INTERVIEW: Debut single from IZZY REBEL

Newcomer IZZY REBEL is an Australian artist whose sound flickers in the space between light and shadow, where soulful storytelling meets emotional impact and where melancholy finds rhythm. Music has always been more than a passion for Izzy; his mother recalls that he was singing before he could even speak, a detail that feels fitting for an artist whose connection to sound runs deeper than words. That early bond with music grew into a lifelong mission of storytelling through song, brought to life by a voice that feels at once timeless and original.

His output sits comfortably among artists like Hozier, Jeff Buckley and Lana Del Rey, channeling the same intensity and cinematic context that define those names. Yet, there’s something wholly his own at play, a haunting quality that distils the contradictions of being human, with sorrow wrapped in melody and despair turned into dance.

With a vocal range that floats with both power and fragility, his debut single “Dancing Through My Tears” introduces a new artist able to turn pain into musical beauty. “Dancing Through My Tears” was produced by Grammy-nominated and ARIA Award-winning producer Adrian Breakspear, serving up an emotional anthem disguised as an upbeat pop rock song that blurs the lines between celebration and therapeutic outlet.

The song explores the tug-of-war between determination and self-destruction, the ways we cope, break down and build ourselves back up again. It’s an honest reflection of Izzy’s own experiences tackling mental health challenges, where the dancefloor becomes both a battlefield and a sanctuary. Lyrically poignant yet musically liberating, “Dancing Through My Tears” frames what it feels like to hold yourself together when everything inside you threatens to fall apart.

Brought in by elegant piano notes, his emotive vocals glide in to stitch delicate melodies into an intimate musical fabric that shifts into a bouncy rock-tinged indie pop outing. Propelled by the march of jumpy rhythms, the arrangement builds up with bright synth pulses and lively vocal performance delivering dazzling melodic leads. Collaborating with Adrian Breakspear, known for his work with Gang of Youths and Pharrell Williams, has allowed Izzy to translate his internal world into a sound that’s both engaging and highly unique.

It’s a stunning showcase of Izzy’s meaningful songwriting and performance flair, marking an incredible entrance as a new artist on the rise. Firmly planting himself on the map of must watch new artists, IZZY REBEL is sure to charm listeners across Australia and beyond with his thematically profound and musically enjoyable vision.

We caught up with IZZY REBEL to find out more about his musical journey so far, his debut single “Dancing Through My Tears” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with IZZY REBEL below.

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

It’s hard to pick just one – I have so many memories tied to music. My whole family is musical, so I grew up surrounded by it. It was honestly a music paradise. Some of my fondest memories are of my sister teaching me piano or singing with her and one of my brothers. It almost became a daily ritual – we’d just hang out, play, and sing together as teenagers.

Earlier than that, I remember my grandparents had this beautiful old Beale piano in their garage – slightly beaten up, but full of an out of tune charm and character. They’d rescued it from a church that was getting rid of it. It became one of the main things I associated with their house growing up. During family dinners or my late grandad’s Sunday cook-ups, I’d always run off to play and sing on that piano. There’s actually an old photo of me as a little kid sitting at it with the biggest grin on my face.

Music has truly been in my blood for as long as I can remember, and funnily enough, a lot of my songs were written or workshopped on that same piano.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

It’s hard to only name a few because my taste in music is so broad. I grew up listening to all the greats – Kate Bush, Queen, The Beatles, Nina Simone, Jeff Buckley, Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, ABBA, and many so more.

When I write, I don’t really try to emulate or draw directly from anyone. I just create what feels genuine and sounds right to me in the moment. I’m sure, subconsciously, I’m pulling from this tapestry of influences that have surrounded me my whole life. But more than anything, I think life itself, and all its beautiful complexity, is what inspires me most.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

Honestly, my life inspires my music the most. Writing, for me, is like my way of making sense of this overwhelming experience of being a little human. It helps me process everything – my emotions, the world around me, and how it all fits together.

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

That one’s easy, it’s definitely been releasing my debut single, Dancing Through My Tears. It’s been eight years in the making, so finally having it out in the world is beyond thrilling. The song had such a long and challenging journey to get here, with so many setbacks and moments of doubt along the way. But I’ve always been determined to live and breathe my art, and seeing it finally come to life has been such a rewarding and soul fulfilling experience.

What do you love about the Australian music scene?

I love the Australian music scene because it’s so diverse and deeply connected to both culture and community. The music and culture here just has something to it – it’s just got a truely unique soul. The live scene is pretty big too, Aussies really love and support their local artists, and there’s such an honest energy in every performance. Anything that feels like a cash grab or inauthentic art is quickly sidelined here, and I really appreciate that about us. Even with the challenges of big streaming platforms and global labels, there’s still so much heart, creativity, and authenticity in what we do – and I love that.

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

Maybe somewhere quiet, with a bottle of wine and a few tissues nearby. Jokes aside, I just hope my music finds people at the right time – wherever that may be. If it can bring someone comfort or connection in a moment they need it, that’s everything to me. The older I get, I’m realising music is really about community, about sharing the weight and the experience of being human with others. I think that’s a really beautiful thing.

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started making music?

I’d say my style and sound have evolved mostly because I’m much more certain of myself now than I was when I started. The parts of me I might once have shied away from, I’m leaning into more, and it’s really liberating. I feel less afraid in the space of Izzy Rebel, which makes creating feel exciting, daring, and incredibly freeing. Building this Rebel universe for my art and music has been such a thrill, and sharing it with people makes it even more rewarding. For me, authenticity is everything – I make music and art for the love of it, not to chase trends or what’s “current,” and that will always be the place I create from. I’d also like to think my writing skills are better than 15-year-old me thinking I knew what heartbreak was.
I’m really looking forward to sharing more of my music and art in the future and letting people get to know who Izzy Rebel is.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

Honestly, it’s so hard to pick just one because I admire and love the music of so many artists. Collaborating with Aurora or Lana Del Rey would be an incredible experience, and working with someone like Kate Bush would be a dream. Those are just a few that come to mind, but really, it would be amazing to create with so many different artists and see what could come from it. I genuinely hope to be part of many amazing collaborations in the future. One of the best parts of music is making and sharing it with others – though I’ll admit, as someone who’s quite solitary by nature, I also really enjoy playing and creating music just for myself sometimes.

How did you find making your debut single “Dancing Through My Tears”?

Making Dancing Through My Tears was definitely challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. I wrote the song when I was around sixteen, and over the years it evolved with me, gaining layers, depth, and new meaning as I grew.

Recording it came with its own hurdles. I once worked with a producer who just wasn’t the right fit for the song. He tried to mould it to sound like every other pop track, or like the artists I admired, rather than seeing it as my song and my vision. At the time, I was working multiple jobs, barely getting by, and had used all my savings – and even borrowed money – to get it recorded. Losing all of that was a huge blow.
But I picked myself up, worked hard, and eventually connected with the incredible Adrian Breakspear. Working with him was the complete opposite experience. Artistically, I felt safe. He respected me as an artist, understood my vision, and offered constructive feedback that elevated the song without compromising who I am.

It’s been a long journey, but so worth it. It still feels surreal that this little song of mine is now out in the world, no longer just mine. Moments like release day, or seeing how people connect with it, make every setback feel completely worthwhile. Music has always been, and will always be, the thing I want most in life.

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

Honestly, most of my songs start out as a kind of therapy for me. Writing is my way of understanding myself, my life, and the complexities of just trying to navigate the world. I’m a sensitive person, so I tend to feel things deeply and notice nuances that others might not, which can sometimes feel overwhelming.
After I write a song, all I can hope is that when people listen, they get something out of it, whether that’s just enjoying the sound or feeling seen in a deeper way. I’ve had people tell me that my songs put into words what they’ve never been able to express themselves, and that means so much to me. If my music can create even a small space for understanding, connection, or healing, that’s incredibly special, and something I’m immensely grateful for.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

Recently, I’ve been listening a lot to Joan Baez, particularly her Bob Dylan covers. There’s something about pairing Dylan’s beautiful songs with Baez’s angelic voice – it’s just spellbinding.
I’ve also been loving Tenterfield Saddler by Peter Allen. It’s such a pretty song, and being Australian, I really resonate with the imagery and scenery in it. There’s something special about hearing pieces of home reflected in music, movies, or art.

On top of that, I’ve been enjoying a bit of country lately – songs like More Cowboy Than You by the Brudi Brothers and Big Iron by Marty Robbins. And I’ve been obsessed with Mas Que Nada by Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66. Honestly, the music I listen to is always a mixed bag. My playlists are full of every emotion, tempo, and style, always with a little sprinkle of chaos, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

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

I hope my music creates a space where people can just be, exactly who they are, where they are, and however they feel. No outside pressures, no expectations, just a safe space to feel what they need or want to. Ultimately, I want listeners to take from my music whatever it is they need in that moment. Honestly, I’m not sure how else to define it – it’s really about connection, honesty, and simply being.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

One of my favourite live performances was a gig I did for IDAHOBIT Day in May last year. It was just so much fun – and honestly, one of the best I’ve ever played. Leading up to the show, an ex of mine (who was truly the worst) had tried crawling back into my life, so I made a little lyrical adjustment before the gig to get some emotions off my chest. Let’s just say I sang that bridge with a lot of passion. Performing it in front of a few hundred people felt incredibly liberating. There’s even video proof of it on my socials. That song is about reclaiming your power after a toxic relationship, and getting to channel that energy live made the whole performance feel powerful and cathartic..

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

Oh, it’s so hard to pick just three! There are honestly so many artists whose live performances I’d love to see. Most of the music and art I love is by artists who are no longer with us or aren’t touring anymore. If I had to choose, maybe Joni Mitchell, Kate Bush, and Queen. But honestly, that feels almost impossible – there are just so many artists I’d die to see. I could easily imagine a lineup including The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, or Pink Floyd. I’d be thrilled to see any of the greats from the past. To be honest, I don’t really listen to much current music, not because it’s bad, it’s just that I really connect with the classics and oldies more.

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

I’m not sure I’m in a position to give advice yet, as I still have a long way to go myself. But if I had to say something, I’d start with: be relentlessly determined. Find that deep ocean of love you have for your art, and never let any surface-level winds make you doubt that you can get where you want to go. Luck can play a part in the music industry, sure, but persistence and perseverance go a long way.
I’d also say: trust yourself. People will always have opinions on what’s best, sometimes with good intentions, but if you know yourself and your art well, you’ll know the right path for you.
And lastly, this one’s important, and I remind myself of it too, don’t forget to have fun. Music and art are some of the most beautiful parts of living. Sharing it with yourself and others is electrifying and soul-fulfilling. Make sure to give yourself space to feel the pure joy of what you create.

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

My eyes are already set on my next single for sure. I’d say I’m definitely an albums kind of artist – I love the idea of telling a full story rather than just releasing singles endlessly. That said, at this stage in my career, where I’m still so fresh to many people, focusing on singles is the smarter career move. I’m really looking forward to the day I can release a full album and share that complete story with everyone.
I also want to take a moment to thank you for this interview. Giving artists like me exposure really means so much. Thanks heaps.

Listen to Dancing Through My Tears below