performing I'm the captain and everyone is sailing on my ship.


Question: Which is your favourite song to perform live and why?

Netta: I guess Toy because the reaction from the crowd is always amazing. Something about the love that the people have for the song, it's like it's everyone's song, not just mine.


Question: If you could have anyone, in the world, attend a show, who would it be?

Netta: I wish my grandma could see me perform. She was a big woman, a CEO of a tire factory who could play every instrument and would tell a dirty joke every five minutes. She's my character and I miss her every day. I wish she could see what I've become.


Question: How did you start making music?

Netta: I was always making music, but it started to get real when I accidentally walked into a local bar, and there was a blues jam going on - just musicians and an empty mic. I walked up to the owner and asked why isn't anyone singing? He yelled "singers can't improvise." I had three beers and went up to sing.
From then on I organised the blues jam for three years. I understood that:
1. The looser I am on stage, the more people are engaged.
2. I learned exactly what I wanted from a band, and the part of each artist in the larger picture.

Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

Netta: There's a lot on my plate right now: I love Koffee, Major Lazer, BbyMutha, Jacob Banks, Tash Sultana and Lizzo.


Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Netta: We're a very musical family. My brother started as a drummer, and instantly made cool friends, as a kid. They all looked like rock stars; I looked up to them.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Netta: My dream is to work with Major Lazer.


Question: What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?

Netta: Going through a reality show, trusting others with your own art, and their ability to express your vision and message. The biggest challenge was Reality TV. Reality TV to me was the bad guy, but I had a difficult decision. The hardest thing as an independent musician is making it big - I had to ask myself "Am I ready to take this to the next level?" I had to give up control and trust others with my music, which I'm still struggling with today.


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?
Netta: The cool clothes that come with it.


Question: What's next, for you?

Netta: My big dream is an album. I didn't ever think I'd say that. Even though my music is so random, and I'm impulsive, now I'm ready. I've been through a lot, and I'm ready to say what I have in my heart.


Question: Can you share your socials?

Netta: @nettabarzi
Facebook.com/nettabarzi/
Spotify
YouTube  


Interview by Brooke Hunter