From the record store where he spent his childhood in Nahariya, Israel, to the stages of Nashville and CMA Fest, Omer Netzer has built a career rooted in honest storytelling and emotional authenticity. Blending country, blues, and Americana with the perspective of an artist who has lived across cultures, Netzer continues to carve out a unique place in modern country music.
His latest single, Don’t Ask Me, is one of his most vulnerable releases yet. Centered on heartbreak, loss, and the difficult process of finding hope after life’s darkest moments, the song offers a deeply personal reflection while serving as the first chapter in an ambitious new era that will include two EPs and a full-length album.
In this exclusive interview, Omer opens up about the healing power of songwriting, the real-life experiences that shaped Don’t Ask Me, performing the song for the first time at CMA Fest, and why he believes that even in our hardest seasons, there’s always light waiting ahead.
For readers first discovering your music, who is Omer Netzer?
Omer Netzer: I’m a singer-songwriter who grew up surrounded by music. Some of my earliest memories are from my father’s record store, where I learned that great songs can stay with us for a lifetime. Today, I make music for people who are searching for hope, meaning, and connection. I believe in love despite the pain, in peace despite the division, and in music as a way of life.
Congratulations on the release of “Don’t Ask Me.” What inspired you to record this song, and what was it about the story that resonated with you personally?
Omer Netzer: This song resonated with me because there was a time when I truly felt like my life was falling apart. I couldn’t see a way forward, and I didn’t believe I could start over. Looking back, I realize I was wrong. There was still light ahead, even when I couldn’t see it. That’s what I hope people take from this song: no matter how dark the season feels, your story isn’t over yet.
The song explores heartbreak, unanswered questions, and emotional betrayal. How difficult was it to tap into those emotions during the recording process?
Omer Netzer: Honestly, not very difficult. Those emotions were real. The challenge wasn’t finding them, it was being brave enough to share them. I’ve learned that the moments we’re most afraid to talk about are often the moments that connect us the most. If you’re willing to tell the truth, people can feel it.
You described music as a form of healing. How has songwriting helped you navigate challenging moments in your own life?
Omer Netzer: Songwriting has saved me more than once. It’s where I go when life doesn’t make sense. Music helps me turn pain into purpose and confusion into clarity. Some of my hardest seasons have produced my most meaningful songs. Writing reminds me that even broken pieces can become something beautiful.
You co-wrote the song alongside Jake Hess, Kenny Sharp, and David “Messy” Mescon. What was the creative process like working with this team?
Omer Netzer: It felt like a room full of people chasing the truth. Nobody was trying to impress anyone. We were simply sharing real experiences and following where the song wanted to go. That’s usually when the best songs happen. The song became bigger than any one of us because everyone served the story.
You performed “Don’t Ask Me” at CMA Fest before its official release. What was it like introducing such a personal song to a live audience for the first time?
Omer Netzer: It was emotional. Anytime you share something that personal, you’re taking a risk. But the moment we stepped on stage, something special happened. We were the only act that brought a full horn section, and the band played like one soul. It felt less like a performance and more like a conversation. Seeing people connect with the song before it was even released reminded me that honesty always finds its audience.
The song follows the success of “Midnight Blue.” Do you see any connection between the emotional themes explored in both songs?
Omer Netzer: Absolutely. Both songs come from a very honest place. “Midnight Blue” is about sitting with loneliness and uncertainty, while “Don’t Ask Me” is about finding the strength to move through it. They’re different chapters of the same journey. One lives in the darkness, the other points toward the light.
Don’t Ask Me” is the first release in a larger rollout that includes two EPs and a full-length album. What can fans expect from the music you’ll be releasing over the next year?
Omer Netzer: Fans can expect the most honest music I’ve ever made. There will be songs about heartbreak, hope, faith, love, and finding your way back to yourself. But more than anything, they can expect a journey. My fans know we’re not just releasing songs, we’re building something bigger. We’re here to make history together. Every show, every song, every mile of this journey is about creating something that lasts and bringing people along for the ride. I truly believe the best chapters are still ahead of us.
If you could share the stage with any country artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Omer Netzer: If we’re talking country, it would have to be Willie Nelson. Not only because he’s one of the greatest songwriters of all time, but because he built his career by being unapologetically himself. He never followed the crowd, and somehow he brought the crowd with him. And if I could step outside of country for a moment, Eric Clapton would be right there too. As a guitar player and songwriter, he’s had a huge impact on me. The way he can make a guitar sing and tell a story with just a few notes is something I’ve always admired. Sharing a stage with either of them would be a masterclass in authenticity, soul, and timeless music.
Beyond streaming numbers and chart success, what does a successful year look like for you as an artist?
Omer Netzer: A successful year is seeing real lives impacted by the music. It’s looking out into a crowd and seeing people singing songs that once started as a conversation in a writing room. It’s building a community, selling tickets, growing together, and knowing we’re creating something that matters. Success isn’t just numbers, it’s legacy.
Finally, if listeners take away one message from “Don’t Ask Me,” what do you hope it is?
Omer Netzer: That your story isn’t over. There was a time when I thought my life was falling apart and that there was no way forward. I couldn’t see the light. But it was there all along. If someone hears this song during one of the hardest seasons of their life, I hope it reminds them to keep going. Better days are ahead, even when you can’t see them yet.
Message to Fans and Readers
Omer Netzer: Thank you for believing in this journey. Whether you’ve been here from the beginning or you’re just discovering my music, thank you for giving these songs a place in your life. I don’t take that for granted. We live in a world that often focuses on what divides us. I want this music to remind people of what connects us. Let’s choose love over hate, peace over division, and hope over fear. And to my fans: thank you for dreaming big with me. You know this has always been bigger than music. We’re here to make history together, and I truly believe the best is yet to come.
With Don’t Ask Me, he offers listeners a reminder that vulnerability can be a source of strength and that even life’s most painful chapters can lead to healing and hope.
