Hello everyone, it’s your host Tehillah from DULAXI, and today I’m delighted to be joined by Canadian singer and songwriter Israell, the creative force behind the rock and melodic pop-rock project from Montreal, Canada. Israell joins us to discuss his latest release, “Dice Are Rolling…”, a radio remix released on 19th June 2026 that revisits the original composition with new vocals, additional instrumentation, and a renewed creative direction.
Blending elements of rock’n’roll, country-rock, 80s influences, alternative rock, and melodic pop-rock, Israell has developed a distinctive artistic identity built around authenticity, storytelling, and creative freedom. Throughout his career, he has explored music, acting, and performance, developing his passion for songwriting and voice from the early 1990s while continuously expanding his artistic perspective.
Before we begin our conversation with Israell, here’s what you need to know about today’s featured project.
ABOUT ISRAELL
Based in Montreal, Canada, singer and songwriter Israell has spent decades developing a creative approach that combines music, storytelling, and personal expression. His artistic journey began in the early 1990s when he developed a passion for songwriting and acting, studying theatre and voice while also working on various film projects. Over the years, he has continued to build his musical catalogue while maintaining a strong commitment to creating work that reflects his own experiences, values, and artistic vision.
Rather than being limited by traditional genre boundaries, Israell’s music brings together influences from rock’n’roll, country-rock, 80s-inspired sounds, alternative rock, and melodic pop. His work explores themes that extend beyond entertainment, often touching on resilience, spirituality, human experiences, and the challenges people face while navigating life’s unpredictable moments.
Released on 19th June 2026, “Dice Are Rolling…” represents a new chapter in the evolution of one of Israell’s existing compositions. The radio remix was created after recognizing the song’s potential for further development, transforming the original track through new vocal performances, additional instrumentation, and a more refined production approach.
The release centres around the idea of outplaying the game, overcoming uncertainty, and becoming one’s most resilient self while pursuing personal growth and ascent. Through the imagery of rolling dice, Israell explores the unpredictable nature of life while emphasizing the importance of determination, self-belief, and remaining in control of one’s own journey.
The remix features a carefully crafted vocal arrangement developed through an extensive production process. Lead vocals with pop sensibility are combined with rock-inspired low harmonies, country-influenced background vocals, and soulful ad-libs, creating a layered performance that reflects the song’s emotional depth and message of perseverance.
The project brought together a team of collaborators who helped shape the final sound while preserving Israell’s artistic direction. He co-composed and co-produced the instrumental with guitarist Nik Liubenchuk, while drummer Connor Robinson contributed to the radio remix. The production process also involved vocal producer Pedro “PG” Lomba, whose detailed approach to vocal arrangement played a significant role in refining the track’s final identity.
Mixing was handled by Grammy-nominated engineer Blake Eiseman, while mastering was completed at Sage Audio by Thomas Cassell, with additional mastering and vocal recording taking place at Studio Loco in Montreal, where Israell has worked since 2016 alongside Martin Bennett.
The result is a release shaped by patience, collaboration, and a desire to fully realize the song’s potential. “Dice Are Rolling…” reflects Israell’s continued dedication to creating music that values originality over imitation, embracing a sound that draws from multiple influences while remaining deeply connected to his own artistic identity.
Having this brief introduction to today’s featured project, I’m sure both new listeners and longtime fans are excited to hear directly from Israell. So, without further ado, let’s begin today’s interview.
INTERVIEW SESSION
Tehillah:
Your creative journey stretches back to the early 1990s, when you first developed a passion for songwriting and acting, eventually studying theatre and voice while also working on films. Looking back on those formative years, what first awakened your desire to express yourself creatively, and how have those different artistic experiences shaped the musician and storyteller you are today?
Israell:
Madonna’s “Truth or Dare” was certainly an inspiration. I had music lessons at school early on. I then, around 1992, started writing songs and singing on a regular basis, drawing inspiration from different musical artists. In my case, it was a gradual learning process.
Tehillah:
Your work often reflects an interest in subjects that go beyond entertainment, touching on ideas such as spirituality, resilience, and the human experience. What personal values have remained constant throughout your life, and how have they influenced the kind of artist you have chosen to become?
Israell:
I’ve always been big on activism, societal progress, and it’s a direction I’ll definitely explore some more.
Tehillah:
One thing that stands out about your music is your determination to create something that feels unmistakably your own. In an industry where artists are often encouraged to follow trends or fit neatly into existing categories, what has given you the confidence to protect your individuality, even when that path may be more challenging?
Israell:
Every song comes from a particular idea or situation, or a feeling. The process, that starts from within, is unique to each song rather than a predetermined formula. Certain pieces may be developed to appeal to a broader public or fit within a certain genre, but that’s usually not the initial intention. Besides, it’s an artist’s originality that stands out the most!
Tehillah:
You have spoken openly about how difficult it can be to find playlists or spaces where music with a truly unique identity naturally fits. Rather than seeing that as a reason to compromise, you’ve continued to embrace originality. Has there ever been a moment when you questioned that decision, and what ultimately reaffirmed your commitment to creating music on your own terms?
Israell:
I can’t see myself being totally manufactured, so it was always clear I’d maintain my creative vision. My main genres are quite commercial regardless, so it’s the best of both worlds!
Tehillah:
Dice Are Rolling… isn’t simply a rerelease but a complete radio remix that revisits an earlier composition with new vocals, fresh instrumentation, and a renewed creative vision. What inspired you to return to this particular song, and what convinced you that it still had unexplored potential waiting to be discovered?
Israell:
I deemed the lyrics particularly interesting, and I was fond of the song musically. I felt it could be fleshed out some more and made more compelling and commercial. A larger budget allowed for extensive work and refinement.
Tehillah:
The title Dice Are Rolling… immediately brings to mind uncertainty, risk, and the willingness to face whatever comes next. How does that imagery connect with the song’s deeper message about outplaying the game, overcoming the odds, and continuing to pursue personal ascent despite life’s challenges?
Israell:
Though largely unpredictable, it is still possible to remain in the driver’s seat of one’s life or get in that seat if not there already. One may see it as being the gamer above guiding the character going through life.
Tehillah:
Resilience sits at the heart of this release, but resilience often comes from real-life experiences rather than abstract ideas. Without giving away anything you’re not comfortable sharing, were there personal moments or challenges that helped shape the emotional foundation of this song?
Israell:
Entering the music industry and dealing with different personalities, one realizes how some of those personalities can be dishonest, superficial—thieving even. There’s also the long process of being known and able to make music for a living. Extreme inner strength is required to pull through.
Tehillah:
Although the song carries an uplifting message, it avoids sounding simplistic because there is a sense of struggle beneath the optimism. When writing the lyrics, how did you balance acknowledging life’s difficulties while still leaving listeners with a feeling of determination and hope?
Israell:
Focusing on a positive outcome, affirming it, and taking due action are steps to positively affect one’s reality.
Tehillah:
One of the most fascinating aspects of this remix is the vocal arrangement, where pop-inspired lead vocals, rock-infused low harmonies, country-flavoured background vocals, and soulful ad-libs all coexist within the same performance. How did you envision this layered vocal identity, and what role did each style play in strengthening the emotional impact of the song?
Israell:
Early on, I’d record several vocal layers for most of my songs. Over time, PG and I perfected the arrangements, making sure that the whole sound is truly sensed as coming through the centre, left, and right. The low harmony is essential for the rock feel of the tune, its fierceness. The higher pitched lead vocals bring sweetness and certainty, while the background vocals (left and right) bring sharpness and inner strength. As for the ad-libs, they add further excitement and enthusiasm.
Tehillah:
You spent nearly a full year refining the vocal production, with Pedro “PG” Lomba carefully studying the material before even deciding to shift the lead vocals to a higher key. That level of patience is rare in today’s fast-paced music industry. What did that lengthy creative process teach you about your own voice, and why was it important not to rush the final result?
Israell:
I realized even more how different I can sound from a particular vocal placement to another, a higher key to a lower tone. I hadn’t released a new music single in a few years, so I determined that I might as well spend a longer time crafting the tune with my team, and then publishing something impressive.
Tehillah:
This project brought together an impressive team of collaborators, including Nik Liubenchuk, Connor Robinson, Blake Eiseman, Thomas Cassell, Martin Bennett, and Pedro “PG” Lomba. Every contributor added something unique while your artistic vision remained firmly at the center. How did you ensure that collaboration enhanced your music without compromising the identity that makes your work distinctly yours?
Israell:
Having a larger personnel may bring more quality to a track, each professional focusing on certain aspects rather than attempting to do everything. I evaluate the whole process, seek feedback from team members and other listeners, and I give my own input, so I end up genuinely enjoying the piece.
Tehillah:
Having worked at Studio Loco since 2016, you’ve built long-term creative relationships instead of constantly changing your production environment. How has that consistency influenced your confidence as an artist, and what has Studio Loco come to represent in your creative journey?
Israell:
Martin Bennett and I work well together. We’ve developed a method to get the most out of each recording session. We also discover new techniques in the process. Having worked with him over a number of years, he’s been able to see and hear my evolution, and that brings extra confidence.
Tehillah:
You blend rock and roll, country rock, 80s influences, melodic pop, and modern production in a way that feels intentional rather than experimental for its own sake. When you’re creating music, how do you decide which influences belong in a song, and how do you prevent those inspirations from overshadowing your own artistic voice?
Israell:
There’s the main genre, and then the secondary and the tertiary ones. It depends on how I envision the song and what the co-composer, co-producer and other team members, incl. remixers in some cases, decide to do. It’s team work for a result that supports my initial concept.
Tehillah:
Revisiting a song years after its original recording offers a unique opportunity to hear it through the perspective of a more experienced artist. As you compared the original version of Dice Are Rolling… with this new radio remix, what did you discover about your own growth as a songwriter, vocalist, and producer?
Israell:
I have definitely found more voices in me, which allows for more versatility. There’s continued depth in my lyrics, more expansion in my melodies and instrumental composition, and more details in my production. I can only go up (in quality and artistry) at this point.
Tehillah:
Many listeners are constantly battling self-doubt, setbacks, or the feeling that the odds are stacked against them. If someone encounters Dice Are Rolling… during one of those difficult moments, what do you hope they carry with them after the music ends, and how do you hope this release contributes to the legacy you’re building as an artist who values authenticity above conformity?
Israell:
A remembrance of who they truly are and where they choose to go from here.
“Israell’s journey with ‘Dice Are Rolling…’ reflects the power of patience, creative conviction, and the courage to protect an artistic identity in a world that often rewards imitation. Through this conversation, it becomes clear that this release is not only about overcoming uncertainty, but also about embracing the process of becoming a stronger and more complete artist.”
~ Tehillah (DULAXI Team)
MY EDITORIAL PERSPECTIVE
“Dice Are Rolling…” represents an artist embracing evolution without losing the foundation that defines his work. Through its layered vocal arrangements, genre-spanning influences, and carefully refined production, the release captures Israell’s commitment to thoughtful songwriting and creative independence. The collaboration behind the remix highlights how experienced musicians and producers can enhance a vision while preserving the artist’s original intent. Beyond the sound itself, the project reflects themes of resilience, determination, and personal growth, creating a listening experience rooted in authenticity and purpose.
~ Tehillah (DULAXI Team)
CLOSING
A huge thank you to Israell for taking the time to share his story, creative process, and the journey behind “Dice Are Rolling…” with DULAXI. Through this conversation, we gained insight into the dedication, patience, and artistic conviction behind a release built around resilience, individuality, and the pursuit of personal growth.
We encourage listeners to experience “Dice Are Rolling…” and discover the layers of storytelling, vocal craftsmanship, and musical influences that shape this unique release. As Israell continues to develop his artistic vision, we look forward to seeing where his creative journey leads next.
Thank you for spending time with DULAXI, and from Tehillah and the entire team, we invite you to continue following our upcoming interviews as we continue highlighting inspiring artists and their stories.