Read and listen: D-BELL tunes his book into music

D-BELL is an 18-year-old composer, producer, audio engineer and songwriter, based in Dubai. He spent the last couple of years working on something what he calls truly unique — the music project, Intersection. “It’s not just an album; it’s a complete universe of sound, story, and philosophy,” D-BELL says. “Each song on the album is directly connected to a chapter of a fantasy novel that I wrote myself; so everything in this project is entirely my creation, from the music to the book.”

He adds that “the music is the story, and the album follows the book in order. It’s not just inspired by the story — it is the story. When you listen to the album, it’s like watching a movie through sound. If you read the book while listening, the music uncovers deeper layers of meaning.” What sets Intersection apart is perhaps that every aspect of the project is handmade. D-BELL made a conscious decision not to use any AI in the creation process. From the music to the visuals and the storytelling, it has all been crafted by hand.

The album cover, for example, features jukeboxes, which play a central role in both the album and the book. They represent intersections of different worlds, genres, and ideas coming together, reflecting the essence of the entire project. Not only the music, but also the illustrations in the book were made by hand. Musically, Intersection blends a variety of genres. A real orchestra was recorded, with musicians from opera and classical music, and there are also jazz singers, pop singers, electronic, and alternative musicians.

There’s a huge diversity in the musical styles and genres, which combined bring something fresh to the table. D-BELL worked with musicians from all over the world to make sure the project captured everything he envisioned. The contents ranging from the drawings to the design, is also completely original. Each piece is detailed, to ensure that the visual side of the project is as meaningful and immersive as the music itself. The project also blends all kinds of art — drawing, music, literature, and more. It can be said to be an authentic intersection of creative expression, showcasing various forms of art in a single cohesive experience.

Some exclusive events set Intersection on its way. The first look at the album happened at DJ Corner, where D-BELL shared the sonic world he built. Then, the release was celebrated at Dr. Head, where the music pulsed through the best and most expensive speakers in the world. Well-known musicians and industry professionals came to check it out. The next event is scheduled for March 22 at the Dubai Audio Showroom. Here, not only will the music be listened in high fidelity, but the actual book will be experienced in a physical way, combining both the music and the story.

“I started working on this project when I was 16, and now at 18, I’m excited to finally share Intersection with the world,” says D-BELL. “It’s not just an album — it’s an experience, something that I believe people can connect with on a deeper level.” Intersection, he adds, is a living, breathing world built through sound, story and art. Every song, every chapter, every illustration is designed to immerse the audience in a multi-sensory experience. The themes explore the nature of reality, fate, and the intersections of different cultures and ideas. With each listen and read, new layers of meaning are sure to unfold, with rewards for those who dive deeper.

Intersection also isn’t just about the music — it’s a journey filled with hidden meanings, philosophical themes, and puzzles to explore. There are influences from Eastern philosophy and concealed layers that call out to be uncovered through multiple listens or readings. At its core, Intersection is of course about connection — between genres, disciplines, and people. It invites listeners and readers to explore, question and feel and is a firm step in what is just the beginning of D-BELL’s creative journey.