Aviv Geffen: Over the years Israel has generated more UK column inches as a result of political unrest and collapsing ceasefires, rather than its popular culture or music. But for the last 15 years the country’s own superstar, Aviv Geffen, has continually outsold, and outshone, Madonna, U2 and Coldplay as a result of his conscious and thought provoking lyrics which took on issues of faith, hope, love and the armed forces.

But in spite of the major success, he remains a rebellious and outspoken individual, actively connected to progression and peace. He is known for his association with the Israeli left, who strived for peace with Israel’s Arab neighbours, and courted controversy in the past with his refusal to serve in the IDF (Israel Defence Forces).

Musically he has never been too far from the realm of controversy either. His debut record ‘Cloudy Now’ was banned from Israeli radio due to its continual featuring of ‘The F-Word’. Such was the record’s appeal however that it went on to top the charts and become a bona-fide anthem for the people. An army of ferociously loyal fans have helped him reach multi-million selling status.

With a lifestyle that many would dream of, Aviv is no stranger to the horror that life in Israel is capable of showing. Mere moments after singing his hit ‘Cry For You’ at a political rally for (then Prime Minister) Yitzhak Rabin, the Israeli leader was tragically assassinated.

‘Cry For You’ was given a national anthem status and, hopeful and spiritted as ever, Geffen continued to make hits, sell out 40,000 seater concerts and see his female fanbase swell with young teenage women drawn to his sharp and quirky David Bowie-esque style, and his conscious and thought provoking lyrics.The much-in-demand producer Dave Sitek (guitarist with TV On The Radio and producer for Foals and Yeah Yeah Yeahs amongst others) also produced the track ‘Love Song’ which is likely to appear as a single in the near future.

Now a man in his early thirties with all the homeland success he could dream of tucked under his belt, he’s approaching a whole new audience, the Europeans. Geffen has been recording his first English language album with super producers Trevor Horn (Grace Jones, Seal, Tina Turner, Paul McCartney, Simple Minds, Mike Oldfield, Marc Almond, and Belle & Sebastian) & Ken Nelson (Coldplay, Ray LaMontagne, Echo & The Bunnymen, Paolo Nutini & Snow Patrol)