Danielle Alma Ravitzki, performing under her musical persona Mifarma, has delivered what may be the most captivating single of the year with “Somnambulist,” a mesmerizing exploration of consciousness that firmly establishes her as one of contemporary music’s most innovative voices.
Released on April 25, this haunting composition marks the second offering from her forthcoming self-titled English-language debut album. Following the widely acclaimed “I Left the Room Without My Hair,” this new work elevates Ravitzki’s artistry to previously uncharted territories, blending alternative, classical and experimental elements into something genuinely unprecedented.
From its opening moments, “Somnambulist” creates a sonic landscape that feels simultaneously intimate and vast. The track begins almost imperceptibly, with composer Ella Joy Meir’s piano work emerging like first light through morning fog before expanding into something altogether more profound. The arrangement breathes with purpose and poise, allowing silence to become as important as sound.
Ravitzki’s vocal performance stands as a testament to her extraordinary range both technically and emotionally. Her voice moves with spectral grace through the composition, conveying the disorienting experience of sleepwalking through trauma with remarkable precision. The result is deeply affecting without ever becoming overwrought or melodramatic.
The production team assembled for this project represents nothing less than a dream collaboration. Two-time Grammy nominee Carmen Rizzo, known for his groundbreaking work with Seal and Paul Oakenfold, provides a masterclass in restraint and sophistication. Additional contributions from Earl Harvin, Melissa Lingo, and Piers Faccini further enrich the sonic tapestry, creating a work of remarkable depth and nuance.
What makes “Somnambulist” truly exceptional is its fearless engagement with difficult emotional terrain. The song explores the dissociative experience with unflinching honesty, creating a powerful metaphor for how we navigate grief, trauma, and personal transformation. This is music that refuses to provide easy answers or comfortable resolutions, instead inviting listeners into a shared vulnerability that feels genuinely cathartic.
While Ravitzki has already established herself as a formidable presence in the Hebrew language music scene with acclaimed releases in 2013 and 2017, her transition to English songwriting reveals new dimensions of her artistry. There is a universal quality to “Somnambulist” that transcends linguistic and cultural boundaries, speaking directly to fundamental human experiences.
In an era where algorithmic recommendations often lead listeners toward increasingly homogenized musical experiences, Mifarma stands apart as an artist with genuine vision and intent. “Somnambulist” challenges and rewards in equal measure, demanding attentive listening while providing rich emotional and intellectual returns.
If this single serves as an accurate indication of what we can expect from the forthcoming album, music enthusiasts should prepare themselves for one of the most significant releases of the year. Mifarma is crafting vital, necessary art that expands our understanding of what contemporary music can accomplish. “Somnambulist” is available now on all major streaming platforms, and the self-titled album “Mifarma” promises to be nothing short of transformative when it arrives later this year.
Mifarma, your new album is an incredibly personal work. What was the moment that sparked the decision to make this album your most vulnerable yet?
There wasn’t a single moment that sparked it, but rather a series of difficult life events that led me to start writing. I’ve always believed in the healing power of art, and for me, the act of sharing that art is therapeutic in itself. I realized that confronting my demons—and even my most Freudian thoughts—through lyrics, and offering them to the world, has become one of the most powerful ways for me to heal.
Your first single, “I Left the Room Without My Hair,” is powerful. Could you talk about the inspiration behind it and what the song represents?
I generally prefer not to assign a fixed meaning to my songs, because I want listeners to bring their own experiences to the music and interpret it in their own way. That said, I wrote this particular song in response to a sexual assault—an experience that left me feeling as though I had lost my hair, which, for me, is an extension of my identity, my essence, and one of my most distinct features. Still, I hope the song speaks to people in different ways, allowing them to find their own meaning in it.
How did the collaboration with Shara Nova shape the sound of this album?
Shara’s sound and spirit are woven into every note of this album. As my mentor, she not only composed two songs and sang all the background vocals—she also guided me emotionally and spiritually throughout the entire process.
The album touches on heavy topics like trauma, healing, and emotional resilience. How do you approach these difficult themes without letting them overwhelm you as the artist?
Exploring these kinds of topics is deeply healing for me. I find that speaking about them openly not only helps me process my own experiences, but also creates space for others to feel seen and understood. I don’t believe any topic should be taboo, and I deeply admire people who are unafraid to express their vulnerability. In fact, I believe that showing weakness is one of the greatest forms of strength.
How has your upbringing and early experiences influenced your sound and songwriting?
I’m not entirely sure how much my upbringing shaped my writing, but I do know that the past few years have changed my writing style significantly. A friend recently sent me a song from my earlier album in Hebrew, and I had to laugh—realizing the whole album was about a man who broke my heart. Since then, life has taken a darker turn. I’ve gone through a lot of hardship, and my lyrics reflect that shift. My mindset has changed in many ways, and that transformation naturally found its way into my writing.
What was the most challenging part of transitioning from writing in Hebrew to creating an album in English?
There was no challenge at all—English is my mother tongue, so writing in it felt like finally coming home. I actually express myself much more naturally in English, so songwriting became even easier. Especially when writing darker, more emotionally complex lyrics, I knew I had to use the language I feel most comfortable with.
Your music blends multiple genres like electronic, alternative, and classical. How do you balance these diverse influences in your sound?
I blend together the sounds I enjoy listening to. My playlist is incredibly versatile—I love all genres, and when music is done well, the genre doesn’t matter to me. One of the biggest advantages of not composing my own songs is that it allows me to be completely flexible and explore a wide range of styles. It gives me the freedom to offer something fresh and different to my listeners each time.
How did the collaboration with Grammy-nominated producer Carmen Rizzo shape the production of the album?
The album is masterfully produced—Carmen did a truly incredible job. I treat my music like my child, and just as a parent would want to send their child to the best school, I wanted to place my life’s work, my passion, in the best hands possible. And I did. Not only Carmen, but the entire team behind this record was exceptional. I believe that even someone without a trained ear can hear how meticulously this album was crafted.
What do you hope listeners will take away from your music, especially with such raw and deeply personal content?
I hope listeners feel less alone in what they’re feeling—and that they realize it’s completely okay to have even the most atrocious thoughts in their heads. That’s what art is for: to give us space to express our innermost thoughts and emotions, without filters or barriers. Our art is just one appendix in the larger story of our lives—it doesn’t define us entirely.
People are often surprised to discover that my art is so dark and sad, while I dress in such a colorful and bubbly way. But I always tell them: both are part of who I am. I just express them through different channels. We all carry multiple facets within us, and I want my listeners to feel free to embrace and express every part of themselves.
What’s next for you after the album release? Are there any upcoming projects or live performances that you’re excited about?
I’m thrilled to announce that my new single, Somnambulist, is out now!! My full album is also on the way, arriving in just a few months—and I’m currently planning a live concert for this summer.
Stay tuned and follow me on social media for all the updates—I can’t wait to share everything with you!
