Noga Erez is an Israeli singer, songwriter, and producer known for her genre-blending music that combines electronic, pop, hip-hop, and experimental elements. She has gained international recognition for her distinctive sound, politically tinged lyrics, and dynamic live performances.
Erez was born and raised in Caesarea, Israel. She began her musical career playing keyboards and singing in a military band during her service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). After her military service, she initially performed in a jazz trio before transitioning toward electronic music, a shift that would define her artistic identity.
Her breakthrough came with the release of her debut album, Off the Radar (2017), which received international critical acclaim and established her as one of Israel’s most prominent contemporary artists. The album featured singles such as “Dance While You Shoot” and “Toy,” which combined sharp social commentary with innovative production. Her follow-up album, Kids (2021), further expanded her global audience, incorporating more mainstream pop influences while maintaining her signature edge.
Erez has performed extensively in Europe and North America, appearing at major festivals and venues. In 2026, she was included in the lineup of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, becoming the first Israeli artist to perform at Coachella. This milestone marked a significant moment in her international career.
Alongside her growing global profile, Erez’s career has intersected with political tensions surrounding Israel. In interviews in 2024, she stated that several of her performances abroad had been canceled, attributing this to her nationality rather than her artistic work, noting that opportunities were withdrawn “simply because I was born where I was born.” Reports also documented instances of online harassment and anti-Semitic rhetoric directed at her in connection with these cancellations and broader cultural boycotts of Israeli artists.
In the lead-up to her Coachella performance in 2026, calls for boycotts and protests were directed at her participation, including appeals from activist groups urging the festival to remove her from the lineup. Despite this, her performance proceeded as scheduled. The episode was cited in media coverage as part of a wider trend in which Israeli performers have faced political pressure, cancellations, and public campaigns targeting their appearances in international cultural spaces.
Erez continues to produce and perform music internationally, often collaborating with her partner and producer Ori Rousso. Her work has been featured in television, film, and advertising, contributing to her growing global reach.
Sources: Clint Ward, “Noga Erez: From Tel Aviv with Authenticity,” Roland.
Kate Hutchinson, “Noga Erez: ‘I get told by people not to talk about what is happening in Israel’,” The Guardian, (May 17, 2017).
Einav Schiff, “Noga Erez defies hate, delivers standout Coachella performance amid wartime turmoil,” Ynet, (April 12, 2026).
Jessica Steinberg, “Noga Erez tells Coachella she’s ‘heartbroken’ about situation at home,” Times of Israel, (April 12, 2026).
Photo: Shai Franco, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.