INTERVIEW: Synth Pop from Dorine Levy

Dorine Levy is a talented singer-songwriter and producer who’s long been a compelling voice in the indie pop scene. Born and raised in Canada, but now calling Tel Aviv home, her musical journey began over a decade ago with her well-recieved debut release, “Lenyrose.”

Her ability to craft melodic, emotive songs that blend pop with soulful undertones has earned her a loyal fanbase and high praise from key tastemakers. Levy’s music has resonated with global audiences, even garnering airtime on BBC 6 Music.

Her career has also seen her perform at some of the world’s most iconic music festivals, including SXSW, CMJ, Sound City and Culture Collide in New York. These appearances confirmed her status as an artist with not only an ear for infectious melodies but also the stage magnetism to back it up. Earning critical acclaim over the years, she’s crafted an impressive catalogue of releases across multiple singles, records and remixes, including her track “Wasted” which is featured in the Dead Sea movie.

Now Dorine releases a new version of her 2023 single “Feel Alive,” this time linking up with the rising producer BQ. With millions of streams to his name, BQ’s production style perfectly complements Levy’s stirring vocals, bringing a new energy to an already superb track. The song perfectly captures the essence of Dorine’s approach to music by merging pop stylings with an emotional context.

Taking the delicate, dream pop sound of the original and reframing in a dance-focused synth pop soundscape, with “Feel Alive,” Dorine Levy and BQ serve up a dazzling sound that’s catchy and meaningful in equal measure. Flowing from the lush intro of silky strings, intricate piano chords and drifting sonic textures as Dorine’s airy vocals add to the atmosphere, the strike of drums ushers in a lively energy.

With a bouncy rhythm and graceful vocal performance that hovers above the enveloping synth-driven arrangement, “Feel Alive” offers an infectious and energising pop music experience, brought to life by a stellar collaboration between two talented music makers. Demonstrating her knack for re-imagining music in a new setting, the BQ produced version of “Feel Alive” offers an engaging and memorable sound that’s impossible not to love.

We caught up with Dorine Levy to find out more about her musical journey so far, her new single “Feel Alive – Produced by BQ” and what she’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Dorine Levy below.

Hey Dorine, how are things?

Hey, Thanks a lot, it’s a pleasure to talk with you.

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

It was at the age of 13, I bought a guitar and as soon as a new 3-chord progression I started to write songs, as many songs as I could with these 3 chords.

Which artists do you draw the most inspiration from?

So many, Thom Yorke, David Bowie, Leonard Cohen, Depeche Mode and Many Israeli artists such as Evitar Banai and Jasmin Moallem.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

I think the main thing for me is life, like what’s happening right now that I would like to express. It can be some situation I was in like the last song I wrote was when my beloved father-in-law passed away, the intensity of emotions I was in, the song just wrote itself.

What’s been your highlight of the year so far?

Learning to play the piano, of course, I played keys before but now I’m learning the instrument and practicing like crazy.

What do you love about the Tel Aviv music scene?

I love that it’s very diverse and developing in an extremely fast race, when I started with my music singing in English, there were only a few bands now there are endless.
And amazing stuff, we have any kind of artist for any kind of taste and it’s really good.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

Great question, on the couch with wine, maybe, driving or cleaning the house? Ha ha

How has your style and sound evolved since you started?

I think it’s become more deep and gentle.
My first album was a burst of raw emotion my next one is also with tons of emotions but more processed, so I think it got an extra dimension.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

Rick Rubin, is so smart on the spiritual level.

How did you find making your new single “Feel Alive”?

Feel Alive is the first song I wrote for my upcoming album, in the album it is actually in a different version and production.
I wanted to hear it with a more pop production and that’s when I turned to BQ.
The process with BQ was a few sessions and very focused, he knew right away the right direction he wanted to take the song. And I just went with his flow.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

This song was written from a specific moment I let go of barriers and saw things as they were, in other words, I was in the moment. So this is the message, just see what’s happening in the moment and accept it if you can.

How was it working with producer BQ on the track?

BQ and have known each other for over 10 years, he was just starting to make music. We became soul friends, and now it was amazing to see him work and how professional he became. I learned a lot from the sessions. He has his way of creating things, everything he creates is already in the mix, so in the end, you don’t even need to master the track. This was new for me.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

I’ve been listening to soft 80’s playlists, the songs are like a full movie in 3 minutes. I go into another sphere listening to these songs like “Woman in Chains” by Tears for Fears and many more.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

For me, music is a spirit-lifting tool, so if they get that from me, that would be a great blessing.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

I have two actually, 1 in New City, we came to play in this place and there were not a lot of people but that actually made me feel free and I could surrender completely to the moment, all the people that came bought my CD. And one in Czeh, it was at a festival and the first time my full band and I played together abroad. It was magical, I also had no idea I was pregnant on that show. So it was truly special in many ways.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival?

Radiohead, Rihanna, PJ Harvey

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow in your footsteps?

My advice is to keep evolving in the musical aspect and also in the spiritual aspect, this way you can overcome your boundaries.

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2024?

I have an album ready for release, an 18-track that is full of storytelling and also I’m working on a solo show, the piano and myself. Hopefully, these two will come together by the end of this year.

Listen to Feel Alive – Produced by BQ below