Aderet, born Hadar Babayof, is an Israeli singer-songwriter, DJ, and producer renowned for her dynamic contributions to pop, trance, and dance music. From an early age, she exhibited a passion for music, often performing at family events and composing songs by the time she was just eight years old. After completing her military service in the Israel Defense Forces, she made the bold decision to relocate from her hometown of Jerusalem to Tel Aviv, where she pursued formal training in voice and dance. During this period, she supported herself by performing as a dancer in various clubs, all the while cultivating her artistic vision and musical career. In 2001, Aderet made her debut with the single "Le'at Uvatuah" ("Slowly and Surely"), which garnered significant radio attention and marked the beginning of her professional journey in the music industry.
Her first album, Without the Evil Eye, released in 2005, introduced her distinctive sound, a unique fusion of ethnic influences with electronic and pop elements. The album’s standout track, "Bli Ayin Ara," became a club anthem, earning her recognition in both Israeli and international dance music scenes. Aderet's rise to fame continued with the release of the 2008 single "Say No More," which struck a chord with audiences across the Middle East. The track received widespread airplay in Lebanon, notably on "Beirut Nights," a popular Lebanese online radio station. This marked a pivotal moment in Aderet's career, showcasing the power of music to transcend political and cultural divides in the region. Her musical evolution took another leap in 2012 with the release of Jewish Girl, her third studio album. This project saw her collaborate with some of Israel's most prominent DJs, blending her traditional roots with cutting-edge electronic beats. Part 1 of the album featured four English-language singles that found success in clubs and on Israeli dance charts. Three of these tracks also made their way to Lebanese radio stations, further solidifying her international appeal.
In addition to her musical endeavors, Aderet has long been a presence on the airwaves. Since 2012, she has hosted "Jacuzzi," a radio show on Allforpeace radio, where she shares her eclectic tastes in music and connects with a diverse audience. Her participation in the 2012 Girls DJ Festival, where she ranked in the top 20, and her entry in the 2013 Kdam Eurovision competition with the song "Victory" demonstrate her unyielding commitment to her craft and her desire to reach broader audiences through multiple musical platforms. Aderet's early career is a testament to her versatility and relentless drive. By seamlessly blending her cultural heritage with innovative musical styles, she carved out a unique space for herself in the Israeli music scene and continued to captivate listeners across borders.
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| "Jewish Girl" photo session. Photo by Rafael Najari. |
Monika: Shalom Aderet! Welcome to my blog!
Aderet: Shalom Monika and all the readers from the beautiful country Israel.
Monika: How would you describe the evolution of your music, and how do you see it evolving in the future?
Aderet: My music develops all the time, but first of all, it's pop or, as some DJs hate to say, "commercial" (hahaha). At the outset, it's influenced by a variety of styles, with an emphasis on ethnic sounds and electro-pop. As my career progresses, I see my music evolving, incorporating different genres, but still maintaining its pop roots. I think it will continue to be pop, but who knows? It could change into something more experimental, like jazz, classical music, or even heavy metal. I like the idea of blending different genres and seeing where it takes me. The beauty of music is its endless potential to transform and surprise both me and my audience.
Monika: What sparked your interest in singing, and how did your early experiences shape your musical journey?
Aderet: I started singing as a child at family events and in kindergarten. I remember that my first show was in front of strangers when I was 5 years old. My uncle, who was a soldier in the IDF, took me to his Air Force military base. A few soldiers were cleaning the offices before the weekend, and suddenly I started to sing without any preparations, and they threw some coins at me. It was a wonderful memory.
Aderet: My music develops all the time, but first of all, it's pop or, as some DJs hate to say, "commercial" (hahaha). At the outset, it's influenced by a variety of styles, with an emphasis on ethnic sounds and electro-pop. As my career progresses, I see my music evolving, incorporating different genres, but still maintaining its pop roots. I think it will continue to be pop, but who knows? It could change into something more experimental, like jazz, classical music, or even heavy metal. I like the idea of blending different genres and seeing where it takes me. The beauty of music is its endless potential to transform and surprise both me and my audience.
Monika: What sparked your interest in singing, and how did your early experiences shape your musical journey?
Aderet: I started singing as a child at family events and in kindergarten. I remember that my first show was in front of strangers when I was 5 years old. My uncle, who was a soldier in the IDF, took me to his Air Force military base. A few soldiers were cleaning the offices before the weekend, and suddenly I started to sing without any preparations, and they threw some coins at me. It was a wonderful memory.
It's important to mention that, three years later, when I was 8 years old, I wrote and composed songs for the first time. That experience of performing for the soldiers was my first glimpse into the thrill of sharing music with others. It gave me the confidence to pursue singing and songwriting from such a young age.
Monika: Can you share more about your journey as an emerging singer? What challenges did you face in honing your vocal skills, and how did you turn your passion into a professional career?
Aderet: After completing my military service in the IDF, I moved from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv and began taking voice and dance lessons while staying active with a lot of sports. Soon, I started performing as a dancer in clubs and worked tirelessly as a waitress during the day to fund my music career. It's a lot of hard work, but with enough rehearsals, being on stage becomes much easier. The energy and rhythm I developed as a dancer also helped me build my stage presence as a singer. Over time, I learned that persistence and resilience are just as important as talent in this industry.
Monika: Music is deeply personal and ever-evolving. Which artists or albums have had the greatest impact on you, and how have they shaped your own musical style?
Aderet: It's a long, long list because music is my breath. First, the Israeli singer Yardena Arazi influenced me a lot. Also, Depeche Mode with the live album 101, Madonna, Roxette, A-Ha, Pet Shop Boys, The Cure, Enya, Elton John, Ofer Nissim, and Dana International. Nowadays, I find inspiration in Zedd, Calvin Harris, David Guetta, Susan Boyle, Hardwell, Rihanna, Tiësto, Lady Gaga, and Loreen. Each of these artists has left a mark on me in different ways, whether through their melodies, energy, or the emotions they bring to their music. I love how music transcends time and trends, constantly evolving while still carrying echoes of the past.
Aderet: After completing my military service in the IDF, I moved from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv and began taking voice and dance lessons while staying active with a lot of sports. Soon, I started performing as a dancer in clubs and worked tirelessly as a waitress during the day to fund my music career. It's a lot of hard work, but with enough rehearsals, being on stage becomes much easier. The energy and rhythm I developed as a dancer also helped me build my stage presence as a singer. Over time, I learned that persistence and resilience are just as important as talent in this industry.
Monika: Music is deeply personal and ever-evolving. Which artists or albums have had the greatest impact on you, and how have they shaped your own musical style?
Aderet: It's a long, long list because music is my breath. First, the Israeli singer Yardena Arazi influenced me a lot. Also, Depeche Mode with the live album 101, Madonna, Roxette, A-Ha, Pet Shop Boys, The Cure, Enya, Elton John, Ofer Nissim, and Dana International. Nowadays, I find inspiration in Zedd, Calvin Harris, David Guetta, Susan Boyle, Hardwell, Rihanna, Tiësto, Lady Gaga, and Loreen. Each of these artists has left a mark on me in different ways, whether through their melodies, energy, or the emotions they bring to their music. I love how music transcends time and trends, constantly evolving while still carrying echoes of the past.
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Aderet-Say no more (Official video clip). Hitrecordspromo. Source: YouTube. |
Monika: Your debut album, The Answer, was released in 2001. Can you share the story behind its creation and how it set the stage for your musical career?
Aderet: Because of the song Bli Ayin Hara, which became a hit, the album’s name was changed to Bli Ayin Hara, meaning "Without the Evil Eye." It was a club-ethnic album with traditional motifs. My father, who is a cantor in a synagogue, sang the Shabbat prayer and blew the shofar in the song Le'at U'Batuach, which means "Slowly but Surely." It felt like a blessing from my family as I embarked on my journey as an artist. The album was a major learning experience for me, I received a lot of feedback about my music and stage presence, which helped me grow. Looking back, it was a bold first step that introduced my unique fusion of electronic and ethnic sounds to the world.
Monika: Your 2008 single Say No More became a hit in Lebanon after gaining rotation on Beirut Nights, a Lebanese internet radio station dedicated to dance music. Given the political tensions between Israel and Lebanon, were you surprised that your song resonated so strongly with listeners there?
Aderet: Yes, of course! It was a huge surprise to see my song become the number one hit on the playlist in a country like Lebanon, which, as you know, is not at peace with Israel. I learned so much about how music has the power to break boundaries and bring people together, regardless of politics. I am so grateful to all the people in Lebanon who voted for my 100% Israeli-Jewish song and felt connected to it. It was a reminder that music is a universal language that transcends borders. Moments like these prove that art can unite us in ways that politics never could, so cool!
Monika: Your 2008 album Jewish Girl was your first release in English, marking a significant shift in your musical direction. What inspired you to make that transition, and how did it influence your career moving forward?
Aderet: After releasing two albums in Hebrew, I decided to break into the club scene. So I released the song Chaos, which naturally came out in English, and the melody fit perfectly with the vibe. It quickly became a club-radio hit. That success pushed me to focus on making music in English, and as you know, it turned out to be the right decision. A lot of people outside of Israel were introduced to my music, which opened up exciting new opportunities. Releasing music in English also allowed me to connect with a more diverse audience and collaborate with international DJs and producers, expanding my artistic reach.
Monika: You also composed a song in French called Extraordinaire, which added a unique flair to your discography. Given the beauty and charm of the French language, do you see yourself exploring it further? Could a full French album be in your future?
Aderet: Well, it's a good idea! After all, French is a sexy language, so why not?! I love the way French music has a certain elegance and romance to it, which makes it very tempting to explore. Who knows, maybe one day I'll surprise everyone with a full album in French!
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| Live performance at KDAM 2013 (Pre-Selection Eurovision) with the song "VICTORY". |
Monika: In 2013, you participated in Israel’s pre-Eurovision contest (KDAM Eurovision) with your song Victory. While your song wasn’t ultimately chosen to represent Israel in Eurovision, how did the experience shape you as an artist? Did it change your approach to music or performance?
Aderet: Competing in KDAM Eurovision was both a huge challenge and an incredible experience for me. It was a great honor that Victory was selected from hundreds of songs submitted to the KDAM committee. I learned a lot about myself through the competition, especially about what I needed to improve immediately and how to build myself up better for the future. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to constant rehearsals, refining my craft so that my future performances and new material will be even stronger. It was a moment of growth that pushed me to set even higher goals for myself. Looking back, I see it as a stepping stone rather than a setback, every great artist evolves through experience!
Monika: Do you see yourself as a role model or a source of inspiration for other transgender women, particularly in Israel, who may look up to your journey?
Aderet: I don’t see myself as a spokesperson for the transgender community in Israel, but I’ve had a positive experience overall. I’ve lived in Israel as a woman, and I’m mostly seen as just a singer who performs in English, without much attention to my past. The media here rarely mention it, which is something I’m grateful for. Israel is a free country with liberal people, and the culture continues to evolve in a more inclusive direction. It’s encouraging to see how society is becoming more open and accepting of diversity over time.
Monika: Love is one of the most profound forces in life. How do you personally define love, and what role does it play in shaping your happiness, relationships, and career?
Aderet: Love is health. For me, it's everything. First of all, love God, love your family, love your man, your friends (even when they leave, hahaha), your neighbors, your team, your fans, and the opportunities around you. When you give love, you feel healthy. No matter how much the world evolves technologically, pure and healthy love will always lead you to a better future. Love also fuels my creativity, it inspires my music and gives me the energy to keep going, no matter the challenges. At the end of the day, love is what makes life truly meaningful.
Monika: Fashion and music often go hand in hand, especially in the pop industry. How would you describe your personal style, and do you have any favorite designers, colors, or trends that inspire your look?
Aderet: Fashion is deeply connected to music. I watch a lot of F-TV to get ideas and inspiration. What can I say?! It never ends. Every time, I find new ways to develop my vision and upgrade the "Aderet" brand while staying true to myself. In the pop industry, you always have to stay alert and ensure you look interesting, beautiful, and comfortable.
After many years, I realized that when you feel comfortable and sexy, your performance improves, and the audience connects with you on a deeper level. Trends give me inspiration, but they don’t dictate my choices, I prefer to mix them with my personal touch. I love bold colors, statement pieces, and anything that enhances my energy on stage.
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| In studio. Photo credits: PR KDAM 2013. |
Monika: You’re about to release a new single, which is always an exciting moment for an artist. Can you give us a sneak peek into what we can expect? What’s the story behind the song, and how does it fit into your musical journey?
Aderet: The new single will be part of Jewish Girl – Part 2, which will be released afterward. It’s a pop-club song, and it holds special meaning for me as it is dedicated to the memory of my grandmother, Miriam, who passed away three and a half years ago. I wish and pray that many DJs and radio stations around the world, including in Israel, will find a good place for it in their playlists.
This song is very emotional for me, blending heartfelt lyrics with a danceable beat, just the way I love to create music. I believe that music is a powerful way to keep memories alive, and this track is my tribute to her spirit and the love she gave me.
Monika: You’re always evolving as an artist, so are there any exciting new projects or ventures you’re currently working on that you can share with us?
Aderet: Right now, I’m working on part 2 of the album Jewish Girl and also studying how to be a DJ at weddings, it's not quite the same as performing in clubs. I’ll continue with my radio show Jacuzzi and do my best to bring new listeners into the studio, sharing the energy of the show while keeping them updated on the nightlife of Israel. Maybe someday, Jacuzzi will also become a successful TV show that features DJs from all over the world.
The future is full of exciting possibilities. I believe that the projects of tomorrow start as the dreams of today, and it’s thrilling to think about where these passions will take me.
Monika: Aderet, thank you so much for the interview!
Aderet: It was my pleasure, Monika! Thank you for having me.
Main photo credits: Shalom Shlush (photo), Dana Buzo (make-up), Shmulik Shlush (hair design)
Some links:
All the photos: courtesy of Aderet.
© 2014 - Aderet and Monika Kowalska
