EXCLUSIVE: Conversation With Israeli Tour de Force, Meital Dohan

Meital Dohan (pronounced “Mey-tal”, for those not in the know) is a bona fide Renaissance woman, and perhaps one of the most hyphenated exports to hail from Israel. The actress-musician-playwright-comedian-author-activist-radio host has accumulated quite the collection of awards and nominations for her work in theatre, television, and film. In addition, the tremendous success of her much-lauded single 'Yummy' off the forthcoming debut album, I’m in Hate With Love has solidified Dohan as a pop force to be reckoned with. For more info on all things Meital, visit www.meitaldohan.com.

Shalom Life recently had the opportunity to chat the 32-year-old. See our conversation below.

You have a plethora of vocations affixed to your name (actress, musician, author, playwright, comedian etc, etc). Is there one specific job title you use to describe yourself?

I think first and foremost, I'm an artist and performer. This can manifest itself into so many mediums and ways which is why I don't like to constrict myself to one vocation. I'm a multi-hyphenated kind of gal.


When you were younger, what did you anticipate being when you grew up?

When I was really young, I was actually super shy! I didn't think I would ever act. Then, when I was around 13 I took one acting class at a summer program and haven't looked back since. It was in my blood all along, I just didn't have the opportunity to realize it.


Who or what are you most influenced by?

My pet tiger is pretty rad. Have you seen him? His name is Charlie. He inspires me every day. I'm also inspired by all the artists out there who take risks and just do their thing without worrying about how its going to be perceived.


You hail from Tel Aviv, where are you living these days and why?

I split my time between L.A., N.Y. & Tel Aviv. I think I've racked up more frequent flier miles than I ever thought possible in recent months.


Are there any causes that you’re passionate about, and why?

I'm really interested in feminism and subverting gender norms through my music. I think we're living in a time where men have taken on the role of women, and women have taken on the role of men, and I’m really interested in feminism and subverting gender norms through my music. We're also living in a time where people are really interested in self-love rather than the love for others, and my music is in a dialogue with this concept.


Your first single 'Yummy' has been critically acclaimed, and the video has gone viral. How have things changed since then for you?

That experience has been fantastic. I got to be on MTV and attend a lot of great festivals. It is a wonderful experience to travel and tour and connect with my fans.


How did you come to work with legendary producer Che Pope, for I’m in Hate With Love?

We met and it was very organic. We immediately had artistic chemistry with one another and just started to write some songs. From day one it just felt right and we clicked in the studio immediately. It was a serendipitous thing that I'm very grateful for.


Who thought of the concept to the video for your single, ‘Yummy’?

I did! I wanted to do something pretty badass. Do you think being butt naked and punching people in boxing gloves is badass enough? It emanated from my own ideas of female empowerment. Women think they have to behave in particular ways and Yummy is really an anthem that's saying "dress and do whatever feels right to you."


What do you have coming up next?

So much to do, and never enough time! Working on my music, recording more. Just filmed a music video to my second single 'On Ya' with Sean Kingston that I'm super excited about. Have a TV pilot I'm working on too. So there's a lot more you'll be seeing of me, whether you like it or not!


If you could dispense one piece of advice, what would that be?

Stop talking and get it done!