"Ars longa, vita brevis." Few embody this idea better than D-BELL, an 18-year-old musician and producer whose upcoming album, Intersection, is more than just a collection of songs—it’s an entire universe of sound, story, and philosophy.
Set for release next week, Intersection is deeply intertwined with a fantasy novel that D-BELL wrote himself. “Each song is directly connected to a chapter of the book, in order,” he explains. “It’s not just inspired by the story—the album follows the book completely.” The result is a project where music and literature merge, creating an experience that’s almost cinematic. “When you listen, it’s like watching a movie through sound,” he adds. And if you read the book while listening?
“The music actually uncovers deeper layers of meaning.”
A Handmade Vision in a Digital World
AI-generated content has increasingly spread, rattled, and continuously shapes the music industry. D-BELL made a bold choice—every aspect of Intersection is created by human hands. “I committed to a zero-AI approach, meaning every part of the drawings, the music, the renders, and the storytelling was created by hand.” This dedication to craftsmanship sets Intersection apart, making it a rare and deeply personal work.
The album was recorded in studios across the world, including his own, with most of the musicians based in Dubai. A visual artist is also illustrating the book, adding another layer to the immersive world of Intersection.
A Genre-Defying Soundscape
D-BELL refuses to be confined by a single genre. Instead, Intersection blends opera, jazz, folk, electronic, and rock, reflecting the ever-shifting tone of the novel. “Each song is its own self-contained project, blending music, visuals, and philosophy into one thing,” he says. Many of the tracks feature a full orchestra, fusing classical and modern influences into a sound that feels both timeless and boundary-pushing.
A standout moment on the album is an atmospheric rock track created in collaboration with Saif, frontman of Metarust. “Working with Saif was an incredible experience,” D-BELL shares. “Together, we created an atmospheric rock song that ties directly into the album’s story. His creative input brought a unique depth, and we experimented to bring this vision to life.”
A Puzzle Waiting to Be Solved
Beyond its music and narrative, Intersection is layered with hidden meanings, philosophical depth, and Eastern influences. “There are many hidden meanings, and for those who pay attention, there are Eastern influences and hidden clues like a puzzle.” This transforms Intersection into an interactive experience that rewards exploration.
It’s reminiscent of the storytelling approach in Westworld or Inception, where multiple listens (or viewings) reveal new depths. Intersection is not merely a product for consumption; it is an experience to be explored and understood on a deeper level.
A Milestone Moment
D-BELL began this project at just 16, pouring his heart into a vision that blends music, literature, and art into one seamless experience. Now, at 18, he’s preparing for the announcement and a celebration of completing the album on February 20th at DJ Corner followed by the official launch and presentation of Intersection a week later—a moment that marks not just the release but the unveiling of an entire world.
“This project means everything to me,” he says. And as listeners step into the world of Intersection, they may just find that it means something to them, too.
NEXT is musivv's segment featuring young and up-and-coming artists. Features under this segment are considered as submissions for nomination under this category in the Musivv Awards’ annual recognition.
