The Revivo Project returns to childhood: "We wanted today's parents to remember their childhood"
The Revivo Project, the successful Mediterranean music ensemble, is releasing an album of cover versions of classic children's songs from the 70s and 80s. In an interview, the three members discuss the long-held idea and reflect on their own childhood memories.
A year after turning the Mediterranean medley into one of the most popular phenomena in Israeli music, the members of The Revivo Project are returning to their childhood. Raviv (Ram) Ben Menachem, Nir Ben Menachem, and Eliran Tzur broke through in 2012 with their debut album, "What Remains of Those," which featured covers of Israeli classics. In their hands, these songs transformed into melodic medleys with rich harmonies, becoming a nostalgic celebration that captivated a massive audience.
Within a short time, they elevated the cover concept, hosting giants of Mediterranean music on stage and on their albums, securing a permanent place in the Israeli soundtrack. Since their debut, the ensemble has released nine albums and one compilation, performing across the country and around the world. Now, a particularly nostalgic chapter opens with their new studio album, "Nostalgia for Childhood" — a journey to the songs that children of the 70s and 80s grew up on, including "Children's Songs," "Whoever is happy and joyful," "The soap cried a lot," "My family," "Hopa Hey," "I wanted you to know," "I am playing," "I remain myself," and "Barbapapa," which features Tzipi Shavit.
Moving and will continue to move
"The idea was born years ago when we thought about touching on the nostalgia of our childhood through children's songs," says Raviv Ben Menachem. "We wanted today's parents to remember their childhood through those same songs."
"The idea burned in us for a long time," adds Eliran Tzur. "Last March, while sitting at home during the war, we decided to just do it. The choice was difficult because there are so many beautiful songs. In the end, we put them on the table, and what felt right in our gut, we recorded. What didn't will move to the next album."
"We knew that what moved us as children, and our children when they were small, continues to move people today," claims Nir Ben Menachem. "There is no expiration date for these songs."
How do you approach recording songs so deeply rooted in original performances and change their DNA to fit your style?
Raviv: "It might sound strange, but we approach it in the most flowing and loving way possible. Having been in musical production for over 25 years, it was easy for me to approach these anthems and bring a fresh twist to the arrangements, just as I have for the 14 years of this project. The final result moved me very much."
Eliran: "The first thing to maintain is the character of the project—the joy and the smile. Raviv's arrangement gives the song a new suit, and our singing is adapted to that style. In the end, you listen, you feel it's right, and you continue."
Innocence and simplicity
Brothers Raviv and Nir Ben Menachem were born and raised in Netanya. Their father, Tzadok Ben Menachem, fell in the 1982 Peace for Galilee War. "My mother and family did everything to help us through the disaster we faced at ages 8-9," says Raviv. "Despite the loss, we found sanity and comfort through music. Music was a way to continue Dad's legacy. He played instruments, organized gatherings, and was a joyful person who loved connecting people. We took his love for music and turned it into our lives. I think we have managed to continue his legacy with great success."
"We had a childhood full of innocence," recalls Nir. "There wasn't the background noise and distractions of today's technological era. The Children's Song Festival was a defining event, and we looked forward to it. Raviv and I went through a family disaster, but we optimized ourselves through music. I have a real longing for that period."
Eliran Tzur, the third member, was born and raised in Givat Olga. "I grew up on these songs. My parents became religious when I was in fourth grade, and although lifestyle changed, music was always there for me. I thank my parents for an amazing childhood."
In the last three years, says Nir, "we understood our role in raising morale. Performing at IDF bases, visiting the wounded, comforting mourners, and strengthening hostage families made us realize how important this is. Our mission is to make the people of Israel happy and give hope through music."
These days, alongside regular performances, the ensemble is holding a new "Selichot" tour across the country with the Israel Andalusian Orchestra Ashdod. "From August 31 to September 16, we will run with this show," says Raviv. "It combines ancient Selichot poems, Israeli classics, and contemporary songs in new orchestral arrangements. Additionally, we continue our Shabbat reception tradition, and on October 9, we arrive at the MAX amphitheater for a special open-air show."
