Cherie and Renno

Izabo
Ran Shem-Tov, lead singer and guitarist of Izabo, in concert in Paris, August 18, 2007
Background information
Origin	Petah Tikva, Israel
Genres	Indie Rock Psychedelic rock Disco Punk Middle Eastern music Neo-psychedelia
Years active	1989–present
Labels	Labeleh 100% Records Anova Music
Members	Ran Shem Tov Shiri Hadar Jonathan Levi Nir Mantzur
Past members	Nir Graf (1989 - 1994) Amos Fridman (1994 - 1997) Tamir Muscat (1989 - 1997)
Website	Izabo.net

Izabo is an Israeli band. Their musical style is diverse, ranging from indie rock, disco and Middle Eastern music. They represented Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest 2012, with the song "Time".

Biography

Most of the band members are experienced musicians on the Israeli music scene. The lead singer and guitarist, Ran Shem-Tov is a versatile producer, who worked with artists such as Yehudit Ravitz, Anat Damon and Dikla and recorded soundtracks. The other players are successful session musicians.

Izabo's music has been described as a "Brilliant, action packed combination of Psychedelic Rock, Disco, Punk and Arabic spices". Featuring high-to-ultra-high vocals, twisting and expressive Arab-flavoured guitar work, powerfully funky basslines, arrogantly catchy keyboards and intense disco beats, Izabo have established themselves as one of Israel's most absorbing live acts.

Izabo's debut LP, The Fun Makers, was released late 2003 to great critical acclaim. The songs Morning Hero and Cook Me became significant radio hits in Israel. In the following months Izabo signed on to Sony BMG, which released their British debut, The Morning Hero EP. The release was accompanied by a concert tour which took Izabo to England, Scotland and the Netherlands.

Izabo collaborated with a large variety of artists, on stage and in the studio, from Ahuva Ozeri to award winning choreographer, Ohad Naharin.

Izabo's collaboration with Shotei Hanevuah produced the hit single "Hu", which won the Music 24's "song of the year" award.

Their second LP, Super Light, was released in July 2008. The first single out of the LP is "Slow Disco", released on June 16, 2008.

On March 2010, the band released a music video for their song "On My Way" using Apple Inc.'s iPhones as a creative motif.

On March 26, 2012, Izabo released an EP titled Summer Shade. This EP contains the tracks "Summer Shade", "On My Way" and "Life is on my side".

In early February it was revealed that Izabo had been chosen by a group of mass communications and music industry experts to represent Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The song, Time, has verses in English and choruses in Hebrew. However, they did not manage to make it past the semi-final.

On the May 21, 2012, Izabo released the album Life is on my side in the UK, through 100% Records. The album contains 14 tracks including a bonus track, "A Day In The Sun".

Discography

Albums

• The Fun Makers (2003)
• Super Light (2008)
• Life Is On My Side (2012)

Singles

• "Morning Hero" (2004)
• "Tomorrow" (2008)
• "Slow Disco" (2008)
• "Slow Disco (T.B.S. Remix)" (2009)
• "Summer Shade" (2012)
• "Time" (2012)
• "I Like It" (2012)

Music videos

• "Morning Hero" (2004)
• "Play with Me" (2004)
• "Cook Me" (2004)
• "Shawarma Hunters" (2008)
• "Slow Disco" (2009)
• "On My Way" (2010)
• "Summer Shade" (2011)
• "I Like It" (2012)
• "Time" (2012)

Band members

• Ran Shem-Tov, vocals and guitar
• Shiri Hadar, keyboards
• Jonathan Levy, bass
• Nir Mantzur, drums

External links

• Official website
• Izabo's MySpace
• Labeleh - The band's Israeli Label
• Izabo's Facebook fan page
• Izabo's YouTube channel