Noga Erez possesses all the qualities we love and then some. A powerful combo of genuine, truthful, wise, witty, incredibly talented and creating some of the most original cool music we’ve heard in a long time. Have a listen to her new album THE VANDALIST and you’ll see. Two songs we currently have on repeat “Dumb” and“AYAYAY.” Noga and her creative/life partner Ori Rousso stopped by our Brooklyn studio fresh off a flight from their home of Israel and opening for Pink in NYC. Scroll on down and check our pics and chat on preparing to be a momma, personal style, inspirations and her bare essentials which include her longtime partner Ori. Oh yeah another quality we love…her huge heart.

The Bare Magazine: we loved our hang in brooklyn! how was the trip different now at 6 months pregnant? what do you have to be sure to pack, eat, supplement etc?

Noga Erez: 7 months! I’m pregnant and vegan and have gestational diabetes. Nothing’s spontaneous about my lifestyle at the moment. It’s a big lesson and maybe preparation for what’s to come. On the other hand I feel like everything else, creativity, my relationship with my career and music is becoming more of a flow. I don’t get stuck on things as much. It’s a really cool state of mind. 

Bare: is the amazing response to the new album Vandalist keeping you energized and psyched? is it satisfying when hard work pays off?

NE: Of course. I make music because I love music. But I don’t make things for myself. I put a lot of effort and resources to get my music out there because I need the energy coming back from people. Not everyone has to like what I do. But I take a lot of motivation from even the smallest expressions of understanding and appreciation of my art. 

Bare: you and Ori are an incredible team and pair! in what ways has he helped you grow as an artist? was he a teacher in many ways when he came into your life?

NE: Ori is my biggest teacher. But not in the sense of a know-it-all guru. Seeing him grow and learn every day, in the most humble and curious way is an inspiration. He has a work ethic like no one else I know. And I play a similar role in his life. We’ve been together for 11 years. Our journey just keeps getting more interesting and wild. I am so grateful to have such a partner to share this path with. 

Bare: what artists do you listen to and who inspires you?

NE: I’m obsessed with the new Tyler the Creator world. My go-to artists are Kendrick Lamar and Radiohead. There always something there for me to lean on creatively. 

Bare: your personal style is so unique and special ...how has it evolved and is it it an important form of expression? we also love the way you experiment and are fearless in following your voice. does that ring true?

NE: I love to build a world, frame, concept. I don’t see fashion being something I care about on its own as much as it is a way for me to complete a vision that always starts with the music. 

I like finding something that works and sticking to it. Like the suits. Like the bun. A lot of it is about comfort and what brings out my character so I guess that’s self expression. 

Bare: what are your plans and what are you looking forward to with your baby coming soon? she will be gorgeous a mix of you and Ori!! do you have names in mind?

NE: I have a couple more shows and then im gonna take a break. I don’t really have a plan. I’m preparing myself for a change in my life that im not even able to grasp at the moment. I’m just going with the flow at the moment and I like not knowing who or how im going to be in a few months. 

Bare: please share your current top 5 Bare Essentials

NE: Believe it or not, that is a question I had to actually tackle recently when having to pack in case of a large scale attack on Tel Aviv. 

1. My phone. It’s a lame answer but the bare truth 

2. Ori’s computer, where all the music we work on lives

3. There’s one T shirt that I own and it has a really amazing fabric and I use it to put on my eyes when I sleep. It’s the only way I fall asleep. 

4. A notebook and pencil to write lists, thoughts, songs 

5. Can I say Ori? He’s essential to my existence 

photos/makeup/editor in chief: tina turnbow

noga wears her own clothing

shot in bare studio brooklyn