Israeli pop singer Eveline finds her music and dance inspiration from the one and only, legendary Michael Jackson. She writes, sings, choreographs and performs her work diligently and with a lot of passion. Jackson’s “Black Or White” music video inspires her greatly, and growing up she divulged in playing the keyboard, composing, and writing music. She’s also authored her very own children’s book, titled “Teddy and Mandy.” Eveline’s goal with music is to make everyone smile, get up and dance.
With her latest music single and video for “Waiting For The Summer,” the title speaks for itself, as we’re all gearing up for the warmer days of sunshine and play. Eveline takes you to the stunning beaches of the Middle East, a balcony of a resort, coastal edges, and – appropriately – a club dance floor. In our interview, Eveline talks extensively about her admiration of Michael Jackson, the inspiration behind her children’s book, “Teddy and Mandy,” filming the video for “Waiting For The Summer,” and much more.
You are heavily influenced by the legendary Michael Jackson. What drew you to him and his music, and what specifically about Jackson intrigues you the most with your music?
Eveline: I certainly drew a lot of inspiration from Michael Jackson. What attracted me to him and his music is first of all his “Black or White” music video. I was 5 years old and my family just immigrated to Israel from the USSR. It was a challenging time for my family who experienced a lot of difficulties. Being exposed to the “Black or White” music video at the time was just amazing; it provided me with an escape from reality into an imaginary, musical world with Michael Jackson. I fell in love with Michael right away. The way he sang and danced, he just moved me, gave me motivation, and conquered me. I wanted to dress like him and sing and dance like him. What intrigues me about Michael Jackson with my music; it’s first of all thanks to Michael Jackson I discovered my passion for music and my musical talent. As a child I performed at family events and school ceremonies with Michael Jackson’s dance, the teachers and students loved my performance and told me that I was similar to Michael Jackson not only in the form of the dance but also in appearance.
What’s interesting is that Michael Jackson had a high-pitched voice. I was always told I have a high-pitched voice. Michael had a natural ability to move, from childhood I have a natural ability to move. Michael Jackson was a musical genius; I create my music from A to Z. I identify with Michael Jackson, he is my biggest inspiration. His music represents for me: motivation, refuge, comfort and you could say he was my dance and singing teacher all along.
What was your familial upbringing like revolving around music?
Eveline: I did not grow up in a musical family; in my family, no one was involved in music either professionally or as a hobby. When it came to music I always felt very lonely because there was no one to share my passion for music with. As a child, I remember my parents listening to music in Russian and Hebrew, and my siblings listening to pop music in English. I have always loved listening to pop music in English. My friends and family preferred to listen to music in Russian and Hebrew but music in Russian and Hebrew just did not excite me like music in English. I have always loved American pop culture, although it was not part of my upbringing. And have always dreamed of creating this kind of music and even living in the US. Plus, I really like English as if it is my mother tongue.
You’ve also published your own children’s book, Teddy and Mandy. What was the inspiration behind it?
Eveline: I really like to write and create, there is no doubt that creating and writing music is my greatest love. I love writing in all sorts of styles: songs, stories, poetry, and even scripts. Writing allows the imagination to sail far away and to write a fascinating and interesting story, song, or poem. It is a spiritual experience for the writer. Writing in all sorts of styles is an outlet for the writer and inspiration for the reader. The inspiration for the children’s book I published, Teddy and Mandy is my love for children and children’s books. I really like this genre for several reasons: because the story is written in rhymes, it has important morals and colorful illustrations. I wrote the book in Hebrew and published a printed edition, then decided to translate the book into English and publish it in a digital version. Following the publication of the book, I did story hours in kindergartens and schools. It was an amazing experience.
Love your single “Waiting For The Summer,” and the fun, relaxing music video. What was it like filming the video, along with choreographing for it?
Eveline: Glad to hear you love my single and the music video, “Waiting For The Summer.” (smiles) Filming the music video was a challenging and fun experience. This is the first music video I ever filmed. When I finished recording the song “Waiting For The Summer,” I had no doubt that I would shoot a video, nowadays the visual aspect is very important. In addition, I will be able to demonstrate my dancing skills and the world will be able to see the artist, the image, the charisma and the star quality. This is a low-budget music video; the first thing I did was look for a studio to produce the music video. I met a nice photographer who owns a small studio. Together we wrote the concept for my music video, it was very clear that I wanted to combine my choreography, the beautiful beaches of the Middle East, and a sexy scene in a red swimsuit. We set a day to shoot the music video; I started working on the choreography. It was important to me to build a powerful choreography combined with softness that expresses the beauty of summer while at the same time the power that summer gives. The movement of the arms seen at the beginning of the video, it is the movement of freedom that simulates a bird flying far away in search of peace, freedom and warm places. When I build choreography I take into account not only the rhythm but also the lyrics, the body moves and tells the story of the song. Part of the dance in the video is based on choreography I built and part is improvisation. Not only do I love to build choreography I also really like to improvise, it’s part of the fun and experience of photography…just letting the body move to the rhythm, without rules and limits. The music video was shot in one long day; I chose the outfit myself and did the makeup myself. We filmed two scenes in the studio and another two scenes outside. Then the photographer and I edited the video together. It was challenging but definitely worth it. I am pleased and proud of the result.
What else are you looking forward to with your music this year and beyond?
Eveline: I look forward with my music this year and beyond: To release as many singles as possible, I have written about fifty songs and have released two songs so far. I got an offer from a record company in Los Angeles a few months ago but unfortunately, it didn’t work out. Not only do I create my music from start to finish I also fund everything myself, no doubt it is very difficult, every artist needs a support system, I sincerely hope that this year I will get a recording contract with a company that will believe in my talent. The two singles and music videos I have released so far are a good start. I have so much music to give: dance songs, pop, rock pop, and emotional ballads. Plus, I really like performing. The stage, the spotlight is a big part of me. My essence as an artist is to create and entertain. This is the goal I set for myself this year and beyond, I want to provide the general public with as much good music and entertainment as possible.
Fun Questions = Fun Answers (smiles)
Who was your first concert, and who has been your overall favorite, so far?
Eveline: My first concert was: Michael Jackson, in September 1993 Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, landed in Israel and made history as part of his ‘Dangerous’ tour.
He performed in Park HaYarkon in front of 140,000 fans. I was a little girl who really wanted to go to a show of my favorite artist, but my parents had no money. We were new immigrants from the USSR and had to deal with a lot of difficulties. I saw Michael Jackson’s show on TV and it was an extraordinary experience. My favorite artist so far, is without a doubt Michael Jackson. I was inspired by a lot of talented artists: Prince, Madonna, Paula Abdul, Alicia Keys, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga and more…And at the end of the day there is one artist who touched you the most. In my case it’s Michael Jackson. As a girl, as a teenager and even today, I still mimic his dance moves in front of the mirror, sing his songs and really enjoy reading the lyrics of his songs. There is no doubt that he was a genius.
What was your first album purchase on cassette, CD, and/or vinyl?
Eveline: I remember buying my first cassette and first CD in 1996. It was in the summer I went out with some friends to Tel Aviv; we were walking around Dizengof Center.
I saw a big record store I went in and bought a Backstreet Boys cassette and the Michael Jackson History Collection CD. I even remember I had a stereo system, when I got home I played the cassette and CDs in the stereo. What a wonderful time it was. Thanks for the question, it made me smile.
Which five albums and/or artists would you not want to live without?
5 artists I would not want to live without:
Eveline:
1. Michael Jackson
2. Prince
3. Bruno Mars
4. Janet Jackson
5. Madonna
5 albums I would not want to live without:
1. Bad by Michael Jackson
2. Make It Last Forever by Keith Sweat
3. The First Album – Madonna
4. The Best Of Prince
5. 24k Magic by Bruno Mars
Do you have a guilty music and/or entertainment pleasure?
Eveline: I have a guilty music pleasure: Kylie Minogue, she’s lovely I love her disco songs, for me she’s the Disco Queen. On top of that, she’s a little woman, and I totally identify with her because I’m a little woman too. I also have a guilty pleasure in entertainment: A sitcom from the 90’s, “The Nanny.” I really love this sitcom, Fran Drescher is a talented and funny actress, I love her style.
What are you currently reading, watching, and/or listening to?
Eveline: I am currently reading Dr. Brian Weiss’ book, “Many Lives, Many Masters.” An outstanding story about Past Life Therapy. I am currently watching the biographical series “Selena.” Her life and talent have always fascinated me. I am currently listening to music from both the past and the present. Music from the past: Queen, Tina Turner, and George Michael. Contemporary music: Maroon 5, Zivert, The Weeknd, David Guetta and Raye.
Connet with Eveline on Instagram
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