ISRAEL speaks to GrooveOn on the eve of his ALBUM LAUNCH THIS FRIDAY AT THE FORUM (SYDNEY)

This is your second full length album, tell us how your music has changed from the first?

Every artist is given an opportunity to grow and mature both creatively and mentally after their first album. I feel like I took that opportunity and ran with it while creating this new album- I mean a lot can happen in 3 or 4 years. I got divorced from my marriage, got burnt alive and almost died, had a son, moved States, made new friends, lost some… All in this time-span. These experience force you to change and I feel like this album portrays that change in me. This album has a maturity about it- it’s grown folks’ music, but it can still relate to the young lovers out there. Plus I’m talking about some things that teens should not be talking about on this one. Haha.

Your working with some big US names, tell us how this came about?

I’ve developed some strong friendships in the USA. And it basically boils down to the music. Funny thing is that a few years ago our local scene/culture were not completely embracing Australian RnB as much as any of us artists would have liked. But all these guys in the States I inspired to be like were digging my music more than our little critics were in Australia. So I focused my attention to working with these guys that I am inspired by. Jeremy Skaller (a good friend and production partner) introduced me to a bunch of people like Fabolous etc. Then Juan Madrid (my USA publisher) at Sony introduced me to Freeway and such. And when it came down to playing my music to them, it had to be decent, coz I didnt have 35k to burn on each artist. And regardless they worked with me. Best experiences of my life.

How was it like woking with Jessica Mauboy?

Well I produced “Been Waiting” and wrote it with her. Jess is a producer’s dream. I recall mid last year when Sony told me they wanted me to work with her. I guess none of us producers new what we were in for, because she was this shy girl that smiled and giggled a lot and was on the Idol show 2 years before now. As soon as we started writing, I think we all knew that something magical was taking place. Then, within 6 months of releasing, she went double platinum on a single, platinum on her album and won an MTV award. Crazy…

“Freak Tonight” is currently in rotation on commercial radio. What was the inspiration behind the song and video?

Musically, There’s something about those chords (C-G-A minor-F). You can’t hate on those chords, they’re way too happy to be hated. Its probably the most common progression in music today: Bob Marley- No woman no cry, Janet Jackson-Again, Alicia Keys- No One, they all use the same chord progression as Freak Tonight. I just wanted to take the music and sing something totally new on this progression- a song about freaking. And after listening to the song, it just made sense to do something completely different for the video. We made it dark and gothic, because the song is so happy.

We’ve heard your also releasing your album in Japan which is the second biggest market outside of the US. Tell us about that and are you planning a tour over there?

It’s already out in japan. It is a culture I am unfamiliar with because I have only been there once and it was for a few days. But they are really liking it. Freak Tonight is even playing on Billboard sized TV screens in Tokyo. I am definately planning a tour. My label partners in Japan are coming next week to my album launch in Sydney, so we will probably discuss it all.

What can we expect from your big album launch party at The Forum in Sydney?

This album launch party is nothing like anything I have ever done before. I am singing with a band thats musically directed by my good friend Carlos Velasquez, plus DJ C-Bu will be playing with them. I have some of the best dancers in Sydney performing with me, and some guests. My show goes for over an hour- Concert styles. It’s going to be my first time doing a show on this calibre and I can’t wait to get on that stage.

Theres a number of supporting acts on the bill. Will we see some of these artists released via Nu Firm in the future?

Yes. D.o.m.e. will be coming out through Nufirm as will Krooked Kounty. D.o.m.e. are a left-field hip hop crew that bring electro and rock elements to their music, they are like N.E.R.D, Kanye, and Kid Cudi combined.. Krooked Kounty are a bunch of goons from Mount County that share a passion for hip hop. 2 of them are Aussie guys, 3 are from NZ. Imagine throwing an Oz hip hop group and a NZ crew together and seeing what would happen… Exciting times for Australian Music.

Any shoutouts to people out there?

Big shoutout to the real guys that live and breathe our culture! To my grooveon fam… make sure you come to the album launch on June 12 @ The Forum!

ISRAEL Performs Live at “The Legacy” Album Launch this Friday 12th June - The Forum (Sydney)

THE LEGACY ALBUM LAUNCH EVENT

After a highly successful debut album release in 2004 and years spent helping to craft hit records for some of Australia’s most talented artists including Jessica Mauboy, Rikki Lee and Jade Macrae, one of the most sought after R&B/pop musical minds in the game has finally put the finishing touches on his sophomore album entitled “The Legacy”.  The talented producer, writer and artist is a performer at heart, a prolific musician with his own infectious brand of R&B pop. The first single off the album, “Freak Tonight” is a catchy radio and club anthem with massive hooks and dance-floor shaking production. The track has been a radio hit with adds across the country, seeing it top the Independent Airplay chart.
To celebrate the release of The Legacy, Israel and his live band will be performing an exclusive showcase where he will debut all his brand new tracks at the Forum in Sydney on Friday June 12th. Joining him in support are Selwyn, Mirrah, Nufirm Dance, Pushin Keyz, D.O.M.E, Sammy Taylor and Tarina.

Israel is truly considered a pioneer in the urban scene in Australia, and his dynamic live performances and amazing stage presence have helped cement him as one of the hottest artists in Australia today. Don’t miss the opportunity to see one of this country’s best!

TOUR DATE & TICKET DETAILS

Friday June 12th – Sydney, The Forum (Entertainment Quarter Sydney)
Tickets from Tickets from http://www.moshtix.com / 1300 438 849
Presale tickets $22 plus booking fee or $25 at the door
**Limited number of Under18 tickets available**

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

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