I finally got the chance to speak to Shelly Perel, a fresh talent from Tel Aviv who has been gaining popularity in the music industry. Her latest single is 12 AM, which is a lovely taste of what is in her first album, Patience And Stuff, which is due to be released later this year.
Something that really caught my attention about Shelly’s music is the ability to mix the genres of alternative pop with the feel of soul music. This is something that is making the lady’s music friendly for listening to and people, not only in her region, but in other parts of the world as well.
‘12AM’ is a fine ballad as it is. It is a very personal yet relatable storytelling about love, comfort, and vulnerability, which was made into this beautiful music video with its spectacular visuals and message. The production is by Golde, who is also currently working on co-producing her new album, and the tune has a dreamy feel to it but is still very real.
Shelly’s voice this is superb, soft and soulful to sing the lyrics and convey the feelings of the song. In the course of the interview, we discussed the creative process behind “12AM” and it was enlightening to listen to Shelly explain how the concept was developed to the final track.
That she dedicated was self-reflective of those special, unnoticed moments in a relationship; those profound moments that are usually overlooked but which are significantly critical. We also talked about her influences and plans for the new album that is due to be released soon.
Before revealing too much, I think that ‘Patience And Stuff’ is going to be an incredible debut. If you enjoy touching, heartfelt lyrics coupled with the melodies of pop music with a bit of soul, you should certainly check out Shelly Perel and her song, “12AM”. It is a good precedent of what is to be expected from this budding talent out of Tel Aviv.
Listen to 12AM
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“12AM”* is such an evocative title. What inspired the concept behind the song, and how did it come to life during the songwriting process?
The writing process began when I arrived at Goldie’s studio, my producer, He played me one of his pieces (which later became 12AM) I fell in love with the sound, and every cell in my body was moved that I asked him to write lyrics on his production,.
The whole song was written in one writing session, my inspiration for the song was that moment before you go to sleep with your beloved cuddled in bed, you feel the most peaceful and the safest.
The song is not talking about 12AM in the sexy sense of the word but the romantic one.
The track has a late-night, intimate vibe. What were you aiming to capture with the mood and feel of *“12AM”*?
The intention of the song was to convey the familiar and so desirable feeling of ending a long day and just waiting to be in the arms of the one you love, tell them how the day went and find comfort and laughter with them
Was there a specific moment or experience that triggered the creation of *“12AM”*, or did the idea evolve over time?
Not any specific moment, Just falling in love I guess (:
Can you walk us through your creative process for this single, from the initial idea to the final version?
“If I had to describe the production of “12am,” I would say it’s a song that produced itself, a song that was always there and just needed to find its way into our environment. I remember that when I was building the production, it didn’t feel like I needed to think about what would sound good or which direction I wanted to take it.
I just needed to let it come out, and layer by layer, it simply emerged as it was, like filling in a Sudoku puzzle. There are clear instructions, and there is only one correct answer in the end. It started with the piano, violins, bass, drums, vocals, and synthesizers—each had a clear place and a clear role. It’s hard for me to recall other songs I created this way.
After a few hours, the Sudoku was complete, the production was finished, and it was looking for someone to conduct it. Shelly heard it, and just like the production, in one take she added the last and so important piece to this puzzle. And then, it was truly complete. It’s the kind of song that makes you understand why you do what you do and why you chose the path you chose.”
The lyrics in *“12AM”* are beautifully introspective. What message or emotions were you trying to convey with this song?
The intimacy of loving someone, those little moments that make your relationship what it is, moments that no one in the world knows except you, I tried to convey the intimacy of my love in a way that doesn’t come through on social media, let’s say… more clean, honest and real.
Does the theme of *“12AM”* tie into any larger narrative or personal experiences you’ve been exploring in your recent music?
Definitely in terms of sound! 12AM is part of my debut album “Patience and stuff” which is to be released in November, I think its sound tells a continuous and full story and completely puts you into a special world which is this album.
In terms of lyrics I think the album gave me disillusionment and inner processes (which I think many can find themselves In them) the stories in each song lead each other very much and 12AM is the song that seals the album and the process I went through, so I am happy and excited for the future, and especially excited to share this album with everyone (:
*“12AM”* has a unique sonic palette. What influences or styles did you draw from when crafting the sound of this single?
yes, “And suddenly, like it meant to be, you know all my secrets, who I want to be
You introduce me to your flatmates
I’ll take you home to see my mom and dad “ – This line is close to my heart because it describes this process of a stranger entering your life and suddenly becoming the center of it, you take off your guard and allow this bond that is formed between you two.
What do you hope listeners feel or experience when they listen to *“12AM”*? Is there a particular mood or emotional state you aimed to evoke?
I think we drew inspiration from a lot of things, but I can say about the singing sound, it was very important that it be close and intimate and have a warm feeling to it, in the back of the production there is a synth that Golde sings that gives an incredible cold and mechanical contrast to my singing line that gives it a little melancholic feeling that was necessary in the production in my opinion.
Is there a particular line or lyric in *“12AM”* that holds special meaning to you? Why?
As with every song I write, there’s a reason or emotion behind it. I believe that each listener brings a song to their own unique place, and that’s the magic of music. My goal as a creator is to evoke any kind of emotions and connections in those who listen to my music.
Are there any visual elements or music videos planned for *“12AM”*? If so, how do you see the visuals complementing the song?
There is a music video we created for 12AM you can watch it right here!
Does *“12AM”* hint at the direction of your upcoming work? Can we expect more releases in a similar style or thematic space?
What was important to me in the visual aspect of the music video was that it would convey warmth and intimacy. Honestly, I haven’t created a music video like this before, one that’s so raw. I’m without makeup, simply singing about what I feel. I wanted to keep it small and intimate, with warm spring colors. I even edited the video myself! Feel free to watch the video and let me know if I succeeded 🙂
What’s next for you creatively following the release of *“12AM”*? Are there any exciting projects or collaborations in the works?
As I’ve previously shared, “12AM” is a track from my debut album, “Patience and stuff” dropping in November. It’s been a 3-year journey, but I’m so excited to finally share this project with the world. I’ve really honed in on my sound and poured my heart and soul into it.
