Ethnix

Israeli synth pop band

Ethnix (, stylized as Xאתני, ) are an Israeli synth pop band formed in 1985 as Moskva (, "Moscow") by vocalist Ze'ev Nechama and keyboardist Tamir Kaliski. Their music is a mix of oriental and Western melodies. Ethnix is the oldest continuously operating band in Israel, together since 1985.

Originally, Ze'ev Nechama and Tamir Kaliski were joined by drummer/guitarist/keyboardist Yoad Nevo, and they composed their first album, "Ethnix", which was released in June 1990. The album leaned towards synth pop, with noticeable musical influence from the band "Moskva", but the band soon began expanding in other directions, specifically combining "ethnic" (oriental) and Western, which came to define the character of the band and is reflected in its name. The name was given by Roni Bar'on and Dror Kalisky, the manager of the band, on the grounds that the previous name wasn't "intriguing" enough. The first single released as Ethnix was "Ein Le'an Lalechet" ("There is nowhere to go") in October 1989, followed by "Moshita", "Tzipor Midbar" and "Shnayim Shnayim" in 1990. These songs placed Ethnix on the map, and the band became top selling and successful. Under the pressure of concert performances, Yoed left the band, to be replaced by guitarist Gil Alon and drummer Gal Hadani. In 1996, guitarist/bassist Yoram Poizner joined, completing the now stylish and diverse band. Albums include elements of rock, pop, dance, Mediterranean, and more. Ze'ev and Tamir, the main composers, created and produced for many more artists over the years, including well known star Eyal Golan, for whom they wrote three albums which helped propel him and the Mediterranean style to popularity. Other artists they have composed for include Sharon Haziz, Yehudah Keisar, Hagmalim, Izkis and Hayalei Hanekama. On 2 July 2011, Ethnix had an open concert in Caesarea. During the show it was announced that the guitar player, Gil Alon, was leaving the band and would be replaced by Gilad Pasternak.