Not too often do I get a chance to go out to the field and do reports, like in the good old days before I found myself managing (see links about managers that don’t get to do what they like anymore). But on Monday I had a chance to do just that in a filming day that was all about Music. A subject I love, though I don't claim to be an expert.

Now, Germans are the anti-culture of Israelis which makes all encounters bound to be somewhere between fun and hilarious.

After enjoying a cool afternoon in Shi 360's , a.k.a. hip hop artist and owner of TACT records, underground studio (literally in a basement setting and a good thing in the Tel Aviv summer weather) and walking the streets with Vanessa Hidary, the Hebrew Mamita , and ending the day meeting up with Maya and Vlaeri – who make up the German Band, Jewdyssee (Jew-de-see).

Now, Germans are the anti-culture of Israelis which makes all encounters bound to be somewhere between fun and hilarious. First, there was a long period of correspondence. Countless emails and conversations back and forth, taking place nearly over a month, all of which mainly discussed what language the interview will be conducted. More specifically, it went a little like this, Germans say, “we rather do it in German, as our English is really bad,” and Leadel says, “don’t worry your English is just fine…" etc, etc. where in the end, we just left the decision open till the last minute (Israeli style). We finally met, and as nice hosts, we found a compromise – we’ll do it in both languages!

So, like many other interviews, I had a great chat. A chat in "so and so" English (but viewers would never notice thanks to the magic of editing) about the complexity of Jewish life in Europe under a name that really leaves no place for doubt “Jewdyssee”. Somewhere half way through the interview, I also found out that Vlaeri wasn’t even Jewish!?! However, he still insisted that really wasn’t a problem and that he knew most of the tunes from home (we, the Jews, did adopt quite a few tunes from Russians that came in the early 19th century). By the end of the interview I thought we had some pretty interesting material about music and identity. I didn't see eye to eye with them on everything, but the main issue at hand was the thought provoking material.

OK, although I was done, had what I wanted and was ready to rap up, we did say we would do the interview in German…so it was time for take two, in German! Mind you, interviewing in a language you really don’t know a word in is a very interesting experience. Keeping a straight/interested face while someone is talking to you in complete gibberish is a challenge – I btw lasted for a whopping, full 2.5 min (which is 2.2 min more than the guys were betting on). This is probably the place to write that my Grandfather ZA”L, was German, which probably helped me think I understood what they were going on and on about.

But like all good things, that too came to an end. The band was very happy with the experience as a whole and said that the interview was great…of course, I’m a pro ;-) Now, all we have to do is tackle the challenge of editing it all together. So, if you (or someone you know) know anyone in the TLV area with good Finalcut pro skills AND strong German, shoot us an email!! TIA.