Brooklyn-based multi-instrumentalist DOV is embarking on his first tour as a solo artist offering a fresh perspective in the music industry since releasing his debut single "Save".
“I enjoy exploring new LGBTQIA artists because there’s such an influx now; we are finally coming up to the surface.”
“[“Save” is] about being queer,” DOV says of the lead single from his forthcoming Be Your Lover EP due early February. “It's a spiritual movement about releasing yourself from your past, the house that you grew up in, and from society's never-ending demands and constraining definition of sexual orientation."
The son of a left-wing political activist, DOV moved to New York City from Tel Aviv at age 21 after serving three years in the Israel Defense Forces.
As guest editor at Milk.xyz, DOV, now 31, wrote that while being gay in Israel is no longer a big deal, the ongoing war in the Middle East “conforms us to rigid masculinity.”
“Women and men alike are required to serve in the military, a reality which results in an atmosphere so deeply hyper-militant in nature that men and women are almost always reduced into one – a man.”
Hear+Qwere caught up with DOV to discover who he’s listening to, get details on his upcoming tour, and learn what queer expression means to him.
H+Q: What’s the response from Tel Aviv to your music?
DOV: I have yet to release my new project, DOV, in Israel. A previous project of mine, Sasha & The Bear—a musical duo I was a part of, didn't receive great praise from the Israelis. We released two songs, one of which accompanied by a somewhat political music video which the liberal media loved. The more conservative, maybe even right-wing, media in Israel — a controlling majority — was less keen on the video. It was critical of the recent elections and the Trump administration, and sadly Trump has strong support in Israel. So I'm a bit more cautious now when it comes to promoting my music in Israel. I plan on continuing to do what I have thus far and hopefully the open-minded audience will find its way to my music.
What can you share about the upcoming tour?
I'm super excited about my upcoming tour; it will be the first one that is of my own personal project and not of someone else's or as part of a band. The tour starts on January 9th at Elsewhere in Brooklyn where I will open for one of my favorite artists, Geotic (aka Baths). From there the tour will continue to the rest of NYC, then Detroit, Philly, and a few other places.
What can you tell us about the upcoming EP?
I can tell you that it is a collection of different styles which represent me and an eclectic taste in music. It is a mix of electronica, pop, singer-songwriter, and a dash of post-dubstep.
Which music artists/songs are you obsessed with right now?
So many! I'm obsessed with Serpentwithfeet, a uniquely amazing queer artist from Philly. I also love the new Geotic album—there really are so many great and interesting artists out there! I mostly enjoy exploring new LGBTQIA artists because there's such an influx now; we are finally coming up to the surface, and that's great for everyone—music and art lovers alike.
What does it mean to have the freedom of queer expression?
It means the world to me. I feel privileged to be an artist during our time. I can write and share my experience as a queer, gay person without hiding behind a heterosexual story. I recognize we still have work to do, but thanks to our community, and the many activists who paved the way for us, we live in a fairly accepting time.
What advice do you have for young queer kids in the Middle East who’s afraid to live authentically?
“For those who truly fear for their lives: grab your things and get the hell out! ... there are people who will accept you for who you are.”
I grew up in a very accepting family, in a fairly accepting Israel and still had to hide my true self to an extent so I can't even imagine what it's like for queer kids in less tolerating countries in the Middle East. In my experience, the internet served as a great medium for sharing and connecting with other queer people from different parts of the world. It helped me realize I am not alone and that there are others like me out there who made me feel accepted for who I am. I was able to express myself beyond the borders of the place I was born. For those who truly fear for their lives: grab your things and get the hell out! It's a tough choice, but your life, your happiness are all that you have and matters. Create a new alternate family for yourself, start a new life somewhere else. There are people out there who will love you and will accept you for who you are.
Listen to DOV’s debut single “Save”