Harel Skaat is an interesting character. Yes, he denied rumours about his sexuality for many years until after the death of his grandfather, when he felt a sense of liberation. This liberation led him to headline performances ranging from a gay youth centre in Tel Aviv, to appearing at World Pride in London. This month, he releases his new single “Now”, after two years of touring, writing and gathering material his upcoming album in 2014.
He wrote the single himself. The composition and production are handled by Jason Reeves and Ron Westberg. They’re responsible for some of Demi Lovato and Adam Lambert’s hits. Clearly taking a pop direction, Skaat is hoping this new single marks the start of a journey to international success.
The video was created by Israeli film director, Omer Schwartz. He cleverly captures violent and emotionally charged scenes of human conflict in this four minute clip. Some of those scenes played by established Israeli actors include a white girl kissing a black servant in front of her disapproving parents, a vulnerable woman rebelling against the torment of her abusive husband and an overweight kitchen maid humiliated by three young women. All these scenes are interspersed with images of Skaat appearing on the screen, and the characters’’ smart phones.
Despite the violence and chaos going on, Skaat blissfully walks through lush green fields. It’s serenity against a backdrop of intensity. Looking even deeper, this ties in with standing one’s ground no matter what. Although the sound is pop, it is pleasant and imaginative, and it propels Skaat in a fresher, more contemporary direction.
Rating: 3.5/5
Deban Aderemi contributed this report from the U.K. Follow him on Twitter @debanaderemi. Then follow Team Wiwi on Twitter @wiwibloggs and by liking our Facebook page.
I have only one question concerning the headline: has Harel been doing any genre other than pop? Was his 2010 entry an alternative, folk, rock, soul, rnb, country, etc.? Or is the definition of pop here only used to describe bubble-gum commercial trashy pop? Plus: I found the first paragraph about his late coming out and the reasons that made him come out disturbingly sarcastic. Being critical about people coming or not coming out of the closet every time we suspect they are gay is as old as a rotten egg. I am gay and that is my business, my… Read more »